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All About Mikumi Day Trip Safari from Dar es Salaam | Top 1-Day Tour
If you are visiting Tanzania and do not have many days to go on a long safari, the Mikumi Day Trip Safari from Dar es Salaam is a great choice Tanzania Safari 1. It is one of the best one-day safaris in the country and gives you a chance to see wild animals, beautiful landscapes, and enjoy nature—all in just one day.
This safari is perfect for people who are in Dar es Salaam for business, vacation, or even locals who want to escape the city for a day. You do not need to travel far or spend many days. Just one full day is enough to enjoy the African wildlife in Mikumi National Park.
What is Mikumi National Park?
Mikumi National Park is one of the best and most accessible parks in Tanzania. It is located in the southern part of the country, about 283 kilometers from Dar es Salaam. The drive takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
The park covers over 3,230 square kilometers and is home to many animals, birds, and beautiful plants. It is sometimes called a “mini-Serengeti” because of its open grasslands and many wild animals.
What to Expect on a Mikumi Day Trip Safari
During your Mikumi Day Trip Safari, you will enjoy a game drive inside the park. A game drive is when you ride in a safari vehicle and look for animals in their natural home. The vehicles usually have a pop-up roof, so you can stand and take good photos.
Some of the animals you may see during your Mikumi Day Trip Safari include:
- Lions
- Elephants
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Wildebeests
- Hippos
- Buffaloes
- Baboons and monkeys
- Crocodiles
- Many types of birds
There is also a famous Hippo Pool where you can see hippos relaxing in the water and birds flying around.
How Far is Mikumi from Dar es Salaam?
Mikumi is about 283 kilometers from Dar es Salaam. The road is mostly good and goes through towns and beautiful landscapes. You will pass through Morogoro, a lovely town near the Uluguru Mountains.
Most tours start early in the morning, around 4:00 AM, to make sure you get enough time in the park. After the game drive, you return to Dar es Salaam in the evening.
Best Time to Visit Mikumi National park
Mikumi is open all year round, but the best time for a Mikumi Day Trip Safari is during the dry season:
- Dry Season: June to October — Best time to see animals because they come out to drink water.
- Green Season: November to May — The park is green and beautiful, and you can still see animals, but there might be some rain.
No matter what time you go, Mikumi is always a great place to visit.
Meals and Food
Most safari packages include lunch. This could be a packed picnic or a meal at a nearby lodge. Water is usually included too, but it’s good to carry extra snacks, especially if you're traveling with kids or if you have dietary needs.
How Much Does a Mikumi Day Trip Safari Cost?
Prices for the Mikumi Day Trip Safari can vary based on the tour company and how many people are in your group. Here is a general idea:
- Solo traveler: $400–$500
- 2–4 people: $300–$400 per person
- 5 or more people: $250–$200 per person
The price usually includes:
- Transport in a safari car
- Entry fees to Mikumi National Park
- Game drive
- Driver/guide
- Lunch and water
Always ask your tour company what is included in the price to avoid surprise costs.
What to Pack for the Safari to Mikumi National Park
Here is a list of important things to bring for your Mikumi Day Trip Safari:
- Comfortable clothes (preferably light colors like khaki)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Camera or phone with a good battery
- Binoculars (optional but helpful)
- Passport or ID
- Some cash for tips or souvenirs
- Snacks and extra water
Wearing neutral colors helps you blend with nature, and comfortable shoes are a must since you’ll be in the car for many hours.
Is This Safari Good for Families?
Yes! The Mikumi Day Trip Safari is perfect for families, even with young children. Kids love seeing animals in the wild, and the safari vehicles are safe and fun. Just make sure to bring food, water, and entertainment for the long drive.
Why Choose Mikumi Day Trip Safari?
There are many reasons to choose the Mikumi Day Trip Safari:
- Time-saving – You can enjoy a full safari experience in just one day.
- Affordable – It is cheaper than flying to Serengeti or Ngorongoro.
- Wildlife-rich – You will see many animals, especially during dry season.
- Convenient – Easy to reach from Dar es Salaam by road.
- Great photos – Open landscapes make it easy to take good pictures.
Tips for the Best Safari Experience
To make the most of your Mikumi Day Trip Safari, keep these tips in mind:
- Start early: The earlier you leave, the more time you’ll have in the park.
- Be patient: Sometimes animals take time to appear.
- Stay quiet during game drives to avoid scaring animals.
- Always follow your guide’s instructions.
- Respect nature: Do not throw trash or feed animals.
Conclusion
The Mikumi Day Trip Safari from Dar es Salaam is a perfect way to enjoy Tanzania’s wildlife in a short amount of time. You’ll see amazing animals, explore beautiful landscapes, and return to the city all in one day.
Whether you're a visitor or a local, this safari is a great chance to connect with nature and create memories that last a lifetime.
