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4-Day Nyerere & Mikumi Safari from Zanzibar
Southern Tanzania

4-Day Nyerere & Mikumi Safari from Zanzibar

Fly from Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park for a boat safari on the Rufiji River and game drives among its lakes, then drive to Mikumi for the open plains — two southern parks in four days.

Plan this trip
Duration4 Days
DestinationsBoat safari on the Rufiji River, Game drives around the Nyerere lakes, Mkata floodplain in Mikumi, Short flight from Zanzibar, no long first drive
Starting fromTailored quote
Overview

About this safari

Fly from Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park for a boat safari on the Rufiji River and game drives among its lakes, then drive to Mikumi for the open plains — two southern parks in four days.

This 4 days private safari starts in Zanzibar and takes you to Boat safari on the Rufiji River, Game drives around the Nyerere lakes, Mkata floodplain in Mikumi, Short flight from Zanzibar, no long first drive. Your own vehicle and guide set the pace, and every stay and transfer is confirmed around your dates.

Start / endZanzibar → Zanzibar
TravellingPrivate vehicle & guide
StaysMid-range or luxury
Customise this route

Safari snapshot

A quick look at the route, day by day.

Day-by-day safari summary
DayPlaceHighlightsHotel options
Day 1Fly from Zanzibar to Nyerere National ParkRufiji River boat safari · wild dogs · lakesTented camp in Nyerere National Park
Day 2Boat safari and game drive in NyerereRufiji River boat safari · wild dogs · lakesTented camp in Nyerere National Park
Day 3Nyerere to Mikumi National ParkRufiji River boat safari · wild dogs · lakesMid-range lodge in or beside Mikumi
Day 4Mikumi morning game drive and back to ZanzibarMkata floodplain · elephants and lionsDeparture

Ways to customise this trip

  • Add a night in the bush, a cultural visit or a balloon flight
  • Upgrade your stays or finish with beach time in Zanzibar
Customise this trip
Where you go

Route

1Nyerere3Mikumi4Dar es Salaam
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
  1. Day 1Nyerere
  2. Day 2Nyerere
  3. Day 3Mikumi
  4. Day 4Dar es Salaam

Day by day

Here is how the days run. We can adjust the route around your dates and the pace you want.

1Day 1Fly from Zanzibar to Nyerere National ParkTented camp in Nyerere National Park / Lunch, Dinner
Nyerere

Transfer to Zanzibar airport for a light-aircraft flight of about an hour to an airstrip in Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous). Your guide meets you on the strip and drives you to camp for lunch. The afternoon game drive explores the lakes linked to the Rufiji River, where elephants, giraffe, buffalo and wild dogs may be seen. Dinner at camp, listening to hippos in the dark. Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous) is a wilderness of rivers and lakes. As well as game drives you can explore by boat on the Rufiji River, close to hippos, crocodiles and elephants drinking at the bank, and it is one of the best parks for African wild dogs. A packed lunch is eaten out in the park, often within sight of grazing herds. You return to your tented camp in Nyerere National Park as the sun drops, with time to rest before dinner. Lunch and dinner are included today.

Main stop
Nyerere
Accommodation
Tented camp in Nyerere National Park
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
2Day 2Boat safari and game drive in NyerereTented camp in Nyerere National Park / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nyerere

Morning boat safari on the Rufiji River or one of its lakes — the best way to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants drinking at the bank and a huge variety of birds, including fish eagles, kingfishers and carmine bee-eaters. After lunch and a rest, a game drive on land in search of lions and the endangered African wild dog. Sundowner on the river before dinner. With another day in the same area, your guide can explore sections you haven't seen yet, return at first light to a promising sighting, or wait patiently where the animals are gathering. Lunch is a picnic in the park, usually at a viewpoint or under a big tree, so no time is lost driving back to camp. In the late afternoon you check in at your tented camp in Nyerere National Park, with time to freshen up before dinner and a briefing from your guide about tomorrow. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today.

Main stop
Nyerere
Accommodation
Tented camp in Nyerere National Park
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3Day 3Nyerere to Mikumi National ParkMid-range lodge in or beside Mikumi / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mikumi

After an early game drive and breakfast, drive west to Mikumi National Park, about five hours on rural roads through villages and farmland, with a picnic lunch along the way. Late-afternoon game drive on the Mkata floodplain for elephants, giraffe and lions, then check in to your lodge. Your guide picks a shady spot for a picnic lunch in the field, keeping the whole middle of the day for wildlife. The evening is spent at your mid-range lodge in or beside Mikumi: a hot shower, sundowners as the light fades, and dinner while you compare the day's sightings. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today.

