- Beach-to-Bush Adventure
- Quick Access
- Year-Round Wildlife
Quick Facts — 2-Day Mikumi Safari from Zanzibar
- Duration: 2 days, 1 night
- Departure: Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport, Stone Town
- Destination: Mikumi National Park, Morogoro Region, Tanzania
- Flight Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes each way
- Price: From $910 per person (all-inclusive)
- Includes: Return flights, 4×4 game drives, full-board lodge accommodation, park fees, professional guide
- Wildlife: Elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, hippos, buffalo, 400+ bird species
- Best Time to Visit: June – October (dry season)
- Operated by: Blue Green Zanzibar Tours — licensed Tanzania tour operator, Stone Town, Zanzibar
Overview: Why Choose a 2-Day Mikumi Safari from Zanzibar?
If you have been wondering how to combine the best of Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches with a real African wildlife experience, the 2-Day Mikumi Safari from Zanzibar is your answer.
You will fly directly from Zanzibar to Mikumi National Park in just 1 hour and 20 minutes, spend a full afternoon and the following morning on game drives inside one of Tanzania’s most wildlife-rich parks, sleep overnight in the African bush, and return to Zanzibar in the evening of Day 2 — all without losing more than two days of your holiday.
This is not a rushed day trip. If you only have one day, our 1-Day Mikumi Day Trip Safari from Zanzibar is also available — but with two full game drives, an overnight stay in a lodge or tented camp, and bush meals surrounded by nature, the 2-day version is the genuine, immersive safari experience that most visitors to Tanzania come specifically to find.
Mikumi National Park sits within the greater Selous-Mikumi ecosystem, one of the largest protected wildlife areas in Africa.
The park’s famous Mkata Floodplain delivers the wide-open savanna views that most people associate with the Serengeti — but at a fraction of the travel time and cost from Zanzibar.
Whether you are a first-time safari-goer, a couple looking for a memorable beach-and-bush experience, or a family wanting to give children their first encounter with African wildlife, the 2-day Mikumi safari gives you everything you need in a compact, well-organized package.
Browse all of our safaris from Zanzibar if you would like to compare options before deciding.
About Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is Tanzania’s fourth-largest national park, covering 3,230 square kilometres in the Morogoro Region of southern Tanzania. Established in 1964, it is managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) and forms part of the greater Selous-Mikumi ecosystem — one of the most biodiverse wildlife corridors on the African continent.
The park is built around the Mkata Floodplain, a vast, flat grassland that channels wildlife into open, highly visible terrain. This is what makes Mikumi particularly rewarding for visitors on short safari trips: you do not need to drive for hours through dense bush to find animals. Large elephant herds, lion prides, and zebra groups are routinely spotted within the first hour of any game drive.
Key Mikumi National Park Facts:
- Size: 3,230 km²
- Location: Morogoro Region, southern Tanzania — approximately 283 km west of Dar es Salaam
- Established: 1964
- Managed by: Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA)
- Ecosystem: Part of the greater Selous-Mikumi wildlife corridor
- Altitude: 500–1,262 metres above sea level
- Bird species: Over 400 recorded species
- Signature features: Mkata Floodplain, Hippo Pool, Msombwe River, Udzungwa Mountain border
One detail that surprises many visitors is Mikumi’s accessibility.
Unlike the Serengeti, which requires a long domestic flight or multi-day overland journey, Mikumi is reachable from Zanzibar in under 90 minutes by domestic aircraft.
For travellers with limited time, it is arguably the most rewarding wildlife destination in Tanzania relative to travel effort.
The Tanzania Tourism Board recognises Mikumi as one of the country’s key safari destinations for short-stay visitors combining a beach holiday with a bush experience.
Full 2-Day Mikumi Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Zanzibar – Fly to Mikumi – Afternoon Game Drive – Bush Overnight
06:00 AM — Hotel Pickup in Zanzibar
Your Blue Green Zanzibar Tours driver collects you from your hotel or guesthouse anywhere on Zanzibar Island and transfers you to Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Stone Town. If you need help arranging your arrival transfer to your Zanzibar hotel the day before, our Zanzibar airport transfer service covers all routes across the island.
08:00 AM — Domestic Flight: Zanzibar to Mikumi
Board your domestic flight and enjoy a scenic aerial view over the Tanzanian coastline and interior as you fly southwest toward Mikumi. Flight time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
12:00 PM — Arrival at Mikumi & Welcome Lunch
On arrival at the Mikumi airstrip, your safari guide and 4×4 vehicle are waiting. You will be transferred directly to your lodge or tented camp inside the park for a relaxed welcome lunch.
