5 Days Selous & Mikumi Safari From Dar Es Salaam

Your safari begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel or the airport in Dar es Salaam. From here, you will either start on a scenic 5–6 hour drive through Tanzania’s countryside passing rice paddies, small villages, and local markets or opt for a short 1-hour flight offering panoramic aerial views of rivers, hills, and untouched bush. Upon arriving in Selous, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your lodge or tented camp set along the Rufiji River or deep in the reserve. After settling in and enjoying a delicious lunch prepared with local ingredients, you’ll head out for your first afternoon game drive. This initial foray into the wilderness offers your first close encounters with Africa’s incredible wildlife elephants lumbering through the trees, buffalo grazing in the tall grass, hippos submerged in muddy waterholes, and lions resting under shady trees. With luck, you might even spot giraffes, zebras, or a leopard hidden in the undergrowth. As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the bush, you will return to camp for a hot shower, a hearty dinner, and a peaceful night under the stars.

Wake up early to the soft sounds of birdsong and distant animal calls. After a light breakfast, head out for a morning game drive, a prime time when many animals are active and predators are still on the move. Alternatively, you can choose a guided walking safari, an unforgettable experience that brings you close to the land itself. Accompanied by an armed ranger and experienced guide, you’ll learn about animal tracks, medicinal plants, insects, and the smaller wonders of the bush often missed in vehicles. Return to camp for a well-earned lunch and a bit of relaxation perhaps on a shaded deck overlooking the river or napping in your comfortable tent.

Later in the afternoon, trade wheels for water as you start on a boat safari on the Rufiji River, one of the reserve’s signature experiences. Drift quietly along the water, passing pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, and a spectacular array of birdlife kingfishers, fish eagles, bee-eaters, and more. The riverbanks are often frequented by elephants and antelope coming down to drink, offering excellent photography opportunities. After a breathtaking sunset from the water, return to camp for dinner, and if you’re up for it, consider an optional night game drive, where nocturnal creatures like bush babies, genets, and civets make their appearance.

After breakfast, you will say goodbye to Selous and begin the 3–4 hour drive north toward Mikumi National Park. As you leave the riverine forests and wetlands of Selous behind, watch the terrain change to open plains, woodlands, and baobab-studded landscapes. You might spot wildlife along the roadside as you pass through the northern Selous corridor, a recognized wildlife migration route. Arrive at Camp Bastian, a rustic yet charming lodge nestled on the park’s edge, in time for lunch and a bit of rest.

In the afternoon, you will head out on your first Mikumi game drive, exploring the vast savannah and floodplains that stretch out around you. Mikumi is known for its large populations of lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and the rare greater kudu, often spotted in the hilly regions. Keep your camera ready this park is scenic and teeming with life, especially near the Mkata River and floodplain, where animals often congregate. As the sun dips below the horizon, return to your lodge for dinner, perhaps accompanied by a bonfire under the stars.

After an early breakfast, you will embark for a morning game drive across the Mkata floodplains, a prime wildlife viewing area that resembles the Serengeti in miniature. This is a fantastic time to see animals at their most active, often gathering near water sources. The park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 400 recorded species, including bateleur eagles, lilac-breasted rollers, hornbills, and storks.

Later in the morning, take a short drive to a nearby Maasai village, where you’ll be welcomed by community members eager to share their customs, dances, and traditional crafts. Learn about their way of life, the significance of their colorful dress, and how they live in harmony with nature. This cultural experience provides a deeper understanding of Tanzania beyond its wildlife.

Return to camp for lunch and some leisure time. In the afternoon, choose between a second game drive through a different region of the park, a nature walk near the lodge, or simply relax in the peaceful surroundings. After another delicious dinner, you will spend your final evening stargazing or reminiscing about the incredible sights you've seen so far.

You will enjoy your final morning in the bush with a gentle sunrise game drive or a short nature walk around the lodge, soaking in the tranquil beauty one last time. After breakfast, begin the 4-hour drive back to Dar es Salaam. As you travel, reflect on the memories made the animals you encountered, the landscapes you crossed, and the people you met. Upon arrival in Dar, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or at the airport for your onward journey, marking the end of an unforgettable Tanzanian safari adventure.