5 Days – Nyerere (Selous) & Mikumi National Park Safari – Boat, Walking, and Wildlife Adventure in Tanzania
Overview
Embark on a 5-day wildlife and adventure safari through southern Tanzania’s premier parks: Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) and Mikumi National Park. This safari offers a perfect blend of boat safaris, walking excursions, cultural encounters, and classic game drives.
Begin your journey with a scenic boat safari along the Rufiji River, spotting hippos, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, and waterbirds in their natural habitats. Explore Nyerere National Park on full-day game drives, encountering vast herds of elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and lions, along with a spectacular variety of birdlife.
Continue your adventure with a walking safari guided by bushmen, offering a unique opportunity to observe wildlife, plants, and birds up close before heading to Mikumi National Park. At Mikumi, enjoy full-day game drives across open savannahs, including the Mkata floodplain, also called the “Little Serengeti,” perfect for wildlife photography and unforgettable African vistas.
Finally, immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to a Maasai village, learning about their traditional lifestyle, dances, and handicrafts. This safari combines thrilling wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and scenic landscapes, making it ideal for travelers seeking adventure and authentic Tanzanian experiences.
Included/Excluded
- All park fees
- All accommodation
- Airport transfers
- A professional safari driver guide
- All meals mentioned
- International flights
- Tips for your guide and crew
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks
- Any other personal expenses.
Tour Plan
Day 1: Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park – Boat Safari on Rufiji River
Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel or the airport in Dar es Salaam at 07:30 am. From there, travel approximately 220 km to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), enjoying the scenic landscapes of southern Tanzania along the way. Upon arrival, you will check in at Mloka Safari Lodge and have lunch before a short rest.
In the late afternoon, embark on a boat safari on the mighty Rufiji River. Watch hippos, crocodiles, elephants, waterbucks, and various bird species as they come to the river to drink. This is an ideal opportunity for photography and to enjoy the African sunset from the river. After the safari, return to Mloka Safari Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Nyerere National Park Full-Day Game Drive
After an early breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive in Nyerere National Park. Explore the park’s diverse habitats, from wetlands to open savannahs, spotting wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, zebras, impalas, and waterbucks. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy the rich variety of species present along the way.
Midday, enjoy a picnic lunch in the park with scenic views. In the afternoon, continue your game drive across different areas to maximize wildlife sightings. Return to Mloka Safari Lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Walking Safari with Bushmen – Transfer to Mikumi National Park
Begin your day with a walking safari guided by bushmen, giving you a closer look at the flora, fauna, and birdlife of Nyerere National Park. After returning to the lodge for breakfast, depart for Mikumi National Park, passing through Morogoro town along the way. Enjoy lunch en route before arriving at Camp Bastian Mikumi in the evening. After check-in, relax and enjoy dinner at the lodge.
Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Mikumi National Park
After breakfast, embark on a full-day game drive in Mikumi National Park, exploring its open savannahs, acacia forests, and the famous Mkata floodplain, also known as “Little Serengeti.” Spot large herds of elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and hippos. This area is particularly spectacular for photography due to its vast open plains and abundant wildlife.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park surrounded by wildlife and continue the game drive in the afternoon. Return to Camp Bastian Mikumi by late afternoon to relax, swim, and enjoy dinner before overnight stay.
Day 5: Maasai Village Visit – Return to Dar es Salaam
Start the day with a visit to a nearby Maasai village. Learn about their traditional lifestyle, culture, dances, and handicrafts, guided by a village elder. This immersive cultural experience provides insight into the history and daily life of the Maasai people.
After returning to the lodge for breakfast, depart for Dar es Salaam, stopping for lunch along the way. Arrive at your hotel, airport, or ferry terminal in the afternoon, marking the end of your 5-day Nyerere and Mikumi Safari adventure.