Mikumi Safari from Dar es Salaam: 3 Days Private Game Drive

Three days in Mikumi: the safari that fits between work and flights

You get picked up from your Dar es Salaam hotel, driven to Mikumi National Park, and spend two full days on game drives seeing elephants, buffalo, and giraffes across the reserve's main circuits. Nights are at a camp or lodge, meals and park entry are included, and you're back in the city by day three afternoon. It's built for travelers who want a real safari without taking a week off work.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Mikumi National Park

• Pick up at hotel or meeting point
• Drive to Mikumi National Park
• Have hot lunch en route
• Continue safari in late evening
• Overnight at camp or lodge

Day 2: Full day game drive

• Breakfast at camp or lodge
• Full day game drive
• Return to camp for dinner
• Overnight at camp or lodge

Day 3: Drive back to Dar es Salaam

• Breakfast at camp or lodge
• Drive back to Dar es Salaam
• Drop off at hotel or pickup point

The experience

So you've got maybe 72 hours and you want actual wildlife, not a postcard version of it. Mikumi National Park sits about 290 kilometers southwest of Dar es Salaam: close enough that you're not spending half the trip in a vehicle, far enough that it feels like real bush. The park's got elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, the whole thing, and because it's the closest major reserve to the city, it doesn't pull in the same crowds as places further inland. Your driver picks you up from your hotel in Dar, and you're on the road by morning.

Day one is a drive down with a hot lunch somewhere along the way, then you roll into the park in the afternoon for your first game drive before dark. The light's different then: softer, and the animals move more. You sleep at a camp or lodge inside or near the park boundary, and yeah, you hear things at night. Hyenas, maybe. It's not scary once you're there, just real. Day two is the full day: breakfast early, then you're out from sunrise to sunset with a break for lunch, covering the main circuits where the big herds move. That's when you see what you came for. Day three you drive back to Dar after breakfast, and by afternoon you're dropped at your hotel or wherever you need to be.

The whole thing runs as a private tour, so the pace is yours. Your guide knows where the animals are moving that week and adjusts the route. Park entry is included, so there's no surprise fee at the gate. Meals are part of it too: breakfast and dinner at the lodge, lunch on the road or in the park. You're not roughing it, but you're not in a resort either. It's the middle ground that works when you've got a job waiting and a flight to catch.

What’s included

• Your three days include hotel pickup and drop-off in Dar es Salaam, all transport to and from Mikumi National Park, entrance fees to the park, two nights' accommodation at a camp or lodge, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and two full game drives led by a driver who knows the park.
• You're not arranging transport, park tickets, or timing yourself.
• It's all coordinated as one package.

Information

Lasts 3d, runs every day at 07:00, from US$ 750 per person, with a live guide in English, French and German, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00Another time? ›

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French and GermanOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 25 pickup points.

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (35 to 45 years) · Senior (46 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 34 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Firstsafarijoyce

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in or flying into Dar es Salaam and want to see Tanzania's wildlife without taking a week off work. The short distance to Mikumi and fixed three-day schedule are what make a real safari possible in a tight window.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★Exceptional3 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 34 years); Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is Mikumi from Dar es Salaam?

About 290 kilometers southwest. The drive takes roughly 6–7 hours depending on road conditions.

What animals will I see?

Elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species are common. Predators like lions and hyenas are present but sightings depend on the season and time of day.

Is the lodge comfortable?

Accommodations are basic but clean: a camp or lodge with beds, meals, and basic facilities. It's not a luxury resort, but it's not camping on the ground either.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup in Dar, all transport, park entry fees, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), and accommodation for two nights.

Can I do this if I'm not very fit?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels, but it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or serious heart conditions. Game drives involve long hours sitting in a vehicle.

What if I'm traveling with an infant?

Specialized infant seats are available. Let the operator know when you book.

When is the best time to go?

Dry season (June to October) offers the best wildlife viewing. The rainy season (November to May) is greener but animals disperse more widely.

Do I need a visa for Tanzania?

Most visitors need a visa. Check Tanzania's entry requirements for your nationality before booking.