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Experience the perfect combination of classic African wildlife safari and breathtaking mountain adventure on this five-day journey from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park and the Udzungwa Mountains. This itinerary is designed for travelers who want more than just game drives — blending rich cultural encounters, vast savannah wildlife viewing, and immersive rainforest hiking into one unforgettable experience.
Begin with a scenic drive through the Uluguru Mountains to Mikumi National Park, where open floodplains teem with wildlife including lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of antelope species. Two full days of game drives across the Mkata Floodplain offer excellent opportunities to witness predators in action and observe Tanzania’s iconic wildlife in their natural habitat.
The adventure continues in the lush Udzungwa Mountains, often called the “Galapagos of Africa” for their remarkable biodiversity. Here, you’ll hike through tropical rainforest to the spectacular Sanje Waterfalls, encounter endemic primates, and enjoy panoramic views over the Kilombero Valley.
Combining wildlife, culture, landscapes, and adventure, this safari offers a well-rounded Tanzanian experience ideal for nature lovers and active explorers alike.
The journey begins with a departure from Dar es Salaam. This route traverses the coastal plains before ascending through the scenic Uluguru Mountains toward the Morogoro region. The drive typically takes between 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic conditions. Upon arrival in Mikumi, you will check into your lodge. After resting until 4:00 PM, the afternoon is dedicated to a visit to a local Maasai boma. This cultural tour provides insight into their traditional pastoralist lifestyle, architectural methods using local mud and thatch, and ceremonial beadwork.
The second day is spent exploring the Mkata Floodplain, often compared to the Serengeti for its open horizons and abundant wildlife. During the morning session, you are likely to encounter the "Big Four" (lion, elephant, buffalo, and leopard), along with the park's signature "Mikumi Giraffes,". Lunch will be served at a designated park restaurant, providing a break from the sun. After lunch proceed with game drive until evening the heading to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
A second full day in Mikumi allows for exploration of the more remote southern reaches of the park or the acacia-dotted woodlands. This additional time increases the probability of spotting rarer species.
The Mkata Floodplain’s black cotton soil supports a high density of herbivores, which in turn sustains healthy prides of lions. You will return to the park restaurant for lunch. The day concludes with a sunset drive, a prime time for observing predators as they begin their nocturnal hunts.
On day four, you will take a short drive (approximately 90 minutes) to the Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Part of the Eastern Arc chain, these mountains are referred to as the "Galapagos of Africa" due to their high levels of endemism. The day’s primary activity is hiking. The most popular trail leads to the Sanje Waterfalls, a series of three stages where water plunges 170 meters through the rainforest canopy. During the ascent, hikers often spot endemic primates, including the Iringa Red Colobus and the Sanje Crested Mangabey. The forest is also a haven for rare birds and butterflies. After the hike, you will return to your Mikumi accommodation for the evening.
The final day involves a morning departure from Mikumi for the return journey to Dar es Salaam. The route offers a final glimpse of the Tanzanian countryside and the bustling markets of Morogoro. Upon arrival in the city, your driver will drop you at your selected location, whether it be a hotel, residence, or the Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) for onward travel.
