3-Day Tanzania Safari to Mikumi and Saadani with Bush and Beach

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Spot elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and hippos on thrilling game drives in Mikumi National Park
• 02 Explore Saadani National Park, where the bush meets the beach in East Africa
• 03 Experience both savannah wildlife and the stunning Indian Ocean coastline
• 04 Travel across the vast Mkata floodplains for classic Mikumi wildlife viewing

This safari offers an exciting blend of Tanzania's diverse landscapes and wildlife. Explore Mikumi National Park, where lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and hippos roam across the vast Mkata floodplains. Continue to Saadani National Park, the only place in East Africa where the wilderness meets the Indian Ocean. Enjoy the rare chance to combine thrilling game drives with the beauty of a coastal setting, creating a perfect balance of adventure, wildlife, and scenic relaxation.

Enjoy the unique experience of visiting the only national park bordering the ocean.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, Mikumi National Park, Saadani National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Dar es Salaam to Mikumi via Morogoro

• Early morning pick-up from Dar es Salaam.
• Enjoy a scenic drive to Mikumi National Park via Morogoro, passing villages and the Uluguru Mountains.
• Arrive in Mikumi and enjoy lunch.
• Set out on an afternoon game drive across the Mkata floodplains.
• Look out for elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, lions, hippos, and more.
• Return to the lodge or camp in the evening for dinner and rest.

2

Day 02

Dawn Wildlife Viewing and Transfer to Saadani

• Head out on an early morning game drive in Mikumi for predator and wildlife sightings at dawn.
• Breakfast at the lodge.
• Depart for Saadani National Park, approximately 6-7 hours by road.
• Arrive in Saadani and relax by the Indian Ocean beach.
• Enjoy the unique experience of visiting the only national park bordering the ocean.
• Take in a beachside sunset or join an optional short nature walk.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Saadani.

3

Day 03

Saadani Safari and Return to Dar es Salaam

• Enjoy an early morning game drive in Saadani National Park.
• Look for elephants, buffaloes, hartebeests, lions, and diverse birdlife.
• Optional boat safari on the Wami River to see hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds.
• Lunch at the lodge.
• Drive back to Dar es Salaam in the afternoon, approximately 4-5 hours.
• Evening drop-off at your hotel or airport.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Pick-up and drop-off in Dar es Salaam or Morogoro
• 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game drives
• Fuel and driver-guide services
• All park entry fees for Mikumi and Saadani
• Game drives in Mikumi for savannah wildlife viewing
• Game drives or boat safari in Saadani along the river or Indian Ocean side
• 2 nights' accommodation in lodges, tented camps, or bandas, depending on category
• Full-board meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Professional English-speaking driver-guide
• Park rangers during activities if required
• Bottled drinking water during game drives

What's Not Included

• International or domestic flights to or from Dar es Salaam or Morogoro
• Airport transfers unless arranged in advance
• Alcoholic and soft drinks unless specified
• Snacks not included in the package
• Laundry services
• Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
• Cultural village tours
• Night game drives, if available
• Marine activities at Saadani such as snorkeling and fishing
• Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged individually
• Items of a personal nature such as souvenirs and phone charges

What to bring

• Light, breathable clothes for daytime
• Warm sweater or jacket for morning and evening game drives
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hat and sunglasses for sun protection
• Swimwear for lodges with pools or Saadani beach
• Insect repellent - mosquito protection is a must
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Power bank for charging phones and cameras on the go

Know before you go

• Mikumi is famous for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and hippos.
• Saadani is unique because it combines wildlife with the Indian Ocean coast. You can spot animals like elephants and lions, then enjoy the beach.
• Mikumi is about 4-5 hours from Dar es Salaam by road.
• Saadani is closer to the coast but can have rough roads. Be prepared for some bumpy rides.
• Do not feed or disturb animals.
• Stay inside the vehicle during game drives unless instructed otherwise.
• Follow your guide's instructions for safety.
• It is generally warm, but mornings and evenings can be cool.
• Rain is possible depending on the season (April-May heavy rains, November light rains).

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

KFC Terminal 3 - Julius Nyerere International Airport, Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Julius K. Nyerere Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Tour start

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.