Mikumi National Park: Safari from Dar es Salaam with Local Guide

Summary

Three days exploring Mikumi’s wildlife with local guides

You’ll travel from Dar es Salaam into Mikumi National Park with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story along the way. Expect close-up wildlife sightings, simple Tanzanian meals shared outdoors, and moments of quiet you’ll want to remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way our driver, Juma, grinned at us in the airport parking lot — like he’d been waiting for this all week. He handed me a bottle of water and asked if I’d ever tried mandazi before (I hadn’t). We stopped for breakfast at Chalinze Msolwa, where the tea was sweet and strong and the air smelled like fried dough and diesel. There was a woman selling fruit by the road, slicing mangoes with one hand while waving at passing buses. It felt like we were already far from Dar es Salaam, even though we’d only just started toward Mikumi National Park.

The drive took about five hours but didn’t drag — there’s something hypnotic about watching the Uluguru Mountains slide by outside your window. By the time we reached Mikumi, the light had shifted and everything looked gold and dusty. Our guide pointed out giraffes before we’d even entered the park gate. Later, during our afternoon game drive, he spotted elephants moving through tall grass so quietly I almost missed them. The air smelled faintly of rain even though it hadn’t rained in days. At one point I tried to pronounce “impala” in Swahili; Juma laughed and shook his head — apparently I was way off.

The next day was all about patience and luck. We spent hours scanning for lions or leopards (no guarantees), but saw zebras clustered around muddy waterholes, hippos flicking their ears in slow motion, and wildebeest kicking up dust behind them. Lunch was at Mikumi Cottages — nothing fancy but honestly, after a morning bouncing around in a Land Cruiser, rice and beans tasted perfect. There’s this moment that sticks with me: total silence except for birdsong and the low hum of insects, just before a herd of buffalo appeared out of nowhere. Kind of made me forget about my phone for once.

On our last morning we visited a small snake park nearby — not my usual thing but actually pretty interesting (and yes, I kept my distance). Crocodiles barely moved in their enclosures; tortoises munched on lettuce like they had all day. Then it was back on the road to Dar es Salaam, everyone quieter than before. Maybe just tired or maybe trying to hold onto that feeling a little longer.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive to Mikumi and Afternoon Safari

• Pick up from airport
• Drive 5 hours to Mikumi National Park
• Breakfast at Chalinze Msolwa highway Restaurant
• Afternoon game drive

Day 2 — Full Day Game Drive in Mikumi

• Breakfast
• Full day game drive in Mikumi National Park
• Lunch at Mikumi Cottages
• Drive back to hotel

Day 3 — Visit Snake Park and Return

• Breakfast
• Visit Snake Park
• Drive back to Dar es Salaam
• Drop off at ferry or airport

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park?

It takes about 5 hours by car from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park.

Is lunch included during the Mikumi safari tour?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your tour package.

What animals can you see in Mikumi National Park?

You may see giraffes, elephants, zebras, hippos, wildebeest, impala, buffaloes, lions, leopards, African wild dogs, crocodiles and antelope.

Are transfers from the airport included?

Yes, pickup from the airport is included in your tour.

Is this safari suitable for people with limited mobility?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

Do you visit any attractions besides Mikumi National Park?

Yes, there is also a visit to a nearby snake park where you can see snakes, crocodiles and tortoises.

What’s included

Your trip includes pickup from Dar es Salaam (airport or ferry), all transportation between stops including game drives inside Mikumi National Park with an experienced local guide by your side throughout; breakfast each morning plus lunch at local spots; entry fees; an overnight stay at Mikumi Resort & Campsite; and finally a visit to the nearby snake park before returning to Dar es Salaam.