5 Days Mikumi and Ruaha Safari

5 Days Mikumi and Ruaha Safari

5 Days Mikumi and Ruaha Safari

Exploring Tanzania’s Wild Heart: A 5-Day Safari in Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks

Tanzania’s reputation as one of Africa’s premier safari destinations is well-deserved, with the legendary Serengeti and the majestic Ngorongoro Crater often stealing the limelight. However, for those in search of a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, the southern circuit beckons with two of the country’s hidden gems: Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks. This 5-day safari adventure through these parks offers a unique experience, bringing you face-to-face with diverse wildlife in some of the most remote and unspoiled landscapes of Tanzania.

Mikumi National Park is the fifth largest national park in Tanzania with an area of about 3230 square kilometers. This park borders with Selous game reserves to the south and share the same ecosystem which allow animals to migrate between the two parks. The game viewing experience in Mikumi is amazing due to the presence of abundant wildlife and birds.

Ruaha National park on the other hand is the second largest park after Selous game reserve. Similar to mikumi, Ruaha Safari offers a superb game viewing experience due to the presence of diverse landscapes which offer habitats to significant number of mammals. While on game drive you can easily spot large prides of lions with about 20 individuals. Large herds of elephants and buffaloes can also seen moving up and down to the Ruaha River to drink. The best time to visit Ruaha national park is during the dry season where shrubs and tall grasses are dry to offer a clear sight during game drives. However during this time is also when animals tends to congregate along the basin of the Ruaha river.

A 5-day safari in Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks offers a glimpse into the heart of Tanzania’s wilderness. The journey through these parks provides an unparalleled opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat, away from the crowds. It’s a reminder that beyond the well-trodden paths lie extraordinary experiences waiting to be discovered.

 Mikumi and Ruaha  Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Mikumi National Park

The adventure begins with your arrival at Mikumi National Park, which is approximately a 4-hour drive from the bustling city of Dar es Salaam. As you enter the park, the landscape unfolds into vast golden grasslands, interspersed with acacia trees, baobabs, and the Mkata River floodplain.

Settling In

Upon arrival at your lodge or campsite, take some time to settle in and enjoy lunch while soaking in the views of the surrounding wilderness. Many accommodations in Mikumi offer spectacular vistas of the plains, where it’s not uncommon to spot wildlife from the comfort of your veranda.

Afternoon Game Drive

In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive. Mikumi is home to a wealth of wildlife, including the famous African Big Five. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, lions, buffalo, and if you’re lucky, the elusive leopard. The park is also teeming with giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and various antelope species, all of which contribute to the thriving ecosystem.

As the sun begins to set, return to your lodge for a satisfying dinner under the stars, accompanied by the sounds of the African bush.

Day 2: Exploring Mikumi National Park

Sunrise Game Drive

An early start is essential for any safari, and Mikumi is no exception. A sunrise game drive provides the opportunity to witness the park as it awakens. It’s also the best time to observe nocturnal predators like lions and hyenas before they retreat from the day’s heat.

Birdwatching and Picnic Lunch

Pack a picnic lunch and head to the hippo pools, where you can marvel at these massive creatures lounging in the water. Mikumi is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 400 bird species. Keep an eye out for colorful lilac-breasted rollers, yellow-throated longclaws, and bateleur eagles.

Evening Game Drive

After a midday rest, set out again in the late afternoon. This is when animals become more active, increasing your chances of witnessing dramatic wildlife interactions. Explore different areas of the park, aiming to discover species you may have missed earlier in the day.

Day 3: Journey to Ruaha National Park

Scenic Drive to Ruaha

Today, you’ll journey to Ruaha National Park, a road trip that showcases the diverse Tanzanian landscape. The drive is an adventure in itself, with the route taking you through local villages and breathtaking scenery. Ruaha, Tanzania’s largest national park, is a wild and untamed area known for its rugged beauty and high concentration of elephants.

Arrival and Relaxation

Arriving at Ruaha in the afternoon, check into your lodge or campsite and take some time to relax. The park’s remote location means fewer visitors and a more intimate connection with nature. Enjoy the tranquility and anticipate the coming days’ explorations.