So, if you’re in Dar es Salaam and want a quick escape to the wild, don’t miss the chance to book your Mikumi Day Trip Safari. It’s affordable, easy to access, and gives you the real African safari experience—without needing to travel far or stay overnight.
Mikumi Day Trip Safari Itinerary – By Flight from Dar es Salaam
“Fly, Explore, Return – All in One Day!”
Experience the best of Tanzania’s wildlife in just one day with a fast, scenic flight from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park — also known as “The Mini Serengeti Serengeti National park.”
Itineraries
1 Day
Time : 2:00 pm
Tour Safari in Mikumi National Park
05:30 AM – “City Wake-Up” – Hotel Pick-Up in Dar es Salaam
Your adventure begins early in the morning. A driver will pick you up from your hotel or Airbnb in Dar es Salaam and transfer you to the airport. It’s time to leave the city buzz behind and head for the wild.
06:30 AM – “Sky Safari” – Flight to Mikumi
Board your flight to Mikumi Airstrip. The one-hour flight offers incredible views of Tanzania’s coast, forests, and mountains. Don’t forget your camera—this is your Sky Window to the Wild.
07:30 AM – “Bush Landing” – Arrival at Mikumi Airstrip
Touch down in the heart of the wild. Your safari guide will welcome you with a 4x4 open-roof safari vehicle, ready to start your game drive.
08:00 AM – “Into the Wild” – Morning Game Drive Begins
Start your Mikumi Day Trip Safari as the sun rises over the savannah. The Mkata Floodplain, known as the animal highway, is alive with:
- Elephants
- Giraffes
- Lions
- Zebras
- Wildebeests
- Hippos
- Buffalos
- And over 400 bird species
This is nature’s theater—no two shows are the same!
12:30 PM – “Bush Bites” – Lunch Break
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a safari lodge or a shaded picnic site inside the park. This is your time to relax, share stories, and enjoy the calm of the African wilderness.
01:30 PM – “Second Safari Wind” – Optional Afternoon Game Drive
Go deeper into the park for more animal sightings. Sometimes, the afternoon is the best time to see predators like lions resting or elephants at waterholes. It’s your wild encore!
03:30 PM – “Wheels to Wings” – Return to Airstrip
After a day of unforgettable wildlife viewing, your guide will drive you back to the airstrip as you say goodbye to Mikumi’s open plains.
04:00 PM – “Homeward Flight” – Return to Dar es Salaam
Take off for your flight back to the city, flying over the same landscapes you explored from the ground. Watch the sun lower as you return to urban life.
05:00 PM – “City Return” – Drop-Off at Hotel
A driver will meet you at the airport and return you to your hotel or residence in Dar es Salaam. The wild may be behind you, but the memories stay forever.
END TOUR
What is Included in the Mikumi Day Trip Safari
Most operators include the following in their packages:
- Park entry fees for Mikumi National Park
- Pick-up and drop-off in Dar es Salaam (hotel or airport)
- Round-trip transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional, English-speaking safari guide
- Bottled drinking water
- Lunch (picnic or at a lodge inside/near the park)
- Game drive lasting several hours in the park
What is Not Included Mikumi Safari Day Trip
While most packages are all-inclusive, some items may not be covered, such as:
- Tips and gratuities for guide/driver
- Alcoholic or soft drinks during lunch
- Travel insurance
- Items of personal nature (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)
- Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary (if applicable)
Yes, the Marangu Route is good for beginners because the trail is gentler and you sleep in huts. But since it’s only 5 days, you need to be physically ready and able to handle the altitude quickly.
It’s the only route where you stay in huts instead of tents. People call it the “Coca-Cola Route” because it’s popular and more comfortable compared to other routes.
It’s not very technical, but it is a long and tough walk. Because the schedule is tight, you won’t have much time to adjust to the high altitude, so it’s important to take it slow and listen to your body.
You will stay in simple mountain huts with bunk beds and shared rooms. The huts are basic but warm enough. You’ll need a good sleeping bag to stay comfortable at night.
The success rate is a bit lower than on longer routes because of limited acclimatization time. About 80-98% of climbers reach the summit on this itinerary.
Bring layered warm clothes, sturdy hiking boots, a sleeping bag, a headlamp, and trekking poles if you have them. Also pack sunscreen, snacks, and personal items like a water bottle.
There is a chance. Symptoms can be headache, dizziness, or nausea. To reduce risks, drink lots of water, walk at a comfortable pace, and tell your guide if you feel unwell they will help you.
The best months are during the dry seasons: January to March and June to October and December. The weather is usually clear, which helps for better views and safer climbing Kilimanjaro via a route of Marangu.
Yes, you get about 3 liters of filtered, clean drinking water every day, so you don’t need to carry extra from home.
No, many people climb Kilimanjaro for the first time on this route. But it’s very helpful to be physically fit and do some training walks before your trip.
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