3-Day Mikumi and Nyerere Safari with Rufiji Boat Safari

3 Days Round trip from DAR ES SALAAM Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Mikumi's savannahs and riverine forests on a full-day game drive
02 Spend a full safari day in Nyerere National Park's diverse wildlife landscapes
03 Take a sunrise boat safari along the Rufiji River to spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birds
04 Visit a nearby village for cultural interactions on the final day
05 Travel between Dar es Salaam, Mikumi, and Nyerere on a compact 3-day safari

An amazing, affordable 3-day safari designed for maximum wildlife encounters across Mikumi and Nyerere National Parks. Enjoy two full days of game drives through savannahs, riverine forests, and diverse wildlife habitats, with chances to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hippos, and a variety of birds. The experience also includes a sunrise boat safari along the Rufiji River and a cultural village visit. On the final day, drive back to Dar es Salaam to catch your flight home or continue to Zanzibar for a beach holiday.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Mikumi National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Drive from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi and Afternoon Game Drive

In the morning, drive from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park. Upon arrival, meet your safari guide and enjoy an afternoon game drive, exploring the savannahs and riverine forests rich with elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hippos, and a variety of birds. Return to your accommodation or lodge outside Mikumi for dinner and an overnight stay.

Main Destination: Mikumi National Park

Accommodation: Camp Bastian Mikumi

Mid-range lodge located just outside Mikumi NP

Meals & Drinks: All meals included

Drinking water (other drinks not included)

Day 02

Drive to Nyerere and Full-Day Game Drive

Drive from Mikumi National Park to Nyerere National Park. Upon arrival, head directly into a full-day game drive, exploring diverse landscapes and wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, and birds. Continue the safari until sunset, then drive to your accommodation outside the park.

Main Destination: Nyerere National Park

Accommodation: Mpingo Lodge Selous

Mid-range tented camp located just outside Nyerere NP

Meals & Drinks: All meals included

Drinking water (other drinks not included)

Day 03

Sunrise Boat Safari, Village Visit, and Return to Dar es Salaam

Start with a sunrise boat safari along the Rufiji River, viewing hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birds. After breakfast, visit a nearby village for cultural interactions. Later, drive back to Dar es Salaam and continue to Zanzibar or connect to your international flight via Julius Nyerere International Airport.

Main Destination: Nyerere National Park

Accommodation: No accommodation (end of tour)

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (dinner not included)

Drinking water (other drinks not included)

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from DAR ES SALAAM 3 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park fees (for non-residents)
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
All taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water

What's Not Included

International flights (from/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

Essential Clothing
- Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, brown, beige)
- Lightweight long-sleeve shirts for sun and insect protection
- Long trousers/pants
- Light jacket or fleece for early morning game drives
- Waterproof rain jacket (especially during rainy seasons)
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- Hat with a wide brim
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Extra socks and underwear
Wildlife Viewing Gear
- Binoculars (one of the most useful safari items)
- Camera with extra memory cards
- Spare batteries or power bank
- Lens cleaning cloth
- Small notebook for wildlife sightings (optional)
Health & Safety
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Lip balm with sun protection
- Insect repellent
- Personal medications
- Basic first-aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Reusable water bottle
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Universal travel adapter (if traveling internationally)
- Headlamp or small flashlight
Documents
- Passport and visa (if required)
- Travel insurance details
- Vaccination records (if needed)
- Copies of important documents
- Emergency contact information
Nice-to-Have Items
- Lightweight daypack
- Neck gaiter or scarf (helps with dust)
- Small pair of gloves for cold morning drives
- Snacks for long drives
- Field guide to local wildlife and birds
What Not to Bring
- Bright-coloured clothing (can attract attention and insects)
- Camouflage clothing (restricted in some African countries)
- Strong perfumes or scented lotions
Heavy luggage (many safari flights have strict weight limits)

Know before you go

Tour Details
Daily schedule and departure times
Pick-up and drop-off arrangements
Type of vehicle used
Group size and whether the safari is private or shared
Wildlife Expectations
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Animal activity varies by season, weather, and time of day.
Some species may be difficult to see.
Guides will do their best to maximize viewing opportunities while respecting wildlife.
Physical Requirements
Amount of walking involved
Terrain conditions (rough roads, uneven ground, dust)
Accessibility limitations for travellers with mobility challenges
Suitability for children, seniors, or pregnant travellers
What to Bring
Comfortable, neutral-coloured clothing
Hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Camera and binoculars
Personal medications
Reusable water bottle
Weather and Environment
Expected temperatures during the tour
Possibility of rain, dust, or strong sun
Cooler temperatures during early morning and evening game drives
Health and Safety
Follow guide instructions at all times.
Stay inside the vehicle unless instructed otherwise.
Do not feed or approach wildlife.
Keep noise levels low around animals.
Inform the tour operator of any medical conditions or allergies before departure.
Included and Excluded Items
Clearly state:
Meals and drinks included or not
Park entrance fees
Accommodation (for multi-day safaris)
Transportation
Guide services
Tips/gratuities
Personal expenses
Booking and Cancellation Policies
Payment requirements
Cancellation deadlines and refunds
Minimum participant requirements
Rescheduling policies
Photography Guidelines
Flash photography may disturb animals.
Bring extra batteries and storage cards.
Respect other guests when taking photos.
Cultural and Conservation Etiquette
Respect local communities and customs.
Do not litter.
Follow park regulations.
Understand that safari tourism supports conservation efforts.