3 Days Mikumi National Park Safari

Safari Overview

This 3-Day Mikumi National Park Safari begins and ends in Dar es Salaam. Mikumi is the most visited national park in Tanzania due to its proximity to the city. It is located just over 300 kilometers from Dar es Salaam and lies to the north of the Selous Game Reserve. This itinerary offers a great opportunity to enjoy a memorable safari experience with diverse wildlife, just a few hours from the city.

Mikumi National Park is the closest safari destination to both Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar Island. If you are staying in Zanzibar, Monumental Expeditions and Safaris can arrange either a ferry transfer or a short flight to Dar es Salaam, depending on your preferences and budget. The safari can be done with accommodation in budget or mid-range lodges and tented camps.

It is important to note that the drive from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi takes approximately 5 to 6 hours. Travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions when leaving the city and the number of police checks along the way. Numerous speed limits are posted along the road—especially the frequent 50 km/h zones—which can further slow the journey.

Safari Highlights – 3 Days Mikumi National Park Safari

Day 1: Pick-up from Dar es Salaam and transfer to Mikumi National Park – Afternoon Game Drive
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Mikumi National Park
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Return to Dar es Salaam

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Pick-up from Dar es Salaam – Transfer to Mikumi National Park – Afternoon Game Drive
You will be picked up by a driver guide from your accommodation or the airport in Dar es Salaam. The journey to Mikumi National Park follows the Dar es Salaam–Morogoro highway. The park lies between the Uluguru Mountains to the east and the Great Rift Valley escarpment to the west.

The drive takes about 4 to 4.5 hours. Upon arrival around midday, you will begin a game drive in the park. A picnic lunch will be provided at one of the designated sites. Later in the afternoon, you will transfer to your camp or lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Mikumi National Park
After breakfast at your lodge or camp, you will head out for a full-day game drive with your professional driver guide. You can enjoy either a full-day safari with a packed lunch or opt for morning and afternoon game drives with a break at your lodge for lunch.

Mikumi is part of the larger Selous Ecosystem, which supports a wide variety of wildlife species. Animals you may encounter include giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, impalas, elands, warthogs, and other antelopes. The park is also rich in birdlife, with species such as the saddle-billed stork, hamerkop, and malachite kingfisher. Monitor lizards and pythons are often found near water pools.

For those interested, Monumental Expeditions and Safaris can also organize a guided walking safari in the park with an armed ranger. Accommodation for the night will be at a lodge or camp, with lunch and dinner included.

Day 3: Morning Game Drive – Return to Dar es Salaam
On the final day, enjoy an early breakfast at your lodge or camp before heading out on a morning game drive as you make your way out of the park. This last drive offers a final chance to spot any wildlife you may have missed earlier.

Lunch will be taken en route, and you will be dropped off at your hotel or at the airport in Dar es Salaam, concluding your safari.