Day 4: Immersive Safari in Ruaha National Park

Full-Day Game Drive

Dedicate your entire day to exploring Ruaha’s vast wilderness. The park’s diverse landscape, from baobab-dotted hills to the Great Ruaha River, provides the perfect backdrop for a full-day game drive. Ruaha is renowned for its large prides of lions and high numbers of elephants. It is also one of the best places to spot endangered African wild dogs.

Keep your camera at the ready for the park’s other residents, including cheetahs, giraffes, and over 570 bird species. The park’s relative isolation offers a safari experience that feels both exclusive and authentic.

Bush Dinner

Conclude your day with a bush dinner, an unforgettable experience where you dine amidst the wild. Listen to the sounds of nocturnal animals and recount the day’s sightings with fellow travelers under the vast African sky.

Day 5: Final Game Drive and Departure

Morning Safari Walk

On your final day, opt for a guided safari walk for an up-close encounter with Ruaha’s flora and fauna. Walking safaris allow you to connect with the bush in a way vehicles can’t, offering insights into the smaller creatures and plants that contribute to the ecosystem’s complexity.

Departure

After the walk and a hearty breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Ruaha. As you make your way back to civilization, reflect on the memories made and the wild beauty of Tanzania’s lesser-known parks.

End of Mikumi and Ruaha safari

Solo traveler: $ 1650
2 people: $ 1090 per person
3 people: $ 900 per person
4 people: $ 800 per person
5 people: $ 750 per person
6 – 7 people: $ 700 per person

 

Package Cost includes
Game viewing in an open roof safari vehicle.
All park fees as it is explained on the itinerary
Full board accommodation while on Safari
Fee for professional driver guide

 

Packages Cost Excludes
Tips/Gratuity for the driver guide and the camp staff
Travelers medical insurance
Items of the personal nature

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3 days Safari in Mikumi National Park

3 days Safari in Mikumi National Park

3 days Safari in Mikumi National Park

Safari Mikumi National Park

A 3 Day Safari in Mikumi National Park: The Mikumi National Park is a popular safari destination in Tanzania, known for its diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Located in the southeastern part of the country, the park covers an area of over 1,200 square miles and is home to a wide variety of animal species, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and lions. The best way to see these animals is to embark on a  3 day safari in Mikumi national park which departs from Dar es Salaam and it is available all year round.

3 Day Safari in Mikumi National Park- What to See?

One of the highlights of a safari in Mikumi National Park is the chance to see the four members of the “Big Five” game animals – lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo. Visitors can embark on guided game drives through the park, allowing them to get up close to these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 400 species of birds recorded within its borders.

In addition to its wildlife, Mikumi National Park boasts stunning scenery, with rolling hills, open grasslands, and acacia woodlands creating a picturesque backdrop for a safari adventure. Visitors can enjoy camping under the stars, taking guided walking safaris, or simply relaxing and taking in the sights and sounds of this incredible wilderness. A safari in Mikumi National Park is sure to be an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Mikumi Safari Cost

The cost of a 3-day safari in Mikumi National Park varies depending on the group size and accommodation preferences. Prices typically include transportation, game drives, meals, and park fees.

Best Time to Visit Mikumi

Although safari in Mikumi national park can be done all year round but the best time is during dry season from June to October when the grasses are shorter. During  this time animals tend to congregate along the water holes which offers brilliant game sighting experience. In addition to game drives visitors can also embark on a guided walking safari accompanied by armed rangers to ensure safety.

Price for Safari in Mikumi National Park: 

Solo Traveler: US $ 1245
2 pax: US $ 780 per person
3-6 pax: US $ 650 per person

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3 Days Safari in Mikumi Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival for Safari in Mikumi: First Glimpse of Wilderness

our safari in Mikumi began with a drive from Dar es Salaam, the bustling coastal metropolis of Tanzania. As you travel inland, the urban landscape gradually gave way to the open countryside. The journey to Mikumi is around a 5-6 hour drive, but the time passes quickly as you’re swept away by the anticipation of what lies ahead.

