Discover the Best Short Day  Adventures from Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam isn’t just Tanzania’s biggest city, it’s also the perfect starting point for amazing short safaris, island getaways, and cultural experiences. From thrilling wildlife drives to relaxing beach escapes, you can enjoy Tanzania’s beauty even in just one day.

With Rede Tours and Safaris, you can easily explore nearby national parks, visit friendly local villages, or take a short flight to world-famous destinations like Serengeti and Zanzibar. Here are the top short safaris and day trips from Dar es Salaam perfect for all kinds of travelers, whether you’re a solo explorer, a couple, or a family.

1 Day Trip from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park – Classic Safari Near the City

Distance: 4–5 hours by road
Best for: Wildlife viewing, game drives, and birdwatching

If you dream of seeing wild animals up close but have limited time, Mikumi NationalPark is your best choice. Often called the “mini Serengeti,” this park is home to elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, wildebeests, and more than 400 bird species.You will start early in the morning from Dar es Salaam and enjoy the sunrise on your drive through scenic villages and hills. Once inside the park, a full-day game drive takes you across the open plains where lions rest under acacia trees and giraffes wander peacefully.

A picnic lunch will be served at a viewpoint overlooking the Mkata Floodplain, one of the best spots to see herds of elephants and antelopes. In the afternoon, you’ll continue your safari before returning to the city in the evening.

1 Day Trip from Dar es Salaam to Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park) – Southern Safari Adventure

Distance: 5–6 hours by road or short charter flight
Best for: Boat safaris, walking safaris, and real wilderness experiences

Selous, now officially called Nyerere National Park, is Africa’s largest protected area - wild, peaceful, and full of life. The park is crossed by the mighty Rufiji River, which supports one of the largest crocodiles and hippo populations in Africa.Your day begins early with a drive or short flight to the park, followed by a boat safari on the Rufiji River, where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and colorful birds like kingfishers and African fish eagles.

Later, enjoy a 4x4 game drive through grasslands and woodlands filled with elephants, giraffes, lions, and rare wild dogs. You can also take a guided walkingsafari with an armed ranger to explore nature up close and learn about animal tracks, plants, and insects.

1 Day Fly-in Trip from Dar es Salaam to Ruaha National Park – Untouched Southern Wilderness

Distance: 1-hour flight from Dar es Salaam
Best for: Remote safari, big cats, and beautiful scenery

For travelers who want something wild and authentic, Ruaha National Park is a hidden paradise. It’s Tanzania’s largest national park and famous for its high number of lions, elephants, leopards, and wild dogs.

You will take a morning flight from Dar es Salaam and meet your guide upon arrival. The adventure begins with a game drive along the Great Ruaha River, where elephants gather to drink and hippos rest in the water.During your full-day safari, you’ll explore hilly landscapes, ancient baobab trees, and vast savannahs. A bush picnic lunch will be served under a shady tree while watching herds of antelope and buffalo pass by.

1 Day Fly-in Trip from Dar es Salaam to Ngorongoro Crater – The World’s Natural Wonder

Distance: 1.5-hour flight + short drive
Best for: Big Five sightings, luxury travel, and photography

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most beautiful wildlife areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This massive volcanic caldera is home to over 25,000 animals, including lions, elephants, zebras, flamingos, and the rare black rhino.

You will fly from Dar es Salaam to Manyara airstrip and take a short scenic drive to the crater. Once inside, your guide will lead you on a full-day game drive across the grasslands and lake shores. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot overlooking the crater floor while animals roam nearby.Before returning, you can visit a traditional Maasai village to experience their culture and lifestyle.

1 Day Fly-in Trip from Dar es Salaam to Lake Manyara National Park – Tree-Climbing Lions and Flamingos

Distance: 1.5-hour flight + short drive
Best for: Scenic views, birdwatching, and wildlife photography

Lake Manyara National Park offers a mix of forest, open plains, and the shimmering alkaline lake famous for its flamingos and tree-climbing lions.After your short flight, you’ll enjoy a morning game drive through the lush groundwater forest where baboons and blue monkeys play. As you move toward the lake, you’ll spot elephants, zebras, and giraffes grazing peacefully.Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lakeshore, then continue exploring the park’s viewpoints and hippo pools before flying back to Dar es Salaam in the evening.