02:00 PM — Afternoon & Sunset Game Drive
After lunch, you head out for your first game drive across the Mkata Floodplain. Late afternoon is one of the best times to be out in Mikumi — the light is golden, the heat has dropped, and predators begin to move. Expect elephant herds at water sources, lion prides on the grassland, and large congregations of zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, and buffalo.
06:30 PM — Return to Lodge
As the sun sets over the bush, your guide brings you back to your accommodation. You have time to freshen up and reflect on the day’s sightings.
07:30 PM — Dinner Under the African Sky
Enjoy a full dinner at your lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the bush — distant lions calling, the rustle of nocturnal animals, and a sky full of stars uninterrupted by city light.
Overnight in Mikumi National Park.
Day 2: Dawn Breakfast – Full-Day Game Drive – Return Flight to Zanzibar
06:30 AM — Sunrise Breakfast at the Lodge Wake up to birdsong and the cool air of the African morning.
Breakfast is served at the lodge before your full-day game drive departs.
08:00 AM — Full-Day Game Drive (approximately 8 hours) Today is your longest and most rewarding safari window.
Your guide takes you deep into areas of the park that afternoon drives do not always reach — the Hippo Pool on the Msombwe River, the open floodplain where large elephant herds move in the morning, and the woodland edges where leopards and African wild dogs are occasionally spotted.
With 8 hours in the vehicle you have the best possible chance of encountering rare sightings.
12:30 PM — Bush Lunch
Your guide stops at a designated scenic picnic point inside the park for a relaxed bush lunch, surrounded by the sights and sounds of Mikumi.
02:00 PM — Exit Game Drive (En Route to Airstrip)
The safari does not stop when you leave. Your guide drives you toward the airstrip with the engine running and eyes open, making the most of every last kilometre of the park.
05:00 PM — Final Photo Stop at the Airstrip
A brief stop near the Mikumi airstrip for final photographs before boarding.
06:00 PM — Flight Back to Zanzibar
Board your return domestic flight and enjoy one final view of the Tanzanian bush from altitude as you head back to the island.
07:30 PM — Arrival in Zanzibar & Hotel Transfer
On arrival at ZNZ Airport, your driver transfers you back to your hotel. Your 2-day Mikumi safari is complete.
Many guests arriving back into Zanzibar in the evening choose to unwind the following morning with a relaxed Zanzibar spice farm tour or a sunset cruise — our full Zanzibar tours menu has options to suit every pace.
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Price
Price Includes
- Roundtrip flight from Zanzibar to Mikumi
- 4X4 Safari Vehicles, All park fees & Service fees
- A professional driver/guide
- Medical Kit and Thermos with hot Tea/Coffee
- All ground transportations
- All activities
- All Taxes/VAT
Not Included:
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Personal travel insurance (strongly recommended — see health section below)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (required if arriving from certain countries)
- Optional tips / gratuities for your guide and lodge staff
- Personal items, laundry, or souvenirs
- Additional activities outside the standard itinerary
- Visa fees (confirm requirements at the official Tanzania e-visa portal)
Accommodation Options for Your Mikumi Overnight
The $910 per-person price is based on comfortable mid-range lodge accommodation inside or adjacent to Mikumi National Park. We offer flexible upgrade options to suit every budget and travel style.
Budget / Camping Basic tent camps and simple bandas near the park boundary. Best for adventurous travellers comfortable with rustic facilities. Price adjustments apply.
Mid-Range (Standard Package) Comfortable lodges and permanent tented camps with private en-suite facilities, hot water, and veranda views of the bush. The standard package price of $910 covers this tier. Options in this category include Mikumi Wildlife Camp and Tan-Swiss Lodge.
Luxury Premium tented camps and lodges with elevated decks, private plunge pools, and bush dining. Options in this tier include Vuma Hills Tented Camp and Stanley’s Kopje. Supplements apply — contact us for a customised quote.
Whichever tier you choose, your accommodation is inside or directly adjacent to the park, meaning wildlife activity around your room at night is part of the experience. For context on what lodge accommodation looks like across Tanzania’s national parks, the Tanzania National Parks Authority accommodation guide provides a useful official overview.
Wildlife You Will See in Mikumi National Park
Mikumi is one of Tanzania’s most reliably productive wildlife parks for short-stay visitors. Here is a realistic breakdown of what a 2-day safari typically delivers.
