Day trip to mikumi National park from Zanzibar

Safari Overview

Embark on a breathtaking one-day safari adventure from the white sands of Zanzibar to the raw wilderness of Mikumi National Park. Ideal for travelers short on time, this thrilling itinerary unveils one of Tanzania’s most accessible and wildlife-rich parks. Mikumi, often called the “Little Serengeti,” offers an authentic bush experience with immense diversity—huge herds of elephants and buffalo, iconic giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, and a backdrop of baobab-dotted savannahs and soaring mountains. Perfect for couples, families, and solo explorers, this fly-in safari combines the magic of airborne travel with an up-close encounter with Africa’s legendary wildlife, returning you to Zanzibar by evening.

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Detailed Itinerary

Zanzibar

Mikumi

Zanzibar

Day 1: Zanzibar – Mikumi – Zanzibar

Your adventure begins before sunrise as your driver arrives at your Zanzibar hotel by 5:00 am. Enjoy a scenic transfer through the island’s awakening streets, arriving at Zanzibar Airport for your domestic flight to Mikumi—a journey that offers stunning aerial views over the vivid coastline and Tanzania’s rugged southern terrain. Upon touchdown at the Mikumi airstrip, the wilderness greets you as your professional safari driver-guide welcomes you with a 4×4 Land Cruiser ready for game viewing.

The morning is devoted to exploring the vast Mikumi floodplains, where you kick off with your first game drive. Mikumi is famed for its impressive concentrations of large mammals—expect to see elephants and buffalo moving slowly among the acacia woodlands, giraffes nibbling the highest leaves, and zebra or wildebeest in neat lines across the savannah. Lions, sometimes perched atop termite mounds or lazing in the grass, are often spotted here. As you traverse the many tracks and waterholes, your guide will interpret animal behaviors, share bush lore, and help spot lesser-seen residents like the elusive leopard or rare African wild dog.

Around 1:00 pm, you’ll stop for a well-deserved picnic lunch at a designated site within the park. This break is a chance to relax, savor Tanzanian cuisine in a shaded spot, and soak up the spectacular surroundings. Here, you may hear the calls of hornbills, catch sight of cheeky vervet monkeys, or simply enjoy the peaceful sounds of the bush.

Fortified and refreshed, head out for an afternoon game drive as the day cools and the wildlife grows active again. This is prime time for observing predators on the prowl and herbivores gathering at waterholes. Your guide will navigate you to different habitats within the park, possibly towards the Mkata River or hippo pools, maximizing your chances of unique sightings and memorable photos. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by Mikumi’s diverse avifauna, over 400 species including colorful bee-eaters, eagles, and ground hornbills.

At around 4:00 pm, your jeep starts the journey back to Mikumi airstrip. Say farewell to the wild landscapes as you board a late afternoon flight—relax and perhaps doze after your exhilarating day as you soar back to Zanzibar. Upon arrival at Zanzibar Airport, your transfer driver will ensure a comfortable ride back to your hotel, completing a seamless, unforgettable safari day.