4 Days Nyerere and Mikumi National Park Safari in Tanzania
This 4-Day Nyerere and Mikumi National Park Safari in Tanzania takes you through 2 of Southern Tanzania’s top safari parks, offering an unforgettable experience in Africa. The itinerary covers Nyerere National Park (1 night inside or near the park) and Mikumi National Park (2 nights inside or near the park), combining remote wilderness, river scenery, open savannah plains, and excellent wildlife viewing. The safari starts with a convenient pick-up from Dar es Salaam and ends with drop-off in Dar es Salaam at the end of the safari.
Throughout the safari, you will explore diverse ecosystems ranging from Nyerere National Park’s vast wilderness, Rufiji River landscapes, lakes, wetlands, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, lions, and rich birdlife to Mikumi National Park’s open savannah plains, acacia woodlands, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, elephants, lions, and beautiful wildlife-rich landscapes.
Accompanied by our certified, professional, experienced, and passionate safari guides, you will enjoy expertly guided game drives, incredible wildlife encounters, and stunning scenery at every turn. Whether exploring the wild landscapes of Nyerere National Park, spotting elephants and lions in Mikumi, enjoying Southern Tanzania’s quieter safari circuit, watching wildlife near rivers and open plains, or experiencing spectacular African sunsets, this safari promises memories that will last a lifetime.
4 Days Southern Tanzania Safari at a Glance
- Safari Name: 4 Days Nyerere and Mikumi National Park Safari in Tanzania
- Starting Point: Dar es Salaam City
- Airport Arrival: Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
- Ending Point: Dar es Salaam, DAR Airport, ferry terminal, or hotel
- Accommodation Before Safari: Optional overnight stay in Dar es Salaam
- Night 1: Lodge / Tented Camp near Nyerere National Park or similar accommodation
- Night 2: Lodge / Tented Camp near Nyerere National Park or similar accommodation
- Night 3: Lodge / Tented Camp near Mikumi National Park or similar accommodation
- Main Attractions: Nyerere National Park, Rufiji River, Mikumi National Park
- Wildlife: Lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, impalas, wild dogs if lucky, and more
- Best For: First-time visitors, wildlife lovers, photographers, couples, families, groups, and southern Tanzania safari holidays
Important Travel Information
| Location | Distance & Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park | Approximately 230 km | About 5 to 6 hours drive depending on road conditions |
| Nyerere National Park Game Drive Area | Travel time depends on wildlife location, season, and accommodation area |
| Nyerere National Park to Mikumi National Park | Approximately 300 km | About 6 to 7 hours drive depending on route and road conditions |
| Mikumi National Park to Dar es Salaam | Approximately 300 km | About 5 to 6 hours drive depending on traffic |
| Julius Nyerere International Airport to Dar es Salaam City | Approximately 12 km | About 30 minutes to 1 hour drive depending on traffic |
Places You Will Visit on This 4 Days Southern Tanzania Safari
Dar es Salaam – Starting Point for Southern Tanzania Safari
Dar es Salaam is the main starting point for many southern Tanzania safaris. The city is located along the Indian Ocean coast and gives easy access to Nyerere National Park, Mikumi National Park, Saadani National Park, Zanzibar ferry, and Julius Nyerere International Airport.
Most travelers spend a night in Dar es Salaam before the safari starts, especially after an international flight. This makes the journey easier and gives you time to relax, prepare, and meet your safari team before the adventure begins.
Nyerere National Park – Wild Nature, Rufiji River and Boat Safari
Nyerere National Park is one of the largest and most beautiful wildlife areas in Tanzania. It is famous for its wild landscapes, rivers, lakes, woodlands, open plains, and peaceful safari atmosphere.
The Rufiji River is one of the main highlights of Nyerere National Park. A boat safari on the river gives you a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, water birds, and animals near the riverbanks. It is a special experience because you enjoy wildlife from the water, not only from a safari vehicle.
During game drives, you may see elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, warthogs, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, and many birds. If lucky, Nyerere is also one of the places where African wild dogs may be seen.
