Mikumi & Udzungwa Safari with Local Guide from Dar es Salaam

Summary

Wildlife Encounters & Waterfall Hikes in Tanzania’s Heart

Set out from Dar es Salaam for four days of wildlife spotting in Mikumi National Park and hiking to Sanje Waterfall in Udzungwa with a local guide by your side. You’ll share simple meals, swap stories on bumpy roads, and catch those quiet moments when Tanzania’s wild places feel almost yours alone — memories you’ll carry long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’d been curious about Mikumi National Park for ages — something about the way people talk about seeing elephants just wandering near the road. So when we set off from Dar es Salaam (honestly, a bit later than planned — traffic is always a wild card), I was half excited, half wondering if the animals would really show up. Our guide, Joseph, had this calm way of pointing out things I’d never notice: a flash of blue from a lilac-breasted roller, or how the air changes right before sunset. Lunch in Morogoro was simple but good — rice and beans, nothing fancy, but it hit the spot after hours in the van.

The first evening game drive in Mikumi felt unreal. There was this moment when a herd of buffalo blocked our path and just stared at us — not aggressive, just sizing us up. The air smelled like dust and grass and something sweet I couldn’t place. Joseph laughed when I tried to pronounce “tembo” (elephant) properly; apparently my Swahili needs work. That night at Camp Bastian, I kept replaying the lion we saw lounging under an acacia tree — so close you could see its whiskers twitch.

Next day we were up before sunrise for another game drive (I’m not a morning person but somehow didn’t mind). Then it was off to Udzungwa Mountains National Park. The hike to Sanje Waterfall was tougher than I expected — roots everywhere, humid air sticking to my skin — but our local trekking guide kept spirits up with stories about monkeys that only live here. When we reached the falls, mist cooled my face and everything went quiet except for water pounding into the rocks below. You could see all across Kilombero Valley from up there; honestly, I still think about that view.

We spent another full day back in Mikumi searching for animals that like to hide out deeper in the park. Giraffes moved through the trees like they owned the place (which they kind of do). There were hippos wallowing in muddy pools and birds everywhere — some so bright they looked fake. By then everyone in our little group had their own favorite animal; mine was probably the shy antelope that darted away before anyone else noticed.

The last morning we squeezed in one more sunrise drive before heading back toward Dar es Salaam. On the way home we stopped at Maasani boma — picked up some snacks and watched kids play football barefoot on red earth. It wasn’t perfect (nothing ever is), but that’s what made it stick with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dar es Salaam to Mikumi Park

• Drive to Mikumi National Park with lunch stop
• Evening game drive in Mikumi
• Dinner and overnight at lodge

Day 2 — Mikumi Sunrise & Udzungwa Trek

• Sunrise game drive in Mikumi
• Drive to Udzungwa National Park with picnic lunch
• Trekking to Sanje Waterfall and Kilombero Valley view
• Dinner and overnight at lodge

Day 3 — Full Day Mikumi Game Drive

• Full day game drive in Mikumi National Park
• Dinner and overnight at lodge

Day 4 — Mikumi to Dar es Salaam

• Early morning sunrise game drive
• Breakfast at lodge
• Visit Maasani Boma and lunch at Morogoro town
• Drive back to Dar es Salaam

Top questions

How far is Mikumi National Park from Dar es Salaam?

It’s about 5 hours by road from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park, depending on traffic and stops along the way.

Is this safari suitable for children or families?

Kids can join if they’re comfortable with long drives and some hiking; infants can ride in prams or strollers during easier parts.

What kind of accommodation is included?

You’ll stay at Camp Bastian Mikumi or Tanapa Cottages — both are comfortable lodges close to nature.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Yes, all meals are included: breakfast, lunch (sometimes picnic style), and dinner each day.

Do I need to be very fit for the Udzungwa hike?

A moderate level of fitness helps; there are roots and steep sections on the waterfall trail but guides go at your pace.

What’s included

Your trip includes hotel pickup in Dar es Salaam, all park entry fees for both Mikumi and Udzungwa National Parks, guided game drives with a local expert who knows where animals like to hide out, daily meals including lunches en route or as picnics inside the parks, overnight stays at cozy lodges close to nature, plus bottled water throughout your journey before returning back to town at sunset on day four.