Frequently Spotted — High Probability:
- African elephant (very large herds on the Mkata Floodplain)
- Common hippopotamus (year-round at the Hippo Pool, Msombwe River)
- Plains zebra
- Masai giraffe
- African buffalo
- Common wildebeest
- Yellow baboon
- Vervet monkey
- Nile crocodile
- Banded mongoose
Regularly Spotted — Good Probability:
- African lion (resident prides on the floodplain)
- Common eland
- Hartebeest
- Waterbuck
- Warthog
- Spotted hyena
Occasionally Spotted — Worth Looking For:
- Leopard (woodland edges, dawn and dusk)
- African wild dog (rare but confirmed presence)
- Serval
Birding Highlights: Mikumi is an exceptional birding destination with over 400 recorded species. Key sightings include the lilac-breasted roller, bateleur eagle, saddle-billed stork, secretary bird, southern ground hornbill, Lilian’s lovebird, and the black-collared barbet.
Can You See the Big Five in Mikumi?
Mikumi hosts four of the Big Five: elephant, lion, leopard, and African buffalo.
Rhinoceros are not present in Mikumi National Park. For visitors specifically seeking rhino sightings, Ngorongoro Crater is more appropriate destinations.
However, for a 2-day fly-in safari that is logistically straightforward from Zanzibar, Mikumi’s wildlife density makes it one of the best-value safari options in Tanzania.
Best Time to Visit Mikumi from Zanzibar
Mikumi National Park can be visited year-round, but wildlife viewing quality varies across seasons. Use the table below to pick the best window for your trip.
| Month | Season | Wildlife Viewing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Short dry spell | ✓ Very Good | Excellent game drives, warm and dry |
| February | Short dry spell | ✓ Very Good | Low tourist numbers, great value |
| March | Long rains begin | ▶ Moderate | Some tracks wet, green landscapes |
| April | Long rains (peak) | ▶ Moderate | Lush scenery, some areas inaccessible |
| May | End of long rains | ▶ Moderate – Good | Park quietens, good for photography |
| June | Dry season begins | ⭐ Excellent | Animals concentrate near water |
| July | Dry season | ⭐ Excellent | Peak wildlife, ideal conditions |
| August | Dry season | ⭐ Excellent | Best month overall for game drives |
| September | Dry season | ⭐ Excellent | High wildlife density, clear skies |
| October | Dry season ends | ✓ Very Good | Still excellent before the rains return |
| November | Short rains | ✓ Good | Green and beautiful, fewer visitors |
| December | Short rains | ✓ Good | Festive season, advance booking needed |
★ Excellent = June–October (dry season) is the best window for wildlife viewing in Mikumi National Park.
Best overall window: June through October. If you can only travel during the rainy season, January, February, and November still deliver excellent results. April and May are the least recommended months due to road conditions, but the park remains open and wildlife is present year-round.
Mikumi’s dry season aligns closely with the best months to visit Zanzibar overall — meaning a combined beach-and-safari holiday timed for July or August gives you optimal conditions for both legs of your trip. Our Zanzibar travel guides cover the island’s weather patterns in detail if you are still planning your itinerary.
Fly-In Safari vs. Drive-In Safari: Which One Is Right for You?
There are two ways to get from Zanzibar to Mikumi National Park. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right option for your trip.
Fly-In Safari (this package)
You fly from Zanzibar to Mikumi airstrip directly. Total travel time: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes each way. You arrive relaxed, start your game drive the same afternoon, and maximise time inside the park. This is the option we recommend for most travellers and the basis of the $910 per-person price.
Best for: Travellers who want maximum wildlife time with minimum travel fatigue. Anyone staying 7–14 days in Zanzibar who can allocate 2 days without sacrificing beach time.
Drive-In Safari via Dar es Salaam
You take the ferry from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam, then drive approximately 5–6 hours west to Mikumi. Total travel time each way: 7–8 hours. You lose a full day to travel on each end of the trip, reducing your actual game drive time significantly.
Best for: Budget-conscious travellers for whom cost is the primary factor, or visitors already based in Dar es Salaam.
Our recommendation: For anyone based in Zanzibar, the fly-in option is overwhelmingly better value when you factor in time, energy, and the actual game drive hours you get inside the park.
If you are undecided between Mikumi and other parks, our guide on 2-day safaris from Zanzibar covers all available options in one place.
Mikumi vs. Selous (Nyerere): Which Safari Should You Choose from Zanzibar?
