Zanzibar Safari Escape – 2 Days in Mikumi

Leave the ocean behind and fly into the savannah. This Mikumi safari from Zanzibar offers game drives, wildlife encounters, and flexible flight options.

2-Day Mikumi Safari from Zanzibar (Fly-In Package)

Escape the beach for two unforgettable days of wildlife adventure! A 2-day Mikumi safari from Zanzibar is the perfect way to balance your holiday between relaxation on the island and exploration of the African wilderness. After soaking up the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, you can easily board a short flight or ferry + road transfer to mainland Tanzania and dive straight into a true safari experience.

Mikumi National Park, situated in the Morogoro Region, is often referred to as the “mini-Serengeti” due to its vast open plains and remarkable concentration of wildlife. In just two days, you’ll have the chance to see:

🐘 Elephants and buffalo herds grazing freely
🦁 Lions resting under acacia trees or stalking prey in the grasslands
🦒 Giraffes and zebras wandering the savannah in huge numbers
🐦 Over 300 species of birds, from colourful rollers to majestic eagles
🐊 Hippos wallowing in the Mkata floodplains pools

What makes this safari so special is that it’s designed for travellers who don’t have weeks to explore Tanzania’s Northern Circuit (like Serengeti and Ngorongoro) but still want a real safari adventure while staying in Zanzibar.

With daily departures, expert driver-guides, and seamless flight connections, this short safari is stress-free and maximises your game-viewing time. Whether you are a solo traveller,a couple on honeymoon, a family with kids, or a small group of friends, a Mikumi safari from Zanzibar fits perfectly into your itinerary without taking too much time away from your beach holiday.

🦁 Why Choose This Safari?

✈️ Fly direct from Zanzibar → Dar es Salaam or Mikumi

🚙 Private 4×4 safari vehicle with professional driver-guide

🏕️ Choice of accommodation: budget, mid-range, or luxury

🦓 Guaranteed wildlife encounters: elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras & more

📍 Best option for travelers on Zanzibar beach holiday wanting a real safari experience

✅ Safari Inclusions

Return flights Zanzibar ↔ Dar es Salaam (or Mikumi)
Airport transfers in Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam
Accommodation (budget, mid-range, or luxury)
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking driver-guide (other languages on request)
Park entrance fees
Bottled drinking water
Government taxes & levies

❌ Exclusions

International flights to/from Tanzania
Travel insurance & visa fees
Alcoholic drinks & soft drinks
Tips & personal expenses
Optional cultural tours (Maasai village, local market visit)

📅 Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Zanzibar → Mikumi National Park

Your adventure begins in the early morning as you leave behind the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of Zanzibar. After a comfortable transfer from your hotel to Zanzibar Airport, you’ll board a flight bound for mainland Tanzania. Depending on your chosen option, you may fly directly into Mikumi or land in Dar es Salaam for a scenic overland journey.

If arriving in Dar es Salaam, the drive to Mikumi National Park takes approximately 5–6 hours, winding through vibrant villages, lush countryside, and the dramatic backdrop of the Uluguru Mountains. The journey itself is a cultural experience, offering glimpses of everyday Tanzanian life along the roadside. For those taking a direct charter, the transfer is shorter—about one hour—allowing you more time in the park.

By midday, you’ll arrive in Mikumi National Park and enjoy a delicious lunch before heading out on your first game drive. The afternoon is spent exploring the park’s expansive plains, often compared to a mini-Serengeti. This is the perfect introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife: herds of elephants moving gracefully across the grasslands, tall giraffes browsing acacia trees, lions resting in the shade, and wildebeests mingling with zebras. At the hippo pools, you’ll watch pods of hippos lazing in the water while crocodiles bask on the banks.

As the sun sets over the horizon, painting the savannah in golden hues, you’ll return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation. Depending on your preference, you can stay in:

Budget: Camp Bastian Mikumi – cozy chalets and warm hospitality.
Mid-Range: Mikumi Wildlife Camp – comfortable rooms with direct views over the plains.
Luxury: Vuma Hills Tented Camp – stylish tented suites perched on the hills with sweeping panoramas.

