25-10-2025 | Tanzania safari tour packages

This 3-day Mikumi Safari from Zanzibar combines a ferry and train journey with an exciting wildlife experience in Mikumi National Park, starting from $800 per person. The package includes transport from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam by ferry and onward by SGR train to Mikumi. Guests will enjoy guided game drives, park entry fees, accommodation in comfortable lodges, meals, and transfers. The safari offers a great opportunity to see elephants, lions, giraffes, and zebras in their natural habitat. Customization options are available, allowing travelers to adjust the itinerary, transport, or accommodation to fit their preferences. The travel sequence and base itinerary are fixed.

3-Day Mikumi Safari Package from Zanzibar

The 3-Day Mikumi Safari Tour from Zanzibar: Tour Overview

You’re relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar, but the call of the wild African mainland is undeniable. You want an authentic safari, but you don't have a full week to spare, nor do you want the hassle of complex flights and long road trips. This 3-day Mikumi safari package from Zanzibar is the perfect solution, designed specifically for you. It’s an efficient, modern, and incredibly scenic adventure that combines the best of Tanzania's transport with a full day in one of its most underrated national parks.

This is not a typical safari. Instead of a long drive, you will journey from Zanzibar to the mainland via a comfortable, modern ferry, followed by a trip on Tanzania's new Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train. This allows you to relax and watch the true Tanzanian countryside unfold from the comfort of an air-conditioned carriage. The core of the adventure is a full, intensive day of wildlife viewing in Mikumi National Park, a place often called the "Little Serengeti." We handle every single logistic: your ferry tickets, your train tickets, all your private transfers, your accommodation, and your safari vehicle. You simply need to pack a small bag and get ready for a seamless and unforgettable wildlife experience.

The Highlights of the 3-Day Mikumi Safari from Zanzibar

This unique package is built around efficiency, comfort, and providing an authentic taste of the Tanzanian bush without disrupting your island holiday.

Mikumi National Park: The Accessible Serengeti

Mikumi is the fourth-largest national park in Tanzania and offers a fantastic and accessible safari experience. Its centerpiece is the Mkata Floodplain, an expansive panorama of open grassland that draws comparisons to the more famous Serengeti. This landscape makes wildlife spotting incredibly rewarding. The park is home to four of the "Big Five," with reliable sightings of lions, elephants, buffalos, and leopards (though leopards are famously elusive). You will also find vast herds of zebra, wildebeest, impala, and some of the world's largest giraffes. The park's hippo pools are a major attraction, where you can watch dozens of hippos jostling and grunting in the water. Framed by the Uluguru Mountains in the distance, Mikumi is a stunningly beautiful and wildlife-rich destination.

The Unique SGR Train and Ferry Journey

What truly sets this 3-day Mikumi safari package from Zanzibar apart is the mode of travel. You'll avoid the bumpy, dusty roads and instead enjoy a comfortable and civilized journey. The adventure begins with a fast, modern ferry ride from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam. From there, you will board the SGR train. These are new, air-conditioned trains with comfortable seating and large windows, offering a smooth and relaxing ride. This journey is part of the experience, giving you a unique perspective on Tanzania as you pass through rural villages, farms, and wild landscapes that are inaccessible by road, all while resting comfortably.

One Full, Intensive Day of Wildlife Viewing

While the trip is three days, it is perfectly structured to give you one full, high-impact day of safari. We dedicate the entire second day, from sunrise to sunset, to exploring Mikumi National Park. This is a significant advantage. An early start means you will see predators when they are most active. A full day allows us to cover different areas of the park, from the open floodplains to the more wooded areas and the popular hippo pools. You are not just doing a short afternoon drive; you are getting a complete, immersive experience of the park and its inhabitants, maximizing your chances of incredible sightings.

Completely Seamless and All-Inclusive Logistics

This package is designed for total peace of mind. From the moment we pick you up from your Zanzibar hotel to the moment we drop you back, every detail is managed by us. You don't have to worry about navigating ferry terminals, buying train tickets, or finding your way from the port to the station. We provide all private transfers with a professional driver in Dar es Salaam. Your safari guide and a dedicated 4x4 vehicle will be waiting for you at the station near Mikumi. All your accommodation, park fees, and specified meals are included. It’s a truly hassle-free way to add a world-class safari to your beach holiday.

The 3-Day Mikumi Safari Package from Zanzibar: Tour Itinerary

Here is a detailed, day-by-day breakdown of your seamless safari adventure. The timings are based on current ferry and SGR train schedules and are subject to minor changes.

Day 1: Zanzibar → Dar es Salaam by Ferry → Mikumi National Park by SGR

Your adventure begins very early. Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Zanzibar around 5:30 AM and transfer you to the Zanzibar Ferry Port. You will board the first modern, high-speed ferry of the day, which departs around 7:00 AM. The journey across the Indian Ocean to Dar es Salaam is comfortable and takes approximately two hours.

Upon arrival at the Dar es Salaam ferry terminal around 9:00 AM, you will be met by your private driver, who will be holding a sign with your name. He will assist you with your luggage and transfer you directly to the Dar es Salaam SGR train station. The transfer gives you a brief glimpse of Tanzania's bustling commercial capital.