Both Mikumi and the Selous Game Reserve (now gazetted as Nyerere National Park) are easily accessible from Zanzibar by domestic flight and offer outstanding wildlife experiences. Here is how they compare for a 2-day safari.
| Feature | Mikumi National Park | Selous / Nyerere NP |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 3,230 km² | 30,000+ km² |
| Flight Time from Zanzibar | ~1 hour 20 minutes | ~1 hour |
| Signature Wildlife | Elephants, lions, hippos, buffalo | Elephants, wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles |
| Unique Activities | Mkata Floodplain game drives | Boat safaris, walking safaris |
| Price from Zanzibar (2 Days) | From $910 pp | From $900 pp |
| Best For | First-time visitors, families | Repeat visitors, wilderness seekers |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate | Low |
| Big Five Present | 4 of 5 (no rhino) | 4 of 5 (no rhino) |
| Landscape | Open savanna floodplain | Mixed woodland, rivers, lakes |
| Our Verdict | ✓ Best for first safari from Zanzibar | ✓ Best for a more exclusive experience |
Both parks are accessible from Zanzibar by domestic flight. Contact us if you need help deciding which safari suits your trip.
If this is your first safari, Mikumi is an excellent choice.
If you have done game drives before and want something more exclusive with boat safaris and walking options, consider our 2-Day Selous Safari from Zanzibar instead.
We operate both — you can book either directly through us, or combine both parks across a longer trip.
Is This Safari Right for You?
First-Time Safari Visitors
The 2-day Mikumi safari is one of the best introductions to African wildlife available from Zanzibar. The park’s open floodplain makes it easy to spot animals, your guide handles every logistical detail, and the overnight stay gives you the full immersive bush experience without requiring two weeks of your holiday.
Families with Children
Mikumi is a family-friendly park with no minimum age requirement for game drives. The large, easily spotted animals — elephant herds, giraffes, zebra — make it particularly engaging for children. The fly-in format means no exhausting overland journey for young travellers.
Couples and Honeymoon Travellers
Falling asleep to lions calling and waking up to sunrise over the African savanna is as romantic a safari experience as exists in Tanzania. Several mid-range and luxury lodges offer private tented accommodation specifically suited to couples. Many honeymooners arriving in Zanzibar combine this safari with a Sunset Dhow Cruise or Nakupenda Sandbank picnic for a complete romantic itinerary.
Solo Travellers
Solo travellers are welcome. Our pricing is per person, and we can arrange shared or private departures depending on availability and preference. Single supplement charges may apply for private bookings — contact us on WhatsApp for details.
Travellers with Limited Time
If your Zanzibar stay is 5–7 days, the 2-day Mikumi safari is the perfect insert into your itinerary.
You lose two days of beach time and gain a lifetime memory.
Pair it with a 1-day Jozani Forest tour or a morning Prison Island trip and you have a genuinely well-rounded Tanzania holiday.
Health & Safety Information for Mikumi Safari
Vaccinations and Medical Requirements
Mikumi National Park is located in a malaria-endemic area. We strongly recommend that all guests consult a doctor or travel health clinic before departure regarding appropriate malaria prophylaxis.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers entering Tanzania from certain countries — verify this requirement with your nearest Tanzanian Embassy or travel doctor before booking.
The World Health Organization’s Tanzania country page provides current health advisory information for travellers.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the package price and is strongly recommended.
Your policy should cover emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and wildlife-related incidents.
Safari Safety
Mikumi National Park is a well-managed, TANAPA-regulated wildlife reserve.
All game drives are conducted by professional licensed guides in designated safari vehicles.
Guests remain inside the vehicle at all times during game drives unless at a TANAPA-approved picnic or photo stop.
Blue Green Zanzibar Tours vehicles carry first-aid kits on every safari and all guides hold current first-aid certification.
How to Book Your 2-Day Mikumi Safari
Booking with Blue Green Zanzibar Tours is straightforward. Here is what happens after you submit your request:
- Submit the booking form below with your name, travel date, number of guests, and preferred contact method
- Receive confirmation within a few hours via WhatsApp, email, or phone — whichever you prefer
- Receive your full trip details including flight information, accommodation confirmation, and a packing checklist
- Pre-trip WhatsApp briefing the evening before departure — your guide confirms pickup time and any last-minute details
- Departure day — your driver arrives at your hotel at the agreed time and your safari begins
We are available on WhatsApp at +255 774 077 465 seven days a week.
Our team is based in Stone Town, Zanzibar, and manages every aspect of the trip directly — no third-party booking platforms, no middlemen, no added fees.