As you arrive to the park, check into Vuma Tented Camp, a comfortable accommodation strategically situated with a view of the vast savannah. After a quick, refreshing lunch, you will set for a first game drive in various areas in the park including the Mkata Flood plains. This plains is nicknamed as the little Serengeti due to its rich wildlife and stunning landscapes.  Herds of elephants, buffallos, zebras and varied species of antelopes are just some of the animals that can be spotted on Mikumi safari

The Mikumi National Park is the nineth largest national park in Tanzania bordering the Selous Game Reserve to form a vital component of a much larger ecosystem in Africa. This park is accessible throughout the year which makes it a favored choice for short safaris.

As the sun began to set, the sky turned into a canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples. Our guide found a safe spot to stop, and we watched in silence as the sun dipped below the horizon – a perfect ending to the first day of our Safari in Mikumi.

Back at the lodge, dinner was served under a canopy of stars. The night sky in Mikumi is free from light pollution, offering a celestial spectacle that is truly humbling. We retired early, excited for the full day of safari that awaited us.

Day 2: Full-Day Safari in Mikumi National Park

A safari in Mikumi is best at dawn when the park awakens. With the first light, you will set out to catch the nocturnal predators before they retreated from the daylight. The early morning is also an excellent time for bird watching, and Mikumi hosts over 400 bird species, including the bateleur eagle, lilac-breasted roller, and the yellow-throated longclaw.

If lucky during game drive you will see large cats such as lions and leopard. Mikumi is famous for tree climbing lions.

As the day warmed up, you will stop at a designated picnic site. It’s a surreal experience to have lunch in the company of giraffes and elephants that might wander close to the area. However, it’s important to remember that these are wild animals, and maintaining a respectful distance is essential for safety.

After lunch, continue with Mikumi safari afternoon game drive to see the hippos. Watch these colossal creatures interact in their aquatic environment is fascinating. Your  guide will share insights into their behavior and the ecosystem of the river, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

As the day came to a close, you will return to the lodge. Spend the evening of your Mikumi Safari sharing stories of your favorite moments and encounters. The peacefulness of the park at night, with the occasional call of a hyena or roar of a lion, was an evocative soundtrack to our reflections.

Day 3: Walking Safari in Mikumi and Departure

On the final day of your safari in Mikumi national park you will embark on a morning guided walking safari which will give you a chance to experience the bush from a different perspective. Accompanied by an armed ranger, you will learn about the smaller flora and fauna that are often overlooked during game drives. The ranger’s knowledge about medicinal plants, insects, and the interconnectivity of the ecosystem added depth to your safari in Mikumi and the understanding of the savannah.

After some few hours in the bush you will return to the camp for breakfast or branch and after that you will depart the park for the journey back to Dar es Salaam.

End of the 3 Days Safari in Mikumi

Safari in Mikumi Includes

Mikumi park fee.
Mineral water 1.5lt per person per day
Salary for a Professional English speaking driver guide
Full board Accommodation at Vuma Hill Tented Camp
Transport on 4WD vehicle with the pop-up roof, which enable you to spot wildlife easier

Safari in Mikumi Excludes

Accommodation in Dar es Salaam.
Airport departure tax
Hot and cold drinks at the lodges
Flying doctors insurance
Tips to the driver guide

Frequent Asked Questions

What is the best time of the year to go on a safari in Mikumi National Park?

The best time to go on a safari in Mikumi National Park is during the dry season from June to October, as wildlife is easier to spot near water sources. Another good time is the short dry season from January to February when wildlife concentrates around waterholes.

What types of animals can be spotted during a safari in Mikumi National Park?

Animals that can be spotted during a safari in Mikumi National Park include lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, and various bird species.

Are there accommodation options available within Mikumi National Park?

Yes, there are accommodation options available within Mikumi National Park. Some examples include Camp Bastian Mikumi, Vuma Hills Tented Camp, Mikumi Wildlife Camp, and Genesis Motel.

What is the duration of a typical safari tour in Mikumi National Park?

The duration of a typical safari tour in Mikumi National Park can range from half-day tours lasting 4-5 hours to full-day tours lasting 8-10 hours. Multi-day tours are also available for those looking for a more extended experience.

What are some safety precautions to keep in mind during a safari in Mikumi National Park?

Stay in the vehicle at all times to avoid dangerous encounters with wild animals. Do not feed the animals to prevent aggressive behavior. Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and hats.