2-Day Mikumi Safari From Dar es Salaam

The Best Short Wildlife Tour in Tanzania

Want a great wildlife encounter without taking much time off? The 2-day safari to Mikumi guarantees you the African wildlife experience that you need in one weekend. Mikumi National Park, described as the “little Serengeti,,” is located in southern Tanzania and offers wide grasslands, stunning mountain scenery, and plenty of wildlife, all within easy reach of Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.

For a short trip, after a climb, or for a beach vacation, a Mikumi safari will give you easy access to lions, elephants, giraffes, and the wild African wilderness.

Why Choose a Mikumi Safari?

Located in Tanzania’s easy-to-reach southern circuit, a Mikumi safari provides several key benefits over northern parks:

Fast SGR Train Access: Skip long road trips by taking Tanzania’s modern SGR train from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro in under two hours, with a direct connection to the park gate.
Abundant Wildlife: The Mkata Floodplain is home to the "Big Four"—lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards—as well as giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and more than 400 bird species.
Scenic Landscapes: Open grasslands with the Uluguru Mountains in the background create views similar to the famous Serengeti.
Year-Round Accessibility: Well-maintained trails make a Mikumi safari ideal in any season.

Trip Highlight

Tour Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night

Key Animals: Elephants, Lions, Giraffes, Zebras, Buffaloes, Hippos, Leopards

Transport: SGR Train / 4x4 Open-Roof Safari Land Cruiser

Best Time to Visit: Year-round (Dry Season June–October offers peak wildlife visibility)

Starting Points: Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, or Zanzibar

Estimated prices for a private two-day Mikumi safari:

Budget safari: $220 – $360 per person

Mid-range safari: $250 – $400 per person

Luxury safari: $480 – $650 per person

Budget prices reflect stays at Chambo Villas, which is located outside the national park.

Mid-range prices are for Camp Bustian, which is also located outside the national park.

Luxury prices are for Wellworth Mikumi Wildlife Lodge, which is inside the national park.

Mikumi Safari Cost Includes

Mikumi park fee

Mineral water 1.5 L per person per day

Salary for a professional English-speaking driver-guide

Full board Accommodation at Camp Bastian

Transport in 4WD vehicle with a pop-up roof

SGR Dar es Salaam to Morogoro

Mikumi Safari Cost Excludes

Accommodation in Dar es salaam.

Airport departure tax

Hot and cold drinks at the lodges

Flying doctors insurance

Tips to the driver guide

All items of the personal nature

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Detailed 2-Day Mikumi Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Journey to Mikumi & Afternoon Wildlife Game Drive

Morning (Pick-up & Transfer): Start your Mikumi safari adventure with an early morning pick-up from your lodge in Dar es Salaam and transfer to the Express SGR train to Morogoro, where your dedicated 4x4 Land Cruiser guide meets you for the short drive to the park gates.
Midday (Check-in & Lunch): Upon arrival at the park, continue with a game drive before heading to the park restaurant for a refreshing lunch surrounded by natural bush terrain.
Afternoon (Game Drive on Mkata Plains): Head out for your first sunset game drive in Mikumi. Explore the open grasslands, visit the hippo pools, and track lions, giraffes, and elephants as temperatures cool down.
Evening: Drive to Camp Bastian, which is located, enjoy a warm dinner, and relax under the African stars.

Day 2: Golden Hour Game Drive & Return Transfer

Early Morning (Sunrise Game Drive): Start your morning by enjoying a golden-hour Mikumi safari. Early mornings offer the best chances to watch active predators like lions and leopards returning from night hunts.
Late Morning (Bush Breakfast & Photo Ops): Enjoy a packed bush breakfast, then take a final game loop to photograph herds of zebras, impalas, and buffalo grazing on the floodplain.
Afternoon (Return Transfer): Exit the park and return to Morogoro SGR station for your evening train back to Dar es Salaam or connection to Zanzibar.

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What to Pack for Your Mikumi Safari

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable safari experience, pack the following essentials:

Lightweight and Breathable Clothing: Choose clothes in neutral colors (khaki, beige, green) to blend in with the environment.

Long-Sleeved Shirts and Trousers: These will protect you from the sun and insects.

Wide-Brimmed Hat and Sunglasses: Essential for sun protection.

Comfortable Walking Shoes or Boots: Important for walking around the lodge and any optional walking safaris.

Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: Protect your skin from the sun and insect bites.

Binoculars: Essential for spotting distant wildlife.

Camera with a Zoom Lens: Capture your incredible wildlife encounters.

Personal Toiletries and Medications: Pack any personal items you may need.

Adapters (if necessary): For charging your electronic devices.

Cash: For tips, souvenirs, and any optional activities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mikumi Safari

What should I pack for a safari in Mikumi?

Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing; sunglasses; sunscreen; insect repellent; a camera with a zoom lens; and a light jacket for cool morning drives.

Is Mikumi National Park a safe place to visit?

Yes, Mikumi National Park is generally safe for visitors. Just listen to your guide and take basic precautions, like staying a safe distance from the animals.

Are 2 days enough for a Mikumi safari?

Yes! Thanks to the fast SGR train link between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro, a 2-day Mikumi safari gives you two extensive game drives across key wildlife hotspots.

Can I start the safari in Zanzibar?

Yes, you can, but our standard prices are for departures from Dar es Salaam. To join the safari from Zanzibar, take a ferry to Dar es Salaam and board the SGR train to Morogoro, where we will pick you up and transfer you to Mikumi. If you prefer, we can arrange a vehicle transfer from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi. However, to make this possible, we recommend arriving in Dar es Salaam the day before so you can start the safari early in the morning.

It may also be possible to fly directly from Zanzibar to Mikumi, depending on flight schedules and availability. This option has a different itinerary and costs more.