1 Day Fly-in Trip from Dar es Salaam to Tarangire National Park – Elephants and Baobab Wonderland

Distance: 1.5-hour flight + short drive
Best for: Elephants, baobab trees, and quiet landscapes

Tarangire National Park is famous for its huge elephant herds, towering baobab trees, and peaceful atmosphere. The park is especially beautiful during the dry season when animals gather around the Tarangire River.

Your safari includes a full-day game drive across open plains and river valleys. Watch elephants play in the water, see lions resting under trees, and spot graceful impalas and giraffes.Enjoy a picnic lunch beneath a baobab tree, take photos of the dramatic landscapes, and return in the late afternoon for your flight back to Dar es Salaam.

1 Day Fly-in Trip from Dar es Salaam to Serengeti National Park – Great Plains Adventure

Distance: 2-hour flight each way
Best for: Big Five, Great Migration, and endless plains

Serengeti National Park is the heart of Africa’s wildlife and one of the most famous parks in the world. It’s known for the Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of animals cross the plains in search of greener pastures.

Your fly-in safari begins early in the morning with a flight to the Serengeti. After landing, enjoy morning and afternoon game drives through the vast grasslands filled with elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and gazelles.A bush picnic lunch is served under an acacia tree, and if you wish, you can add a sunrise hot air balloon safari for breathtaking aerial views.

1 Day Fly-in Trip from Dar es Salaam to Arusha National Park – Forests, Lakes, and Mount Meru Views

Distance: 1.5-hour flight + short drive
Best for: Walking safaris, canoeing, and mountain views

Arusha National Park is small but stunning, offering a mix of forest, lakes, waterfalls, and open plains. It’s the only park in northern Tanzania where you can enjoy both a walking safari and canoeing adventure.Your day starts with a guided walk through the forest to spot giraffes, colobus monkeys, and bushbucks. You’ll then take a canoe ride on the Momella Lakes, where you can see flamingos and enjoy views of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.

2 Days Safari from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park – Short and Wild Adventure

Distance: 4–5 hours by road each way
Best for: Big cats, elephants, and overnight safari experience

For travelers who want a more relaxed safari, this 2-day Mikumi Safari allows you to see the park in depth without rushing. On day one, you’ll depart early from Dar es Salaam, enjoying scenic views of rolling hills and villages along the way. Arrive in Mikumi by late morning and start your first game drive, where you can spot lions resting under acacia trees, herds of elephants wandering through the plains, and graceful giraffes feeding on treetops.

Lunch is served at a scenic picnic spot overlooking the Mkata Floodplain, perfect for taking photos and observing wildlife in their natural environment. In the afternoon, continue your game drive through riverbanks and woodlands to see zebras, impalas, and buffaloes. In the evening, check into your safari lodge or luxury tent, where you can enjoy dinner under the stars while listening to the sounds of wildlife.On day two, wake up early for a sunrise game drive, when animals are most active. Spot predators returning from their night hunts, birds taking off in flocks, and elephants moving toward watering holes. After breakfast at the lodge, enjoy one final game drive and visit waterholes or shaded resting spots for wildlife photography. Return to Dar es Salaam by evening.

2 Days Safari from Dar es Salaam to Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park) – River and Savannah Explorer

Distance: 5–6 hours by road or short flight
Best for: River safari, walking safaris, and authentic wilderness

This 2-day Selous Safari is perfect for those who want an immersive experience in one of Africa’s largest and least crowded parks. On day one, you depart Dar es Salaam early and drive or fly to Selous. Upon arrival, embark on a boat safari along the Rufiji River, spotting hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of colorful birds. The riverbanks are a natural hotspot for wildlife photography, especially in the early morning light.

