5-Days Mikumi National Park
to Selous GR + Boat Safari
Overview
A Southern Tanzania Adventure with Wildlife Drives & Boat Safari
Experience the diverse wildlife and dramatic landscapes of Southern Tanzania on this 5-day safari through Mikumi National Park and the iconic Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere National Park). From open savannah game drives in Mikumi to a thrilling boat safari on the Rufiji River, this itinerary combines classic safari moments with unique water-based wildlife viewing—perfect for nature lovers and off-the-beaten-path explorers.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Drive to Mikumi National Park
- Early morning pick-up in Dar es Salaam.
- Drive through the scenic Uluguru Mountains to Mikumi (approx. 5 hours).
- Afternoon game drive in Mikumi’s plains, home to giraffes, lions, zebras, elephants, wildebeests, and more.
- Overnight: Lodge/Camp in Mikumi.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Mikumi
- Full-day exploration of Mikumi, including the Mkata Floodplain.
- Opportunities to spot big cats, elephants, buffalo, and rich birdlife.
- Picnic lunch in the park.
- Overnight: Lodge/Camp in Mikumi.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Mikumi – Transfer to Selous Game Reserve
- Early breakfast and scenic drive to Selous via Morogoro and Matambwe Gate (approx. 6–7 hours).
- Arrival in Selous, check in, and enjoy a sunset at the camp.
- Optional: Short evening game drive or cultural village visit (if time allows).
- Overnight: Safari lodge or tented camp in Selous.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4: Boat Safari & Game Drive in Selous
- Morning boat safari on the Rufiji River – view hippos, crocodiles, and a wide array of birds from a unique perspective.
- Afternoon game drive in Selous, one of Africa’s largest wildlife reserves.
- Look out for elephants, lions, wild dogs, and large herds of buffalo.
- Overnight: Safari lodge or tented camp.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5: Morning Game Drive – Return to Dar es Salaam
- Early morning game drive en route to the gate.
- Depart Selous for return drive to Dar es Salaam (approx. 6–7 hours).
- End of safari experience.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation
Budget Accommodation
Safari using affordable Hotels, Lodges, or Camps, comparable to a 1-2 star Hotel. Accommodation is usually located outside the National Park.
Mid-range Accommodation
Safari using medium to large–scale Lodges, tented camps, or Cottage Camps, comparable to a 3-star Hotel
Luxury – Accommodation
Safari using deluxe tented camps or Lodges usually located inside the National Park and comparable to a 4-star hotel. Accommodation is usually located inside the Park.
Luxury+ – Accommodation
Safari using extremely luxurious tented camps or Lodge, usually located in a private wildlife – Viewing area and comparable to a 5-star Hotel. Expect great food, excellent service, top-quality guiding, and gorgeous tents or rooms. Most luxury + properties charge around USD$ 850 to 1850 per person per night!
Includes & Excludes
- All Park entry fees – All Park Camping fees
- Pick up from the Airport
- Boat & walking safari
- Transport 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof with driver cum guidePick up from the Airport
- Overnight at the Hotels/Lodge/Tented Camps/Campsites according to the program
- Chef/Meals as per the above itinerary
- Complimentary bottles of drinking water 1.5 litter per person per day during safari
- 1-night free Hotel accommodation on your arrival in Dar with bed & breakfast
- Tents/Sleeping mats/Sleeping bags/Chairs/Table/Pillow
- International flights & Domestic flights
- Fees for passports, visas, immunisations, and insurance
- Expenses of personal nature (like souvenirs)
- Tips for staff such as driver cum guides/chef/porter
Note (COVID-19)
“Please note that all these are sample itineraries. We will tailor-make your safari according to your wish and due to COVID-19 restrictions on travel around the world, it is free to postpone your travel up to 1 year after the original travel date”
Trip Navigate
Places: Dar es Salaam, Mikumi & Ruaha National Park
Let us tailor-make a safari suited to you.
This is just one example of a trip we could design for you. We tailor-make safari holidays that take you to Tanzania – no readymade tours or set departures. Get in touch today to start creating your bespoke itinerary