Mikumi National Park – Open Plains and Easy Wildlife Viewing
Mikumi National Park is one of the most accessible safari parks from Dar es Salaam. The park is known for open grasslands, acacia trees, mountain views, and the famous Mkata Floodplain, where many animals can be seen.
During your game drive in Mikumi, you may see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, lions, impalas, warthogs, hippos, and many bird species. The open plains make wildlife viewing simple and enjoyable, especially for travelers visiting Tanzania for the first time.
Mikumi gives this safari a beautiful finish with wide landscapes, relaxed game drives, and good chances to see many animals in a short time.
Why Choose This 4 Days Nyerere and Mikumi Safari?
- Visit two famous southern Tanzania safari destinations in one trip.
- Experience Nyerere National Park, one of Tanzania’s largest wildlife areas.
- Enjoy a possible boat safari on the Rufiji River.
- Explore Mikumi National Park, known for open plains and easy wildlife viewing.
- Good chance to see elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, and crocodiles.
- Great option for travelers starting or ending their trip in Dar es Salaam.
- Professional English-speaking safari guide.
- Comfortable safari vehicle for the journey and game drives.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off available from Julius Nyerere International Airport.
- Suitable for couples, families, solo travelers, groups, and photographers.
Best Time for This 4 Days Southern Tanzania Safari
This 4 Days Nyerere and Mikumi National Park Safari in Tanzania can be done throughout the year. The dry season from June to October is one of the best times for wildlife viewing because animals are easier to see near water sources and open areas.
The green season from November to May is also beautiful, with fresh landscapes, many birds, fewer crowds, and good photography conditions. Nyerere and Mikumi both offer rewarding wildlife viewing in different seasons, depending on weather and road conditions.
Short Itinerary
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Day 1 -Dar es Salaam to Nyerere (Boat Safari in the afternoon)
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Day 2 - Nyerere
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Day 3 -Nyerere to (Walking Safari in the morning) Mikumi
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Day 4 - Mikumi to Dar es Salaam
Ensuite Accommodation Packages
Below are packages with a few popular ensuite options for your private tour, starting on Nov 13, 2023, in a group of two adults. Ensuite hotels are tented camps/lodges that can be inside/around national parks. You will have a private room with attached bathroom. Meals are provided by hotels.
Option E1
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- $998 per person for safari with Land Cruiser
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- Stay at Africa Safari Selous, Nyerere (Outside the Park)
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- Stay at Camp Bastian - Standard Chalets, Mikumi (Outside the Park)
Option E2
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- $1,312 per person for safari with Land Cruiser
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- Stay at Selous Wilderness Camp - River View Tent, Nyerere (Outside the Park)
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Stay at Mikumi Wildlife Camp - Standard Room, Mikumi (Within the Park)
Stay Location
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Day 1 - Nyerere (Within the Park) or Nyerere (Outside the Park)
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Day 2 - Nyerere (Within the Park) or Nyerere (Outside the Park)
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Day 3 - Mikumi (Within the Park) or Mikumi (Outside the Park)
Meals
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Day 1 - Lunch & Dinner
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Day 2 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Day 3 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Day 4 - Breakfast & Lunch.
Drive Times
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Day 1 - Dar es Salaam to Nyerere takes about 4 to 4.5 hours (208 km)
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Day 2 - Nyerere to Mikumi takes about 6 to 6.5 hours
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Day 4 - Mikumi to Dar es Salaam takes about 6 to 6.5 hours (300 km)
Note 1 : These are estimated drive times. Because of the traffic, location of the accommodations, and several other factors, actual drive times may vary. Driving distances are approximate and do not account for exact places.
Inclusions
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Park Fees (for Non-Residents).
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Concession/ Camping Fees.
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Daily game drives while on Safari.
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A professional driver/guide.
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4x4 Land Cruiser or Safari Van.
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All Taxes and VAT.
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Meals as per itinerary.
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Drinking water while on safari (2 liters per person per day).
Exclusions
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International flights.
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Airport Transfers (Unless mentioned otherwise).
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Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour (Unless mentioned otherwise).
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Tips.
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Personal Items (Souvenirs, Travel Insurance, Visa Fees, etc.).
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Government imposed an increase of Taxes, Gorilla trekking permits and or Park Fees.
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Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
