25-10-2025 | Tanzania safari tour packages
This 5-day Selous and Mikumi Safari package combines 2 days in Selous Game Reserve and 2 days in Mikumi National Park for an unforgettable southern Tanzania adventure, starting from $2,000 per person. Enjoy scenic flights from Dar es Salaam to Selous and onward to Mikumi, with exciting game drives, comfortable lodge stays, and all meals included. The package covers domestic flights, park fees, guided safaris, accommodation, meals, and transfers. We also offer flexible customization options, allowing you to tailor the itinerary, accommodation level, or activities to match your travel preferences. Please note: flight routes and base itinerary are fixed.
The 5-Day Selous and Mikumi Safari Tour: Tour Overview
This is not the standard, well-trodden tourist path. This 5-day Selous and Mikumi safari package is an expedition into the wild, untamed heart of Southern Tanzania. Designed for the discerning traveler who values time, exclusivity, and authentic wilderness, this tour bypasses long road journeys in favor of scenic bush flights, maximizing your time on the ground in two of Africa's most magnificent and contrasting reserves. It’s an adventure that combines the vast, riverine wilderness of Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere National Park) with the open, game-rich plains of Mikumi National Park.
Priced from $2,000 per person, this tour is a masterclass in efficiency and experience. You will fly from the bustle of Dar es Salaam directly into the remote bush, spend full days exploring these vast landscapes, and then seamlessly fly between parks and back to the city. Your time will be dedicated to diverse safari activities—from classic 4x4 game drives to thrilling boat safaris on the Rufiji River and intimate walking safaris. We handle every single logistic: your internal flights, your expert guides, your park fees, and your accommodation. You simply arrive ready for an immersive and unforgettable journey into a wilder side of Africa.
The Highlights of the 5-Day Selous and Mikumi Safari Package
This itinerary is crafted to showcase the unique character and biodiversity of Tanzania's Southern Circuit, offering experiences you simply won't find in the north.
Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park): A Water Wilderness
Selous is one of the largest and wildest game reserves in Africa. Its lifeblood is the mighty Rufiji River, which creates a stunning network of lakes, channels, and lagoons. This unique water-based ecosystem allows for safari experiences beyond the vehicle. The highlight is a boat safari, where you can glide past pods of hippos, sunbathing crocodiles, and a spectacular array of birdlife. You’ll also have the chance to embark on a walking safari, an intimate and thrilling way to connect with the bush, learning about tracks, plants, and smaller creatures from an armed ranger. Selous is also a critical stronghold for the endangered African wild dog, and its vast, rugged terrain is home to huge populations of elephants, buffalos, and lions.
Mikumi National Park: The "Little Serengeti"
After the dense riverine forests of Selous, Mikumi offers a dramatic and beautiful contrast. The park is dominated by the Mkata Floodplain, a wide, open expanse of savanna that is often compared to the Serengeti. This landscape makes for phenomenal and easy wildlife viewing. You will see enormous herds of zebra, wildebeest, and impala, along with some of the largest giraffes in the world. Mikumi is an excellent place to see lions, often spotted surveying their territory from the top of termite mounds. The park’s hippo pools are another major attraction, and the backdrop of the Uluguru and Udzungwa Mountains provides a stunning setting for your game drives.
The Effortless Fly-In Safari Experience
This 5-day Selous and Mikumi safari tour is built around comfort and efficiency. By using small, reliable bush planes for transfers, we eliminate the long, tiring, and dusty drives that can consume entire days. This means more of your precious vacation time is spent on safari, not in transit. The flights themselves are a spectacular experience, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Tanzanian landscape, from the coastline to the winding rivers and vast plains. It adds a touch of exclusive adventure to your journey.
Fully Customizable to Your Interests
While this itinerary is expertly designed, we consider it a starting point. We understand that every traveler is unique. This package is fully customizable to match your personal interests, timeline, and budget.
- Change Destinations: Wish to add the even more remote Ruaha National Park to your itinerary? We can arrange that.
- Adjust the Itinerary Flow: Prefer to spend more time in Selous or Mikumi? We can add or subtract days as you wish.
- Vary Transportation: Want to experience the new SGR luxury train for a portion of your journey? We can create a hybrid fly-in and train safari.
- Start from Zanzibar: This tour can easily be adapted to start and end in Zanzibar, making it the perfect addition to a beach holiday.
Tell us your vision, and we will build the perfect Southern Circuit safari for you.
The 5-Day Selous and Mikumi Safari Tour Itinerary
Here is a detailed, day-by-day plan for your exclusive fly-in safari adventure.
Day 1: Flight from Dar es Salaam to Selous & Afternoon Game Drive
Your adventure begins at the domestic terminal of Dar es Salaam's airport. You will board a scheduled light aircraft for the scenic flight to Selous Game Reserve. As you fly, you'll watch the urban landscape give way to the vast, green wilderness of Southern Tanzania. The flight itself is a thrilling introduction to the scale of the reserve.
Upon landing at a bush airstrip, you will be met by your professional safari guide and a 4x4 safari vehicle. After a warm welcome, you will embark on your first game drive en route to your camp or lodge, which is situated in a prime wildlife location. After checking in and enjoying lunch, you will head out for an afternoon game drive. This first foray into the bush will introduce you to the unique flora and fauna of Selous, with possible sightings of elephants, giraffes, and a variety of antelope species. You'll return to your camp at sunset for dinner.
