3 Days Mikumi and Udzungwa safari is a short safari which offers travelers the chance to experience both game viewing and trekking in the off biten southern Tanzania parks. This safari is ideal for travelers and local people from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Morogoro, Dodoma and other parts of the country. It is be the best weekend getaway options for individuals, friends or families who want to enjoy the nature and its beautiful environment after the entire working week. If you intend to come for the Mikumi and Udzungwa Safari we advice you to fly to Mwalimu Nyerere International Airport (Dar) since it is the nearest International airport to the two parks.
The first portion of the 3 days Mikumi and Udzungwa safari is the game viewing in Mikumi national park which is located about 4 to 5 hours drive from Dar es Salaam. The Mikumi national park covers and area of about 3,230 square kilometers and it is the fourth largest park in Tanzania after Selous, Ruaha and Serengeti. Together with the Selous game reserves, Mikumi form one of the country largest ecosystems which support a tremendous number of wildlife species. Four of the BIG FIVE animals (elephant, lions, buffalo and leopard) are found here. Large antelopes such as eland, greater kudu, deffassa waterbuck and sable antelope is among many other animals which will see during game drives. The park is also a home to over 400 hundred species of birds of which some you see during this safari.
The last part of your Mikumi and Udzungwa safari is the trekking of the untouched forest of Udzungwa Mountains which is part of the Eastern Arc Mountains. The udzungwa mountains has several hiking trails which require some hours to several days of trekking but for this tour you will just trek for half day through Sanje trails which is most scenic route. This trail named after the Sanje waterfall which has the height of 180 meters. During trekking you will enjoy the beautiful forest and see different species of primates include the endemic Sanje Mangabey and the Iringa red colobus. Udzungwa mountains support over 450 species of birds. Picnic lunch will be served on the mountain where you will enjoy panoramic view of the Kilombero Valley. After trekking you will drive back to Mikumi for overnight awaiting for the next journey back to Dar es Salaam.
3 Days Mikumi and Udzungwa Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Mikumi National Park
Pick up from hotel in Dar es Salaam or at the airport and continue with the journey to Mikumi national park via Morogoro town. As you arrive in Mikumi you can stop for picnic lunch and continue with afternoon game drive. Mikumi National Park is among the most known park in Tanzania with area of about 3,230 square kilometers. While on game drives in this beautiful park you can spot a variety of animals such as elephants, giraffes buffaloes, zebras, elands, greater Kudu, wildebeest, roan and sable antelope. Mikumi is also known for having the amazing tree climbing lions which can also be seen in park like Lake Manyara and Serengeti. Other predators which can be seen in Mikumi are hyena, leopard, wild hunting dogs and black-backed jackal. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded here including Eurasian migrants such as red billed ox pecker, marabou stork and lilac breasted roller.
Dinner and overnight at Camp Bastian.
Day 2: Climbing Udzungwa Mountains
After breakfast continue with your “Mikumi and Udzungwa Safari” by departing to Udzungwa Mountains national park the journey of about 90 kilometers through the Kilombero valley.
The Udzungwa Mountains are part of the Eastern Arc mountain chain, a centre of global importance for biodiversity and endemism. Covering the area of about about 1990 sq.kms and it is the first terrestrial National park in Tanzania with biologically diverse forest where approximately 20 – 30% out of 200 animals and plant species that grow here not found anywhere in the world. It is indeed one of the most important areas in Africa for primate diversity and conservation, with two endemic monkeys (Udzungwa red colobus Procolobus gordonorum and Sanje mangabey Cercocebus [galeritus] sanjei), and the near-endemic kipunji monkey Rungwecebus kipunji, a new genus and species discovered in 2004 and found in Udzungwa and Southern Highlands.
This park is the best for hiking with beautiful scenery and outstanding waterfalls. It is also among the top ten forests for bird conservation in Africa. A part from primates there are other animals that can be found in Udzungwa are water buffalo, elephants, and full of reptiles and snakes and more.
Later in the afternoon drive back to Mikumi for dinner and overnight at Camp Bastian.
Day 3: Mikumi National Park – Dar es Salaam
After breakfast, depart for a morning game drives of the park with picnic lunch, early afternoon drive to Dar es Salaam.
End of the 3 Days Mikumi and Udzungwa Safari
Mikumi and Udzungwa Safari Price
Solo traveler: US $ 970
2 people: US $ 620 per person
3 – 4 people:US $ 499 per person
5 people +: US $ 415 per person
Mikumi and Udzungwa Safari Includes
Transport in a 4WD safari vehicle
Service of the English speaking driver/guide
2 night full board accommodation at Camp Bastian
Park entrance fees
Ranger’s fee
Safari Excludes:
Beverages (Alcohol and Non-Alcoholic)
Medical and luggage insurance
Tips: we recommend USD 20 per day per group
Other personal expenses
Emergency evacuation insurance