Main stop
Mikumi
Accommodation
Mid-range lodge in or beside Mikumi
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4Day 4Mikumi morning game drive and back to ZanzibarBreakfast, Lunch
Dar es Salaam

A final game drive at sunrise, breakfast, then the drive to Dar es Salaam, about four to five hours. Connect with an afternoon flight or ferry back to Zanzibar — we arrange the timings so you are back on the island the same evening. Mikumi's open Mkata floodplain is often compared to the Serengeti. Elephants, giraffe, zebra, buffalo and wildebeest graze in the open, lions rest under the trees, and the Uluguru Mountains rise on the horizon. In the afternoon your guide drives you back for your drop-off — your hotel, the airport for your onward flight, or a connection to Zanzibar. We can add an extra night or a beach stay if you would like more time.

Main stop
Dar es Salaam
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation

Where you stay on this trip. We can move the comfort level up or down when we plan your dates.

Days 1, 2Tented camp in Nyerere National Park
Day 3Mid-range lodge in or beside Mikumi

Tour rates

Your price depends on your dates, group size and the stays you choose. We confirm it in writing once we have checked availability.

Travel styleWhat changesPrice
Mid-rangeComfortable lodges and tented camps, well placed for the parksOn request
LuxurySmaller, more private camps with extra space and serviceFrom $3,746 pp

Prices are per person and assume shared rooms. Season, park fees, group size, flights and lodge availability all affect the final quote.

Get my exact quote

What’s included

Included

  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Park entrance and conservation fees for the itinerary
  • Accommodation as listed, or similar
  • Meals as listed and bottled drinking water in the vehicle
  • Airport or hotel transfers at the start and end
  • Light-aircraft flight Zanzibar–Nyerere
  • Boat safari in Nyerere

Not included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guides and lodge staff
  • Drinks at lodges and personal expenses
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Ask what’s included
Traveller stories

Travellers who explored Tanzania with us

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Yandel F.Oct 2026 · TripAdvisor
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Good to know

Frequently asked questions

  1. Can this 4 days itinerary be changed?

    Yes. We can review your dates, daily pace, room preferences and interests, then build a specific proposal. Changes to flights, activities or park nights may affect cost and availability.

  2. Which accommodation will I stay in?

    Your proposal will name the properties and room categories for each night. Any stays shown here are planning options and remain subject to availability; alternative properties are agreed before confirmation.

  3. What wildlife will we see?

    Wildlife sightings depend on season, weather and the animals themselves. Your guide plans around local conditions, but particular species, migration movements and river crossings cannot be guaranteed.

  4. Can I change the route and accommodation?

    Yes. The published routes are starting points. Tell us your dates, interests and preferred comfort level so we can adjust nights, transfers and activities before quoting.

  5. What determines the final price?

    The travel season, number of travellers sharing a vehicle, park fees, room arrangements, lodge availability and domestic flights all affect cost. Your written proposal will identify inclusions and optional extras.

  6. Can the safari finish in Zanzibar?

    A mainland safari can connect with Zanzibar by a separately arranged domestic flight. Leave enough time for the transfer and confirm baggage allowances before booking flights.

  7. When is the best time for a Tanzania safari?

    Wildlife can be seen all year. June to October is dry, with animals gathering near water. January to March brings the calving season in the southern Serengeti. April and May are the long rains: greener, quieter and often better value. We match the parks and camps to the month you travel.

  8. How many days do I need?

    Two or three days suit Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Four to six days let you add the Serengeti without rushing, and seven or more give time for extra parks, a cultural visit or the coast. Fewer long drives usually means a better trip.

  9. Is the safari private?

    Our tailor-made safaris are private: your own vehicle and guide, and a daily pace set around your group. Shared departures can sometimes be arranged for solo travellers — ask us and we’ll explain the options.

  10. What vehicle will we travel in?

    Game drives are in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for viewing and photography. Your proposal confirms the vehicle and seating for your group size.

  11. Is a safari suitable for children?

    Yes, with the right planning. We keep drives shorter, choose family-friendly rooms and build in rest time. Some camps and activities have minimum ages, so please share each child’s age when you enquire.

  12. Can you cater for dietary needs?

    Most lodges and camps can prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other meals with notice. Tell us about allergies or requirements when you enquire and we’ll pass them to every property on your route.

  13. Do I need vaccinations or malaria tablets?

    Requirements depend on your nationality and recent travel, and a yellow fever certificate may be needed if you arrive from certain countries. Malaria precautions are generally advised. Please check with a travel health clinic before you go.

  14. What should I budget for tips?

    Tipping is not compulsory but is customary for guides and lodge staff. We include current guidance with your proposal so you can plan for it in advance.

  15. Will there be Wi-Fi and charging?

    Many lodges and camps offer charging points and some Wi-Fi, but the connection can be slow or limited to main areas in remote parks. A spare power bank is useful on game drives.

  16. How far in advance should I book?

    For July to October and the holiday season, three to nine months ahead gives the best choice of camps. Shorter notice is often possible — send us your dates and we’ll check availability.

Your safari, your way4 Days · Southern Tanzania
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Your safari notebook

A few details.
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Tell us who is coming and what you would love to find here. We’ll send back a route you can read, question and make your own.

  • Planned around your dates and interests
  • Midrange or luxury, at your pace
  • A personal conversation with our local team
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