Fall asleep to the distant calls of hyenas and the soothing sounds of the African night.

🗓️ Day 2 – Sunrise Game Drive → Return to Zanzibar

Wake up to the soft sounds of the wilderness as dawn breaks over the Mikumi plains. After a warm cup of coffee or tea, you’ll head out for an early morning game drive, the best time to witness predators returning from their night hunts and herbivores beginning their day. The cool morning air carries the calls of birds as giraffes move gracefully through the golden light, lions stretch and yawn beneath acacia trees, and elephants gather near waterholes to drink.

This magical sunrise safari is one of the highlights of Mikumi, offering breathtaking photography opportunities and a chance to experience the park at its most active. Your driver-guide will take you deeper into the Mkata Floodplain, where wildlife congregates, and you may even catch sight of elusive leopards or packs of wild dogs if luck is on your side.

After a few unforgettable hours in the wild, you’ll return to your lodge for a hearty breakfast. With your bags packed and memories full of incredible sightings, it’s time to begin the journey back to Zanzibar.

If you arrived by road, you’ll retrace your route to Dar es Salaam, enjoying the scenic drive past rolling hills and bustling roadside towns.
If you choose a direct charter flight, you’ll head to the Mikumi airstrip and fly straight to Zanzibar.

By the afternoon or evening, you’ll find yourself back on the spice island, returning to your hotel with stories of lions, elephants, and the great savannah — an unforgettable adventure neatly woven into your Zanzibar holiday.

get a quote

FAQ - Mikumi National Park

1) Is 2 day enough for Mikumi froam Zanzibar?

Yes. Two days give you plenty of time for an afternoon game drive on Day 1 and a sunrise game drive on Day 2, covering Mikumi’s wildlife-rich plains. It’s ideal for travelers based in Zanzibar who want a short but authentic safari in mainland Tanzania.

2. How do I get from Zanzibar to Mikumi?

You can either:

Fly from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam and continue by road (5–6 hrs), or
Take a direct charter flight Zanzibar → Mikumi Airstrip (about 1 hr).
Most travelers prefer the flight option to save time.

3. What wildlife can I see in Mikumi National Park?

Mikumi is often called the “mini-Serengeti” and is home to:

Elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles.
Over 300 bird species.
Game drives in the Mkata Floodplain almost guarantee sightings.

4. Is Mikumi good for families and children?

Yes. Mikumi is a family-friendly safari park with easy access, short game drives, and great wildlife viewing. Kids especially enjoy spotting giraffes, elephants, and hippos.

5. What is included in the 2-day Mikumi safari from Zanzibar?

Typically included are: return flights, airport transfers, private 4x4 safari jeep, professional English-speaking driver-guide (other languages on request), park entrance fees, game drives, bottled water, meals, and accommodation.

6. What is not included?

Exclusions usually are: international flights, visas, travel insurance, tips, alcoholic beverages, and optional activities like Maasai cultural tours.

7. When is the best time to visit Mikumi National Park?

Mikumi is a year-round destination. The dry season (June–October) makes wildlife easier to spot, while the green season (November–May) offers lush landscapes and birdwatching.

8. What type of accommodation is available in Mikumi?

You can choose:

Budget: Camp Bastian Mikumi
Mid-range: Mikumi Wildlife Camp
Luxury: Vuma Hills Tented Camp
All options provide comfort with easy access to the park.

9. Can I combine Mikumi with other parks?

Yes. Many travelers combine a Mikumi safari with Ruaha National Park, Udzungwa Mountains, or Nyerere (Selous) National Park for a longer Southern Circuit safari.

10. How much does a 2-day Mikumi safari cost?

Prices range between $550–$950 per person, depending on group size, season, and lodge category (budget, mid-range, or luxury).

11. Is this safari suitable for honeymooners or couples?

Absolutely. A Mikumi safari from Zanzibar can be customized with luxury lodges, private game drives, and special experiences — perfect for honeymooners seeking both romance and adventure.

12. Do I need to pack anything special?

Pack light since domestic flights allow 15–23 kg per person. Essentials: lightweight clothes, sun hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, a camera, and comfortable walking shoes.