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Southern Circuit 4 Days

4 Day Mikumi National Park Escape

Starting from $897 per person

Multi-Destination
Private & Exclusive
Family

About this Journey

This 4-day itinerary is an ideal Luxury short safari for travelers seeking a convenient and rewarding wildlife experience from Dar es Salaam. Focused on accessibility and immersive game viewing, it features high-quality accommodations such as Dar es Salaam Serena and Stanley’s Kopje, offering comfort with panoramic views within the park. The journey centers on an in-depth exploration of Mikumi National Park, often called the "Serengeti in miniature" for its expansive grasslands and abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, and the "Big Four." The itinerary maximizes time in the bush with both morning and evening game drives, allowing for optimal wildlife observation during the most active periods. This compact package delivers a complete and satisfying safari encounter, perfect for those with limited time or as a seamless extension to a beach holiday in Zanzibar, providing a genuine taste of Tanzania’s wilderness without the extensive travel of more remote circuits.

Daily Schedule

4 Stops
Day 1

Arrive Dar es Salaam.

Upon your arrival at Nyerere International Airport (time to be advised), you will be warmly welcomed by your guide, who will assist you with your luggage and ensure a smooth transfer to your accommodation. As you settle in, you will have the opportunity to relax after your journey and take in the surroundings. In the evening, a delicious dinner will be served, allowing you to savor local flavors and prepare for the exciting days ahead. After dinner, you can unwind and rest comfortably, enjoying a peaceful overnight stay in preparation for the adventures to come.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeMediterranean Hotel
LuxuryDar es Salaam Serena
Day 2

Dar es Salaam – Mikumi National Park.

After an early breakfast, we will depart for Mikumi National Park, one of Tanzania's most accessible wildlife destinations. The drive from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park covers approximately 300 kilometers and takes around 4 to 5 hours by road, depending on traffic and road conditions. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of the Tanzanian countryside as we head inland toward the park.
Upon arrival, we will enter Mikumi National Park and begin our exciting game drive with a packed lunch. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffalos, and leopards—often referred to as the "Big Four" (rhinos are rare here). During the game drive, you’ll explore the park’s open savannahs, woodland areas, and waterholes, all offering excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife viewing.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll drive to your lodge located within the park for a relaxing evening. Enjoy a delicious dinner and unwind under the stars before retiring for the night. Your overnight stay will be in the heart of the wild, surrounded by the natural sounds of Mikumi’s diverse ecosystem.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeCamp Bastian
LuxuryStanley's Kopje
Day 3

Mikumi National Park.

Today is dedicated to further exploration of the incredible Mikumi National Park. After an early breakfast at your lodge or camp, you'll set out for morning game drives, venturing deeper into the park’s varied landscapes. With its open grasslands resembling the Serengeti, Mikumi offers excellent chances to spot a wide array of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, elephants, and predators like lions and leopards.
A picnic lunch will be served at one of the designated spots within the park, allowing you to relax and enjoy your meal surrounded by the sights and sounds of the bush.
After lunch, you will return to your lodge or camp for a short break and time to relax. In the late afternoon, prepare for an evening game drive, when many animals become more active as the heat of the day fades. This is an ideal time to witness predators beginning to hunt and observe nocturnal species emerging.
After the evening drive, return to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded once again by the raw beauty and serenity of Mikumi’s wilderness.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeCamp Bastian
LuxuryStanley's Kopje
Day 4

Mikumi National Park – Dar es Salaam.

After an early breakfast, the day begins with a final morning game drive in Nyerere National Park, offering a last chance to witness the park’s rich wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and possibly even wild dogs. You’ll explore various areas of the park’s diverse terrain as the early light brings the bush to life. Following the game drive, you will enjoy a packed bush lunch in a scenic spot within the park. In the early afternoon, you will begin your drive back to Dar es Salaam, covering approximately 230 kilometers, which typically takes about 4 to 5 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions. The journey passes through rural villages and savannah landscapes, offering glimpses of daily Tanzanian life along the way. You are expected to arrive in Dar es Salaam in the early evening, in time to catch your international flight onward.
End of Itinerary
Accommodation Options

Package Inclusions

Included

  • * All transport, 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for game viewing
  • * Hotel and lodge accommodation as detailed
  • * All Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • * Bottled drinking water
  • * Services of various local guides
  • * All National Park entrance and camp site fees
  • * All food - breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals
  • * Donations and payments to local community projects

Excluded

  • * International flights
  • * Travel and personal accident insurance
  • * Visa, passport, vaccinations, and medicines
  • * Tips (While tipping is not obligatory, it is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for your guide's hard work and dedication in making your trip memorable. A recommended amount is US$30 per day per guest.)
  • * Expenditure on personal bar bills (including all additional drinks), souvenirs, personal items
  • * Optional excursions/activities not detailed in itinerary
  • * any additional services requested
Free PDF

Safari Packing List

Essential items, health tips, and travel advice prepared by our experts.

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2025/2026 Rates (USD)

Service Tier 1 Guest 2 Guests 3 Guests 4 Guests 5 Guests 6 Guests 7 Guests 8 Guests 9 Guests 10 Guests
Mid-RangeComfort Lodges $1,240 $1,115 $1,013 $963 $932 $912 $897 $963 $947 $932
LuxuryPremium Camps $1,663 $1,495 $1,359 $1,291 $1,250 $1,223 $1,203 $1,291 $1,270 $1,250

Frequently Asked Questions

Our safari prices typically include park fees, accommodation as per your chosen tier (Mid-Range, Luxury, or Exclusive), private 4x4 vehicle, professional English-speaking guide, all meals on safari, and Flying Doctor emergency evacuation cover. International flights, visas, tips, and personal expenses are not included.

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