Tanzania · Safari

5-Day Selous and Mikumi Safari from Dar es Salaam with Rufiji Boat Trip

5 Days Round trip from Dar es Salam Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Witness lions in their natural habitat at Selous Game Reserve
02 Cruise the Rufiji River, observing hippos and crocodiles
03 Explore Mikumi's vast savannahs teeming with diverse wildlife
04 Spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests on full-day game drives

Join this 5-day safari from Dar es Salaam to Selous Game Reserve and Mikumi National Park for rewarding wildlife encounters across two of Tanzania's renowned safari destinations. Track lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and various antelope species on game drives through Selous, then enjoy a boat safari on the Rufiji River, Tanzania's largest river. Continue to Mikumi, where wide-open savannahs and acacia woodlands create excellent opportunities to spot zebras, wildebeests, lions, giraffes, and more. With scenic overland transfers, accommodation, and meals as per the itinerary, this journey offers a well-rounded safari experience.

In the afternoon, take a boat safari on the Rufiji River, the largest river in Tanzania, to observe hippos, crocodiles, and various birdlife.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park, Selous Game Reserve

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Dar es Salaam and Transfer to Selous

Arrive in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest city, either by international flight or by connecting from another destination.
Meet your safari guide at the airport or your hotel and begin the approximately 4-5 hour scenic drive to Selous Game Reserve.
Arrive at your lodge or camp within Selous Game Reserve, check in, and have lunch.
In the late afternoon, embark on your first thrilling game drive in Selous to begin your wildlife encounters.
Return to your accommodation in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 02

Full-Day Safari and Rufiji River Boat Trip in Selous

After an early breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive in Selous Game Reserve. Explore different areas of the reserve while seeking out diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and various antelope species.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the reserve, surrounded by nature and wildlife.
In the afternoon, take a boat safari on the Rufiji River, the largest river in Tanzania, to observe hippos, crocodiles, and various birdlife.
Return to your lodge or camp in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

Day 03

Scenic Transfer to Mikumi National Park

After breakfast, bid farewell to Selous Game Reserve and embark on a scenic drive to Mikumi National Park, which takes about 5-6 hours.
Arrive at your lodge or camp in Mikumi, have lunch, and take some time to relax.
In the late afternoon, head out for a game drive in Mikumi National Park to begin exploring the park's abundant wildlife.
Return to your accommodation in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 04

Full-Day Game Drive in Mikumi

After breakfast, venture into Mikumi National Park for a full-day game drive. The park is known for its wide-open savannahs, acacia woodlands, and the opportunity to spot elephants, zebras, wildebeests, lions, giraffes, and more.
Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.
Continue your game drive in the afternoon, seeking out more wildlife sightings and photographic opportunities.
Return to your lodge or camp in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

Day 05

Morning Game Drive and Return to Dar es Salaam

On the final day, wake up early for a final morning game drive in Mikumi National Park. It is a chance to catch glimpses of animals during their most active hours, then transfer to Dar es Salaam.
After breakfast, check out from your accommodation and begin your journey back to Dar es Salaam.
Depending on your departure arrangements, you will be transferred to the airport or your next destination.

Where this trip takes you

Selous Game Reserve, Rufiji River boat safari, Mikumi National Park savannahs

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Dar es Salam 3 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park fees
Transport in open-roofed 4x4 vehicles
Professional English-speaking driver guide
Guide allowances
Excursions as per the itinerary
Full-day game drive - 8 hrs
Half-day game drive - 4 hrs
1 litre of water per person per day during the safari
Accommodation on a sharing basis
Meals as per the itinerary
Taxes

What's Not Included

Beverages
Alcoholic drinks
Items of a personal nature
Tips
Visa
Insurance
Flights
Bank charges

What to bring

When visiting Tanzania, especially for a safari or outdoor adventure, it's essential to pack wisely to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Here's a list of items to bring with you:

Travel Documents:
- Passport with a minimum of six months' validity.
- Visa (if required; check Tanzania's entry requirements).
- Photocopies of important documents.
Vaccination and Health Documents:
- Yellow fever certificate (required for entry).
- Immunization records and necessary vaccinations (consult your healthcare provider).
- Personal medications and prescriptions, if applicable.
Clothing:
- Lightweight and breathable clothing for hot days.
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against the sun and insects.
- Warm clothing for cooler evenings, especially in highland areas.
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for outdoor activities.
- Sandals or flip-flops for casual wear.
- Swimsuit (if your itinerary includes beach or water activities).
Outdoor Gear:
- Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF.
- Insect repellent.
- Rain jacket or poncho (especially if travelling during the wet season).
- Daypack for excursions and hikes.
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- Camera and extra memory cards for capturing the stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Cash and Banking:
- Tanzanian Shillings (local currency) for small expenses.
- Credit/debit cards for larger purchases (notify your bank of your travel plans).
- U.S. dollars in small denominations for emergencies.

Know before you go

Remember that the specific items you need may vary depending on your itinerary and preferences. It's important to check with your tour operator or accommodation provider to see what items they might provide, such as camping equipment, before overpacking.
Also note that while Tanzania is relatively well-equipped, especially in major cities and tourist areas, some items may be harder to find in remote locations, so it's wise to come prepared.
Note that payment by credit card will incur an additional 5% charge, as bank charges are applied by the bank in Tanzania. Payment by Telegraphic Transfer will incur an additional USD 50 per transfer as bank charges.

Logistics