Overview
This extended 8-day safari combines the wonders of Mikumi National Park with a visit to the expansive Ruaha National Park.
This extended 8-day safari combines the wonders of Mikumi National Park with a visit to the expansive Ruaha National Park.
Morning: Depart from Dar es Salaam early, enjoying scenic views of Tanzania's countryside on your drive to Mikumi National Park. Afternoon: Arrive at your lodge and settle into your accommodations surrounded by serene wilderness. Evening: Embark on your first game drive during the golden hour of sunset. Marvel at elephants bathing in waterholes, giraffes silhouetted against the sky, and antelopes grazing peacefully. The vibrant hues of the sunset over the savannah provide a perfect start to your adventure. Overnight: Return to the lodge for a warm Tanzanian meal under the stars.
Morning: After an early breakfast, set out on a full-day safari. Explore the famous Mkata Floodplain, teeming with wildlife. Witness lions lounging under acacia trees, zebras grazing in harmony, and wildebeest crossing the plains. Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild, surrounded by the calls of nature. Afternoon: Continue to lesser-visited areas of the park for unique sightings like elands and wild dogs. Evening: Return to the lodge, where you can relax by the campfire, sharing stories of the day’s sightings.
Morning: Experience the park on foot with a guided walking safari. Your expert guide will teach you about local flora and fauna, animal tracks, and the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Birdwatching: Spot colorful bird species like lilac-breasted rollers, hornbills, and secretary birds. For bird lovers, Mikumi offers unparalleled opportunities to photograph and observe rare species. Afternoon: Spend the rest of the day at leisure, with options for a poolside rest or a short photography session.
Morning: Visit the iconic Hippo Pools, where you’ll observe hippos lounging and crocodiles basking nearby. These pools are bustling with activity, offering a great opportunity to watch wildlife in their natural habitat. Afternoon: After returning to the lodge, enjoy free time to relax. Opt for spa treatments or spend time journaling your experiences.
Morning: Visit a nearby Maasai village and immerse yourself in their rich cultural heritage. Participate in traditional dances, hear folklore stories, and engage in craft-making activities like beadwork. Lunch: Relish a meal prepared with traditional Maasai recipes, offering a taste of their cuisine. Afternoon: Learn about Maasai life, including their cattle-herding traditions and deep connection with nature.
Morning: Explore the southern sections of Mikumi, less frequented by tourists. Discover rare wildlife species like sable antelopes and hartebeests, along with picturesque landscapes that feel untouched by time. Lunch: A picnic lunch in the wild, accompanied by breathtaking views of the park’s rugged terrain. Afternoon: Relax back at the lodge or take a guided nature walk.
Evening: Embark on a night game drive, a unique chance to witness nocturnal wildlife in action. Spot hyenas prowling the savannah, bush babies leaping between trees, and the glowing eyes of predators in the darkness. Afterwards: Enjoy stargazing with your guide, who will share African myths and stories associated with the night sky.
Morning: Conclude your safari with an early morning game drive, capturing the park’s serenity as the animals begin their day. Afternoon: After a hearty breakfast, check out and embark on your journey back to Dar es Salaam.