Your journey at a glance
Sample journey
This itinerary is adapted from the reference collection as travel inspiration. Confirm accommodation, activities, inclusions and availability with Darba Tanzania Safaris before booking.
Overview
The easiest safari from Dar es Salaam: a full day in Mikumi National Park, whose open Mkata floodplain is home to elephants, giraffes, lions, buffalo, zebras and hippos – often called Tanzan...
Experience Overview
Mikumi National Park lies along the paved highway west of Dar es Salaam, which makes it the only major park you can realistically visit in a day from the coast. The drive is long – around four to five hours each way – so the day starts before sunrise, but you arrive to wide grassland where wildlife is easy to spot.
The Mkata floodplain at the park's heart supports elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, wildebeest and impala, with lions often seen resting in the shade and hippos crowded into the pools. Your guide spends the middle of the day on game drives across the plain, with a packed lunch in the park, before the drive back to Dar es Salaam.
Highlights
The standout moments built into this safari.
The only major park reachable as a day trip from Dar es Salaam
Open grassland of the Mkata floodplain, the 'mini-Serengeti'
Elephants, giraffes, lions, buffalo and zebras
Itinerary
These are sample itineraries designed to inspire your journey. Each trip can be fully customized to match your travel style, preferences, and schedule. Use them as a starting point to craft your perfect safari experience.
Day 1 · Mikumi National Park
Pick-up from your hotel in Dar es Salaam at around 5:00 and drive four to five hours west along the Morogoro highway to Mikumi National Park. Spend the middle of the day on game drives across the Mkata floodplain, with a packed lunch in the park, then leave in the mid-afternoon to return to Dar es Salaam in the evening.