At the train station, you will board the SGR train. The journey to the station closest to Mikumi National Park is a highlight in itself, taking you through the Tanzanian heartland. You’ll watch the landscape transform from urban sprawl to rural villages and open bush. The train ride is approximately 4-5 hours.

In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the train station, where your safari driver-guide will be waiting to welcome you. From there, it's a short drive to your safari lodge or tented camp located just outside the park gates. You will check in, have some time to freshen up, and then enjoy a delicious dinner before resting up for your big day of wildlife viewing tomorrow.

Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Mikumi National Park

Today is all about safari. After an early breakfast, you will head into Mikumi National Park for a full day of exploration in your private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal viewing. The early morning hours are the best time for spotting predators, so we will focus on areas where lions are known to roam.

We will spend the day exploring the diverse landscapes of the park, with a special focus on the Mkata Floodplain, where you can see vast herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, and elephants. Your guide will share his extensive knowledge of the park's flora and fauna, pointing out various bird species and explaining the behaviors of the animals you encounter. We will visit the hippo pools, where you can get out of the vehicle at a safe distance and watch the hippos and crocodiles.

For lunch, you will have a choice between a packed picnic lunch enjoyed at a scenic spot inside the park or returning to your lodge for a hot meal before heading out again. The afternoon game drive will focus on different areas, seeking out giraffes, antelopes, and any other animals we have yet to see. As the sun begins to set, casting a golden glow over the plains, we will make our way back to your lodge for dinner and a well-earned rest.

Day 3: Mikumi National Park → Dar es Salaam by SGR → Ferry back to Zanzibar

Enjoy a more relaxed breakfast at your lodge this morning. After checking out, your safari guide will transfer you back to the nearby SGR train station in time for your morning departure. You will say goodbye to your guide and board the train for the comfortable journey back to Dar es Salaam.

You will arrive back in Dar es Salaam in the early afternoon. Your private driver will be waiting for you at the train station to transfer you directly back to the ferry terminal. You will board a mid-afternoon ferry for the return trip to Zanzibar.

Upon your arrival back in Zanzibar in the late afternoon or early evening, our Zanzibar-based driver will be waiting for you at the port. He will transfer you directly back to your hotel, concluding your unforgettable 3-day Mikumi safari adventure.

Cost Inclusions and Exclusions

We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Your safari package price ($800 per person) includes:

What’s Included:

  • => All Transfers: Hotel pickup/drop-off in Zanzibar, all private transfers in Dar es Salaam (port to station and vice versa).
  • => Ferry and Train Tickets: Return (two-way) tickets for the modern ferry and the SGR train.
  • => Private 4x4 Safari Vehicle: An exclusive vehicle for your game drive in Mikumi, with a pop-up roof and a professional guide.
  • => Professional English-Speaking Guide: An experienced safari guide for your full day in Mikumi National Park.
  • => Park Fees: All required entry fees for Mikumi National Park.
  • => Accommodation: Two nights' accommodation at a comfortable safari lodge or tented camp near Mikumi.
  • => Meals: Meals as specified in the itinerary (usually Day 1 dinner, Day 2 all meals, Day 3 breakfast).
  • => Bottled Mineral Water: A supply of drinking water during your game drive.

What’s Not Included:

  • => Accommodation in Zanzibar: Your hotel before and after the safari is not included.
  • => International or Domestic Flights.
  • => Tanzanian Visa.
  • => Tips for Your Drivers and Guide: Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for excellent service.
  • => Beverages: Alcoholic drinks, sodas, and other personal drinks are not included.
  • => Travel Insurance: We require all clients to have comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
  • => Items of a Personal Nature: Such as souvenirs or laundry services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why should I choose Mikumi instead of the Serengeti for a short trip from Zanzibar?
Mikumi is the perfect choice for a short safari due to its excellent accessibility from Dar es Salaam via the SGR train. Reaching the Serengeti requires a flight or a very long drive, making it unsuitable for a 3-day trip. Mikumi offers a genuine and high-quality wildlife experience without the high cost and long travel time.

2. What is the SGR train journey like? Is it safe and comfortable?
The SGR train is modern, safe, and very comfortable. The carriages are clean, air-conditioned, and have comfortable seating with ample legroom and large windows for viewing the scenery. It is a far more relaxing and pleasant way to travel than by road.

3. How much luggage can I bring?
Because of the multiple transfers (hotel to ferry, car, train), we strongly recommend packing light. A small overnight duffel bag or backpack with your essentials for the two nights is ideal. You can typically leave your larger luggage securely at your hotel in Zanzibar.

4. Will I see the "Big Five"?
Mikumi has four of the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalos are all present. However, there are no rhinoceroses in the park. While lions, elephants, and buffalos are commonly seen, leopards are solitary and nocturnal, making them very difficult to spot.

5. Is one full day of game driving really enough?
Yes. A full, dedicated day from sunrise to sunset provides an excellent and comprehensive safari experience in a park the size of Mikumi. It allows you to see the animals during their most active periods and to explore the park's main wildlife hotspots thoroughly, giving you a very high chance of seeing a wide variety of animals.

This 3-day Mikumi safari is the perfect way to add an authentic taste of the African wilderness to your Zanzibar beach holiday. It’s an efficient, unique, and comfortable journey that packs a huge amount of adventure into a short time. Let us handle all the complex logistics so you can simply relax and enjoy the incredible sights and sounds of the Tanzanian bush. Your adventure is ready when you are.