Mikumi Express Safari
The closest true safari to Zanzibar. Fly to Dar es Salaam and drive into Mikumi for lions, giraffe, buffalo and hippo pools without a long journey.
Day-by-day programme
Day 1
Zanzibar โ Dar es Salaam โ Mikumi
Pick-up from your hotel for the short 20-minute flight (or ferry option) to Dar es Salaam. Drive west through the Uluguru mountains to Mikumi, roughly 4โ5 hours with a coffee stop en route. Lunch at the lodge, then an afternoon game drive across the Mkata floodplain โ often called a mini Serengeti โ for giraffe, impala, buffalo, elephant and the lion prides that rest on the termite mounds. Sunset at the hippo pools.
Meals: Lunch, dinnerOvernight: Mikumi lodge or tented campDay 2
Morning game drive โ Zanzibar
Out at 06:30 for the best light and predator activity, with a long morning loop through the floodplain and Mkata River circuit. Brunch back at the lodge, then the drive to Dar es Salaam for your afternoon flight to Zanzibar. Our team meets you at ZNZ and transfers you back to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, brunchOvernight: Return to your Zanzibar hotel
What's included
- Return flights Zanzibar โ safari airstrip (as per itinerary)
- All park entry and conservation fees
- 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and window seat guaranteed
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Full-board accommodation as listed (or similar)
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- All government taxes and VAT
Not included
- Tanzania visa and international flights
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and soft drinks at lodges
- Optional activities (balloon safari, cultural visits)
- Tips for guide and lodge staff
- Personal items and laundry