After a scenic lunch at your riverside lodge, enjoy a 4x4 game drive across grasslands and open woodlands to spot giraffes, lions, buffaloes, and zebras. In the evening, relax at your lodge with dinner under the stars and the calming sounds of the river.On day two, start with a morning walking safari with a trained ranger, exploring smaller animals, insects, and plant life. This close encounter provides a unique perspective on the ecosystem and is safe for families. Afterward, enjoy another game drive, perhaps spotting rare wild dogs or leopards before returning to Dar es Salaam by late evening.

2 Days Safari from Dar es Salaam to Saadani National Park – Bush and Beach Getaway

Distance: 3–4 hours by road each way
Best for: Short coastal safari and relaxation

Saadani National Park is unique as it combines wildlife with the Indian Ocean, making this 2-day safari an unforgettable experience. On day one, depart Dar es Salaam in the morning and arrive at Saadani for a game drive, spotting giraffes, elephants, lions, and antelopes roaming along sandy plains. Afterward, check into your beachside lodge, where you can relax and enjoy the sea breeze while watching monkeys play in nearby trees.

Enjoy a sunset boat ride on the Wami River, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and exotic birds. Dinner is served at the lodge with fresh seafood, accompanied by a spectacular view of the ocean.On day two, take a morning walking safari along the coast to explore unique flora and smaller wildlife, then enjoy free time on the beach for swimming, sunbathing, or snorkeling. After a hearty lunch, return to Dar es Salaam in the late afternoon.

2 Days Safari from Dar es Salaam to Ruaha National Park – Remote Wilderness Adventure

Distance: 1-hour flight from Dar es Salaam
Best for: Remote safari, big cats, and authentic African wilderness

This 2-day Ruaha Safari is perfect for travelers seeking remote adventure and solitude. On day one, fly from Dar es Salaam to Ruaha and start a morning game drive to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes. The park’s vast, open landscapes make it ideal for photography and observing animal behavior in a natural setting.Lunch is served as a bush picnic overlooking the Great Ruaha River, where hippos and elephants gather. In the afternoon, enjoy another game drive, exploring valleys, riverine forests, and hilltops for panoramic views. Spend the night at a luxury lodge or tented camp, enjoying dinner under the stars.

On day two, start with a sunrise drive to catch predators at their most active and to photograph the golden morning light on the savannah. Stop at unique landmarks, such as ancient baobab trees, before heading to the airstrip for your flight back to Dar es Salaam.

Tips for Enjoying Your Day Trips from Dar es Salaam

To make the most of your short adventures from Dar es Salaam, here are a few helpful tips:

·         Start early: Leaving early in the morning gives you more time to explore and enjoy your destination before heading back.

·         Use flights for faraway parks: If you plan to visit distant parks like Ruaha or Ngorongoro, flying saves time and energy so you can focus on the experience.

·         Book a trusted guide: A good guide makes a big difference! They share interesting stories, keep you safe, and help you spot more wildlife.

·         Pack the essentials: Don’t forget your sunscreen, hat, camera, binoculars, and plenty of drinking water to stay comfortable throughout the day.

·         Combine adventure and relaxation: Pick tours that give you both like Saadani National Park, where you can enjoy a safari and beach, or Zanzibar, where you can relax after exploring.

·         Travel with reliable companies: Always chooselicensed and experienced tour operatorslike Rede Tours and Safaris to make sure your trip is safe, smooth, and unforgettable.

Book Your Day Trip with Rede Tours and Safaris

AtRede Tours and Safaris, we specialize in creating unforgettable day trips and safaris from Dar es Salaam. Our main goal is to make your travel experience safe, comfortable, and full ofjoy from start to finish. When you book with us, you’ll enjoy the service of professional and friendly guides who speak multiple languages, comfortable safari vehicles and boats, and flexibleschedules that fit your travel plans. We offer affordable prices with no hidden costs and personalized service for individuals, couples, families, and groups. Whether you’re dreaming of a wildlife safari, a cultural village tour, or aZanzibar beach escape, our team will take care of every detailso