What to Pack for Your 2-Day Mikumi Safari
Clothing:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colours (khaki, beige, olive, tan) — avoid bright colours and white
- Light jacket or fleece for early morning game drives
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes or lightweight boots
- Hat with full brim for sun protection
Essentials:
- Sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher)
- Sunglasses
- Personal insect repellent (DEET-based recommended for malaria-endemic areas)
- Any prescription medication including malaria prophylaxis
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if required for your nationality
Safari Gear:
- Binoculars (7×42 or 8×42 magnification recommended)
- Camera or smartphone with extra storage
- Portable phone charger / power bank
- Reusable water bottle
Documents:
- Valid passport
- Tanzanian visa — apply in advance at the official Tanzania e-visa portal
- Travel insurance documents
FAQs About 2 days mikumi safari from zanzibar
How long is the 2 Days Mikumi Safari from Zanzibar?
The trip is a 2-day, 1-night adventure. You’ll leave Zanzibar in the morning and return in the evening the following day.
How do I get to Mikumi from Zanzibar?
You’ll take a domestic flight from Zanzibar to Mikumi National Park, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Once you arrive, we will transfer you directly into the park for your safari.
What animals can I expect to see in Mikumi?
Mikumi is home to a wide range of animals, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalos, hippos, crocodiles, and many more. While it’s not as famous for the Big Five as other parks, there’s still plenty of wildlife to enjoy.
What’s the best time to go on the 2 Days Mikumi Safari?
Mikumi is a great destination year-round. However, the dry season (June to October) is ideal for wildlife sightings as animals gather around water sources. The wet season (November to May) is also beautiful, with lush landscapes and fewer tourists.
Is the safari safe?
Yes! Our expert guides are highly trained in safari safety, and our safari vehicles are built for the rugged terrain of Mikumi. We prioritize your safety and comfort throughout the entire trip.
What should I wear for the safari?
We recommend comfortable, lightweight clothing in neutral colors (khaki, beige, olive) to blend in with nature. Be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection. A light jacket is advisable for cooler mornings and evenings.
Will the safari still happen if it rains?
Yes! Safari drives continue even in light rain, and the experience is still amazing. If severe weather affects flights, we will inform you in advance.
Are there any dangerous animals on this safari?
While there are wild animals in Mikumi, your guide will ensure your safety at all times. Lions, elephants, and other predators are part of the park’s ecosystem, but they are not a danger unless provoked. Our guides know how to keep you at a safe distance and ensure you enjoy the safari safely.
What should I wear for the safari?
Wear light, breathable clothing in neutral colors (beige, khaki, olive) to blend with nature. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. Bring a light jacket for the cool morning flight.
Do I need a visa for this trip?
If you’re already in Zanzibar, you don’t need a separate visa for Mikumi since Zanzibar is part of Tanzania. However, if you’re an international traveler, ensure you have a valid Tanzanian visa.
What should I bring?
- Camera or smartphone for photos
- Binoculars for a close-up wildlife view
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses for sun protection
- Light jacket for morning and evening coolness
Is tipping expected?
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated if you are satisfied with the service.
If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us directly. We’re here to help make your 2 days Mikumi Safari from Zanzibar an unforgettable experience!
Why Book Your Mikumi Safari with Blue Green Zanzibar Tours?
Blue Green Zanzibar Tours is a licensed Tanzania tour operator based in Stone Town, Zanzibar. We specialise exclusively in Zanzibar island tours, excursions, and fly-in wildlife safaris from Zanzibar — meaning every trip we operate is one we know from direct, repeated, on-the-ground experience.
- Local experts: Our guides and drivers are Tanzanian, Zanzibar-based, and have completed these routes many times over. No outsourcing to third-party ground operators.
- All-inclusive pricing: The price you see is the price you pay. No hidden airport fees, no surprise park surcharges.
- Direct communication: You speak directly to our team on WhatsApp from the moment you inquire to the moment you land back in Zanzibar.
- 5-star rated on TripAdvisor: Verified by Trustindex and rated on TripAdvisor based on genuine guest reviews.
- Stone Town office: We are physically present in Zanzibar at Mkunazini Street, Stone Town. You can walk in and meet us before your trip.
Ready to Book Your 2-Day Mikumi Safari?
Fill in the booking form below or reach us directly:
WhatsApp: +255 774 077 465 Email: info@bluegreenzanzibartours.com
Explore more safaris and tours from Zanzibar:
- 1-Day Mikumi Day Trip Safari from Zanzibar — From $410
- 2-Day Selous Safari from Zanzibar — From $900
- 1-Day Selous Day Trip from Zanzibar — From $475
- All Safaris from Zanzibar — View Full List
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