5 Days Selous and Mikumi Safari
A Selous and Mikumi Safari is a great way to experience the best of Tanzania’s southern parks. Mikumi national park is Tanzania’s nineth largest park and is known for its open plains, woodland, and swamps. It is great place to see lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes and hippos. Selous game reserve on the other hand, is African’s largest game reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a much wider and more remote park than Mikumi, and you are more likely to see off the beaten-path animals like wild dogs, cheetahs and leopards.
A typical Selous and Mikumi safari will start in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city. From there you’ll drive to Mikumi national park for few days of game drives. After Mikumi, you will continue to on to Selous Game reserve for more game drives and activities like boat safaris and walking safaris.
Things you can Expect to See on a Selous and Mikumi Safari
- Lions: Lions are one of the most popular animals to see on safari, and both Mikumi and Selous have good populations of lions. You’re especially likesly to see lions in Mikumi, where they’re known for climbing trees.
- Elephants: Elephants are another common sight on Safari and both parks have large herds of elephants.
- Zebras: Zebras are other animals that you’re likely to see in both parks
- Giraffes: Giraffes are another common sight on safari, and both parks have healthy populations of giraffes
- Hippos: Hippos are common in both parks, and you’re likes to see them wallowing in the rivers and lakes.
- Wild dogs: Wild dogs are less common than lions and elephants, but you’re more likely to see them in Selous than in Mikumi
- Cheetahs: Cheetahs are another animal that you’re more likely to see in Selous than in Mikumi
- Antelopes: Both Selous and Mikumi have a healthy population of antelopes which range from the smallest species such as kick dik dik to the largest Elands.
Apart from starting from Dar es Salaam the Selous and Mikumi safari can starts from Zanzibar by flying to Dar es Salaam airport where you will depart by road to Selous game reserve and Mikumi national park. For visitors with limited time the tour can be customized to three days where they will only visit Selous game reserve by flying directly from Zanzibar to Selous and back after the tour. Although this option is time saving but it is quitter expensive than the original option.
If you are looking for a safari that offers the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife in a beautiful and unspoiled setting, then a Selous and Mikumi Safari is a great option
5 Days Selous and Mikumi Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Selous Game Reserve
Today is the first day of your 5 days Selous and Mikumi Safari where you be picked up from your hotel in Dar es Salaam at 08:00 am for the journey to Selous game reserve. If you will be arriving on the same day from Zanzibar our driver guide will meet you at the airport at the time of your arrival and continue with the journey to Selous game reserve. Arrive Selous in the mid-day for lunch and in the afternoon embark into the boat safari along the Might Rufiji River. The boat safari is among the major game viewing activity in this 5 days Selous and Mikumi Safari which offers you the rare chance to get closer to the riverine animals and water birds. You can get closer to animals such crocodiles, hippos, waterbucks and varied bird species. However animals such buffaloes and elephants which feed along the river banks or those which come to drink can also spot at a very short distance un- compared to the normal game drive. In the evening get back to the camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Full day at Selous Game Reserve
In the two days of your 5 days Selous and Mikumi Safari you will conduct game drives in various parts of the vast Selous game reserve. The Selous Game Reserve is known to be the most remote wildlife area in Tanzania and in the entire continent of Africa. With the total area of about 54,000 km square bigger than Switzerland, Holland and Belgium independently this massive wilderness area is the home to the largest population of elephants on the planet. In addition to that it is also the leading place with the highest population of the rare African hunting dogs. Other animals of the Selous game reserve include lions, giraffes, leopards, impala, wildebeest, hartebeests, pythons and elands. Selous Game Reserve has over 350 varied species of birds. In the evening you will return to the camp / Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Selous Game Reserve to Mikumi National Park
Today morning you will embark on walking safari which will give you more opportunity to explore the nature. This guided walking safari will take about 2 to 3 hours before returning to the camp for breakfast. Your guide will help you to spot different birds and identify different species of plants and trees. Along the walking trail you will also spot several animals but your armed ranger will take care of it.
After taking the breakfast you will, depart Selous to Mikumi with expectation to arrive in the evening. Dinner and overnight at Camp Bastian
Day 4: Game Drives in Mikumi National Park
Breakfast in the camp, departs for a full day game drive. Mikumi national park offers an amazing game viewing experience which starts just few minutes from the park entrance gate. Although mikumi is rich in varied species of animals and birds but it receives less visitors annually compared to its counterpart northern Tanzania game parks. While on game drive you can see animals such as lions, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, elephants, zebras and varied species of antelopes. Mikumi has recorded to have over 400 species of birds. The common birds of Mikumi include Marabou stork, Red-billed oxpeckers, Black-bellied bustard, Francolin, Cattle egret, Guinea-fowls, Hornbill and Malachite Kingfischer. There are also colorful birds such as Yellow-throated long claw, the Lilac-breasted roller and the Bateleur eagle. Continue with game drive till late afternoon when you will drive to Mikumi Wildlife Camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Mikumi National Park to Dar es Salaam
Today after leisure breakfast in the camp you will pack your luggage and depart to Dar es Salaam. At Dar es Salaam we will drop you at the airport or your hotel.
End of the 5 days Selous and Mikumi Safari
Selous and Mikumi Safari Price
Solo Traveler: US $ 1810
2 Persons: US $ 1200 per person
3 Persons: US $ 960 per person
4 Persons to 6: US $ 850 per person
The Price includes
- Transport and wildlife drives in modified 4 x 4 Land Cruiser with photographic roof hatch
- Services of a professional English speaking safari guide
- All wildlife reserve entry fees
- All game drives as mentioned in the itinerary
- 03 x 0,5 l mineral water per person / day during game drives
- 04 x FB at safari lodges or tented camps as per itinerary
- Value Added Tax by Tanzania Revenue Authority
The Price does not include
- International Flights
- Any domestic connection flights on arrival or departure
- All items of a personal nature
- Gratuities for safari guide and lodge staff (please tip separately)
- Travel insurance if needed
- Visa fee (50 US$ /100 US$ for American or Irish Passport holders – to be paid upon arrival)
- Drinks and beverages in lodges
- Airport pick up and transfers in private car
- Accommodation at Dar es Salaam on arrival if needed
Packing Essentials
Packing the right items can significantly enhance your safari experience in Selous and Mikumi. Here are some essentials:
- Clothing: Opt for lightweight, breathable, and neutral-colored clothing. Long sleeves and pants will protect you from the sun and insects. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a sturdy pair of walking shoes.
- Binoculars and Camera: A good pair of binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens are indispensable for wildlife viewing and capturing those memorable moments.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and after-sun lotion should be in your bag to protect against the strong African sun.
- Insect Repellent: A high-quality insect repellent is crucial for preventing mosquito and insect bites.
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Personal Medications and First Aid Kit: Besides your personal medications, pack a small first aid kit with essentials like plasters, antiseptic cream, and painkillers.