Day 2: Full Day of Safari Activities in Selous
Today is dedicated to a full immersion in the wonders of Selous. You have the flexibility to choose your activities. You might start with an early morning walking safari, accompanied by an armed ranger. This is a chance to experience the bush on a more intimate level, focusing on the tracks, sounds, and smells of the wilderness.
After returning to camp for breakfast, you can head out for a traditional game drive, exploring deeper into the reserve in search of lions, leopards, and the elusive African wild dogs. In the afternoon, you will experience one of Selous's signature activities: a boat safari on the Rufiji River or one of its connected lakes. From the water, you'll get a unique perspective, observing hippos, massive crocodiles, and an incredible array of water birds, all while elephants and other animals come to the banks to drink. You'll return to camp for dinner under the stars.
Day 3: Flight from Selous to Mikumi & Afternoon Game Drive
After a final morning activity in Selous (perhaps a short game drive), you will be transferred back to the airstrip for your flight to Mikumi National Park. This short flight offers another fantastic aerial perspective, allowing you to see the change in landscape from the riverine forests of Selous to the open plains of Mikumi.
Upon landing at Mikumi's airstrip, you will be greeted by your new safari guide. You'll enjoy a game drive on your way to your accommodation, located with excellent access to the park. After lunch and settling in, you will head out for an afternoon game drive across the famous Mkata Floodplain. This is your first opportunity to see Mikumi's vast herds of zebra, wildebeest, and buffalo, as well as the park's impressive lion population.
Day 4: Full Day Game Drive in Mikumi National Park
Today is dedicated to a comprehensive exploration of Mikumi National Park. We will leave early to take advantage of the cool morning hours when animals are most active. We will traverse the Mkata Floodplain, the heart of the park, where the open terrain makes spotting wildlife easy and rewarding. We will search for lions, elephants, and giraffes, and your guide will share fascinating details about their behavior.
We will visit the park's hippo pools for a chance to see these massive animals up close. Lunch will be a picnic at a scenic spot within the park, or you can return to your lodge for a break. The afternoon will be spent exploring different areas of the park, seeking out a variety of antelope species like eland, kudu, and sable. As the sun sets over the distant mountains, you will return to your lodge for your final dinner in the bush.
Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Flight from Mikumi to Dar es Salaam
On your final day, you have the option for one last early morning game drive, a final chance to find any animals you may have missed or to simply enjoy the beauty of the African sunrise. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Mikumi airstrip in time for your scheduled flight back to Dar es Salaam. The flight provides a final, scenic farewell to the wild landscapes you've been exploring. Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, our representative will assist you with your onward travel arrangements, marking the end of your incredible 5-day safari.
Cost Inclusions and Exclusions
Price: From $2,000 per person
What’s Included:
- => Internal Flights: All scheduled flights as per the itinerary (Dar-Selous, Selous-Mikumi, Mikumi-Dar).
- => All Airport/Airstrip Transfers.
- => Private 4x4 Safari Vehicle: Use of a well-maintained vehicle with a pop-up roof during game drives.
- => Professional English-Speaking Guides: Experienced guides in both Selous and Mikumi.
- => Park Fees: All required entry fees for Selous Game Reserve and Mikumi National Park.
- => Safari Activities: Game drives, a boat safari in Selous, and a walking safari in Selous.
- => Accommodation: 4 nights' accommodation in quality safari lodges or tented camps.
- => Meals: All meals as specified in the itinerary (from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5).
- => Bottled Mineral Water: Provided during game drives.
What’s Not Included:
- => International Flights.
- => Tanzanian Visa.
- => Accommodation in Dar es Salaam before or after the safari.
- => Tips for Your Guides and Camp Staff.
- => Travel and Medical Insurance (compulsory).
- => Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and items of a personal nature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main difference between Selous and Mikumi?
Selous (Nyerere NP) is a vast, rugged wilderness defined by the Rufiji River, offering unique water-based safaris and walking safaris. Mikumi is known for its wide-open Mkata Floodplain, which offers easier and more concentrated wildlife viewing, similar to the Serengeti. This tour gives you the best of both worlds: rugged wilderness and open plains.
2. Is this safari suitable for a first-time visitor to Africa?
Absolutely. This 5-day Selous and Mikumi safari is a fantastic introduction to the African bush. It’s less crowded than the Northern Circuit, offers a wider variety of activities, and the fly-in aspect makes it very comfortable and efficient.
3. What are the bush flights like?
The flights are on small, light aircraft, typically Cessna Grand Caravans or similar models, which carry around 12 passengers. They are safe, reliable, and fly at lower altitudes, offering incredible views. There are strict luggage restrictions, so packing in a soft duffel bag under 15kg is essential.
4. Can I really customize this trip?
Yes, completely. This itinerary is a popular and well-designed template, but we can alter it in any way. We can extend your stay, add other parks like Ruaha, arrange a start/end from Zanzibar, or incorporate different modes of transport. Just let us know what you're dreaming of.
5. What is the best time of year to take this tour?
The best time to visit Southern Tanzania is during the long dry season, from June to October. During this period, the vegetation is thinner, and animals congregate around the rivers and waterholes, making them easier to spot.
This 5-day fly-in safari is your gateway to the raw beauty and thrilling adventures of Southern Tanzania. It’s a journey designed for discovery, comfort, and an authentic connection with the wild. If you’re ready to explore a different side of Africa, away from the crowds, we are ready to create your perfect itinerary. Contact us to start planning your adventure today.