Southern Circuit — Mikumi National Park
Mikumi is the most accessible of Tanzania's big game parks, a short drive from Dar es Salaam and right on our doorstep in Mikumi town. Its open floodplain is often compared to the Serengeti in miniature — wide grassland framed by the Uluguru Mountains, with reliable sightings of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and the lion prides that patrol the plains.
Travel is by 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing, with an English-speaking driver-guide throughout. This short itinerary is ideal for a weekend escape or as an add-on to a longer trip through southern Tanzania.
Day By Day
Select a day to see the drive time, game viewing, and where you'll be spending the night.
Across the Uluguru foothills to the floodplain
Picked up in Dar es Salaam after breakfast, the drive heads west through Morogoro and along the base of the Uluguru Mountains before arriving at Mikumi in the early afternoon. There's time for a first game drive on arrival, crossing the open Mkata floodplain where elephant, giraffe, and zebra are commonly seen grazing right alongside the road.
The Mkata floodplain and Hippo Pool
A full day exploring Mikumi's game-rich floodplain, with morning and afternoon drives broken up by a picnic lunch at camp. Highlights include the resident lion prides that hunt the open grassland, large buffalo herds, and Hippo Pool, where dozens of hippos wallow within easy viewing distance of the vehicle.
Final game drive and drive back to the coast
A final morning game drive before checking out, with breakfast at camp. The route retraces the road back through Morogoro to Dar es Salaam, arriving in the early afternoon in good time for an evening flight or onward travel.
Get a quote for your dates and group size — we'll handle the rest.
Africa Adventure — Southern Circuit Specialists
Based in Mikumi, Morogoro, Gilbays Safaris runs daily departures into Mikumi National Park alongside safaris and tours across Tanzania — from game drives to Maasai cultural excursions.
