About This Journey
The 6 Day Nyerere and Mikumi Safari 2026-2027 combines two of Southern Tanzania's most rewarding wildlife destinations in one road safari from Dar es Salaam.
Begin in Nyerere National Park, a vast wilderness shaped by the Rufiji River, miombo woodland, open grasslands, floodplains and oxbow lakes. Wildlife includes elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and African wild dogs. Nyerere is also recognized as an important stronghold for wild dogs and supports more than 430 recorded bird species.
A Rufiji River boat safari adds a completely different wildlife experience, with opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles, elephants, waterbuck and numerous birds from the water.
The safari then continues to Mikumi National Park, known for the open Mkata Floodplain where elephants, lions, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest and giraffes can often be seen across wide savannah landscapes.
With six days available, the itinerary provides time for both river based and traditional game viewing without rushing between the two parks.
What Makes This Trip Special
Explore Nyerere National Park
Rufiji River boat safari
Full day Nyerere wildlife game drive
Search for African wild dogs
See hippos and crocodiles
Look for elephants, lions and buffalo
Travel through Southern Tanzania countryside
Explore Mikumi National Park
Full day Mikumi game drives
Wildlife viewing across the Mkata Floodplain
See giraffes, zebras and wildebeest
Excellent birdwatching opportunities
Professional safari driver guide
Private 4x4 safari vehicle
Five nights accommodation
Meals and drinking water included
Dar es Salaam pickup and drop off
A Look at the Journey
Itinerary
Your 6 Day Nyerere and Mikumi Safari begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel or agreed location in Dar es Salaam.
Drive south toward Nyerere National Park, normally using the Kibiti–Utete direction for access to the eastern side of the park. TANAPA recommends a 4x4, particularly during wetter conditions.
Arrive in the Nyerere area around midday or early afternoon, depending on road conditions.
Check into your accommodation and enjoy lunch before preparing for your first safari activity.
Later in the afternoon, depart for a Rufiji River boat safari.
Cruise through river channels and along the banks while looking for hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds and wildlife visiting the river.
Return to your lodge or tented camp in the evening for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, depart for a full day game drive in Nyerere National Park.
Explore the park's woodland, grasslands, floodplains, lakes and areas surrounding the Rufiji River.
Possible sightings include:
African wild dogs
Elephants
Lions
Buffalo
Giraffes
Leopards
Sable antelope
Waterbuck
Hippos
Crocodiles
Numerous bird species
Nyerere protects one of East Africa's important populations of African wild dogs, alongside lions, leopards and a wide variety of plains game.
Enjoy a picnic lunch during the game drive before continuing your afternoon wildlife exploration.
Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight
After an early breakfast, check out and begin the journey toward Mikumi National Park.
The transfer between Nyerere and Mikumi varies considerably depending on the gate, accommodation location and road used. A typical road connection takes approximately 5–6 hours, but additional time should be allowed for road and weather conditions.
Travel through rural Southern Tanzania landscapes, villages and woodland before reaching the Mikumi area.
Enjoy lunch during the journey.
Arrive in the afternoon or early evening and check into your lodge or tented camp.
The remainder of the day is for relaxation and preparation for the following day's full safari.
Dinner and overnight near Mikumi National Park.
Day 4 of 6 Day Nyerere and Mikumi Safari is focused on Transfer to Mikumi. This day is specific to the After breakfast, depart for a full day game drive in Mikumi National Park.
Explore the famous Mkata Floodplain, one of the park's main wildlife viewing areas.
The open plains and seasonal pans attract elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest, while lions may also be encountered.
Possible sightings include:
Elephants
Lions
Buffalo
Giraffes
Zebras
Wildebeest
Hippos
Crocodiles
Impalas
Warthogs
Hyenas
Various bird species
Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing your game drive during the afternoon.
Your safari guide will select routes according to wildlife movements, recent sightings and road conditions.
Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, return to Mikumi National Park for another full day of wildlife viewing.
This additional day allows your guide to explore areas that may not have been visited on the previous game drive.
Search for elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and antelopes while exploring different water sources, woodland and open plains.
Mikumi has more than 400 recorded bird species, with seasonal pans and acacia woodland providing good birdwatching opportunities.
Enjoy a picnic lunch during the safari.
Continue game viewing until late afternoon before returning to your accommodation.
Dinner and overnight near Mikumi National Park.
After breakfast, check out from your accommodation and begin your return journey to Dar es Salaam.
Mikumi is one of Tanzania's most accessible national parks, with TANAPA estimating approximately 3–5 hours by road from Dar es Salaam, depending on traffic.
Travel through Morogoro and continue toward Dar es Salaam.
Lunch will be provided during the journey or arranged according to your travel schedule.
Arrive in Dar es Salaam during the afternoon or early evening and transfer to your hotel, airport or agreed location.
This marks the end of your 6 Day Nyerere and Mikumi Safari 2026-2027.
Included & Excluded
Included
- Nyerere National Park entrance fees
- Mikumi National Park entrance fees
- Professional safari driver guide
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle
- Nyerere wildlife game drives
- Rufiji River boat safari
- Mikumi wildlife game drives
- Five nights accommodation
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Picnic lunches during game drives
- Drinking water
- Dar es Salaam pickup
- Dar es Salaam drop off
- Safari vehicle fees
- Government taxes
- Activities mentioned in the itinerary
Excluded
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Soft drinks unless included
- Tips for safari guide and lodge staff
- Personal expenses
- Laundry services
- Optional activities
- Additional accommodation
- Personal travel items
- Services not mentioned under inclusions
Frequently Asked Questions
The safari visits Nyerere National Park and Mikumi National Park.
Yes. A Rufiji River boat safari is included in Nyerere.
Possible sightings include elephants, lions, buffalo, African wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, hippos and crocodiles.
Yes. Five nights of accommodation and meals according to the itinerary are included.
Yes. The 6 Day Nyerere and Mikumi Safari can be arranged privately according to your preferred dates and group size.
