Tanzania · Safari

5-Day Tanzania Safari in Selous and Mikumi with Rufiji Boat Safari

5 Days Round trip from Dar es Salaam - Selous Game Reserve Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Selous Game Reserve with exciting game drives and walking safaris
02 Take a boat safari on the Rufiji River to spot hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife
03 Discover Mikumi National Park's wide-open plains filled with lions, giraffes, zebras, and elephants
04 Visit a Maasai village to experience traditional culture, music, and crafts

Experience the wild beauty of Tanzania on this 5-day journey through Selous Game Reserve and Mikumi National Park. Travel from Dar es Salaam into vast wilderness landscapes where elephants, lions, giraffes, and hippos roam freely. Enjoy thrilling game drives, a peaceful boat safari along the Rufiji River, and the chance to walk with expert rangers. The tour also offers an opportunity to visit a Maasai village and connect with local traditions.

Experience the wild beauty of Tanzania on this 5-day journey through Selous Game Reserve and Mikumi National Park.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park, Selous Game Reserve

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival and Game Drive in Selous Game Reserve

Pick up from your Dar es Salaam hotel or airport.
Enjoy a scenic drive of 5-6 hours or take a 1-hour flight to Selous Game Reserve.
Check in to your lodge or camp and enjoy lunch.
Head out on an afternoon game drive to spot elephants, lions, hippos, and buffalo.

Dinner and overnight stay in the reserve.

Day 02

Wildlife Encounters and Rufiji River Boat Safari

Set out early for a morning game drive or choose an optional walking safari with a ranger.
Explore wildlife tracks, plants, and smaller animals.
Enjoy a boat safari on the Rufiji River to see hippos, crocodiles, and birds.
Continue with an afternoon or evening game drive, or choose an optional night safari.

Dinner under the stars and overnight in Selous.

Day 03

Journey to Mikumi National Park

Have breakfast at camp, then drive for 3-4 hours to Mikumi National Park.
Check in at the lodge and enjoy lunch.
Set off on an afternoon game drive across the Mikumi savannah.
Look out for lions, giraffes, elephants, and zebras on the open plains.

Dinner and overnight stay in Mikumi.

Day 04

Mkata Floodplain Safari and Maasai Culture

Enjoy a morning game drive in the Mkata Floodplain, an ideal area for birdwatching.
Choose an optional visit to a Maasai village to experience cultural traditions, music, and crafts.
Relax at the lodge or head out for another afternoon game drive.

Dinner and overnight in Mikumi.

Day 05

Return to Dar es Salaam

Choose an optional early morning game drive or nature walk.
Have breakfast at the lodge, then pack up.
Drive for approximately 4 hours back to Dar es Salaam.
Drop off at your hotel or airport for onward travel.

Where this trip takes you

Selous Game Reserve wilderness, Rufiji River boat safari, Mikumi National Park savannah, Mkata Floodplain birdlife

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Dar es Salaam - Selous Game Reserve 3 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Pickup and drop-off from your hotel or airport in Dar es Salaam
Entry fees to Selous Game Reserve and Mikumi National Park
Accommodation on a full-board basis, with all meals included
An experienced English-speaking safari guide or driver
All scheduled game drives and a boat safari in Selous
Bottled water on game drives

What's Not Included

International flights to and from Tanzania
Visa fees and travel insurance
Personal expenses, tips, laundry, phone calls, and souvenirs
Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks unless specified
Optional activities not listed here
Vaccinations and any medical expenses

What to bring

Light, breathable clothing in neutral colours
Long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun and insect protection
A warm layer for chilly mornings and evenings
Comfortable walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots
A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a scarf or buff for dust
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Lip balm, personal toiletries, and medications
A reusable water bottle
A flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
A small daypack for game drives or walks
Binoculars for wildlife spotting
A camera or smartphone with extra batteries or memory cards
A power bank or portable charger
A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity
A visa as per requirements
A copy of travel insurance
USD cash for tips and small purchases

Know before you go

A yellow fever vaccination may be required depending on your travel history.
Malaria is present in many safari areas, so consult your doctor about preventive medication.
Always listen to your guide, especially when near wildlife.
Lodges are secure, but remember you are in the wild, so stay aware.
Most safari lodges have limited or no Wi-Fi, so use this time to unplug.
Charging points may be available only at certain hours, as many lodges use solar power.
Carry a power bank for your devices.
Early mornings and evenings can be cold, while midday can be hot.
Roads can be dusty and bumpy, so pack accordingly.
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and form part of the adventure.
When visiting villages like the Maasai, ask permission before taking photos.
Dress modestly when outside safari areas.
Safaris require patience and appreciation; some drives may be quiet, others full of action.
Stay observant, curious, and enjoy every moment, big or small.
All transfers within Tanzania by road are included. Light aircraft transfers are optional.
A Maasai village visit near Mikumi is optional.