5-Days Mikumi and Selous Budget Safari 2026-2027

5 Days Mikumi and Selous Highlights:

• Day 1: Drive to Nyerere, boat safari on Rufiji River

• Day 2: Full-day game drive in Nyerere

• Day 3: Walking safari, drive to Mikumi

• Day 4: Full-day game drive in Mikumi

• Day 5: Morning game drive, return to Dar

• Wildlife: Big game & birds

• Experience: Boat, walking & 4x4 safaris

Overview 

This 5-day budget safari combines the wild beauty of Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) with the open plains of Mikumi National Park. You’ll travel in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with an English-speaking guide, staying in comfortable budget lodges or tented camps that keep you close to nature without breaking the bank. Your adventure begins in Nyerere, one of Africa’s largest protected areas, where you’ll enjoy thrilling game drives to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and even wild dogs. A highlight here is the boat safari along the Rufiji River, where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species from a unique water perspective. You’ll also have the chance to go on a walking safari with a local guide to discover smaller details of the bush. Then, continue to Mikumi National Park, often called the “mini-Serengeti” because of its wide plains filled with giraffes, zebras, elephants, buffalos, and predators. It’s an easy-to-reach park with excellent wildlife viewing, especially for first-time safari-goers. Each evening, you’ll return to your lodge or camp for dinner and rest, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Itinerary

Day 1: Dar es Salaam to Nyerere (Selous)

Your safari begins in the morning when your driver picks you up from your hotel or the airport in Dar es Salaam. You’ll drive about 5-6 hours through scenic landscapes, passing small towns, villages, and farmlands along the way. Arrive at Nyerere in time for lunch and check into your lodge. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy your first activity: a relaxing boat safari on the Rufiji River. This unique experience lets you see hippos, crocodiles, and many birds up close, while elephants and giraffes may be seen along the riverbank. After the boat ride, head back for dinner and overnight at your lodge.

• Accommodation: Budget lodge/camp in Nyerere
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Nyerere

After an early breakfast, you’ll head out for a full-day game drive in Nyerere National Park. With your guide, you’ll explore different areas of the park, looking for elephants, giraffes, antelopes, lions, zebras, and even wild dogs if you’re lucky. The park is huge and less crowded, which makes the experience feel very wild and natural. Around midday, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch in the bush before continuing your adventure. In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner, a chance to relax, and enjoy the sounds of the African night.

• Accommodation: Budget lodge/camp in Nyerere
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Walking Safari - Drive to Mikumi

Start your day with a guided walking safari, led by a professional guide and armed ranger. This is your chance to explore the bush on foot, learning about animal tracks, plants, insects, and the smaller details that vehicles miss. After breakfast, you’ll pack up and begin your drive to Mikumi National Park. The journey takes about 6 hours, with stops along the way to stretch and enjoy the scenery. Arrive at Mikumi in the afternoon, check in to your lodge or campsite, and relax. If time allows, you can enjoy an evening game drive before dinner.

• Accommodation: Budget lodge/camp in Mikumi
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Full Day Game Drive in Mikumi

After breakfast, you’ll set off for a full day of exploring Mikumi National Park. Known as the “mini-Serengeti,” Mikumi has wide open plains that are home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, lions, buffalos, and more. You’ll spend the whole day game driving, with a picnic lunch served inside the park. In the afternoon, continue exploring different areas and watching wildlife before returning to your lodge in the evening. Relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for your final day.

• Accommodation: Budget lodge/camp in Mikumi
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Mikumi - Dar es Salaam

Wake up early for one last morning game drive in Mikumi. This is often the best time to see animals as they are more active in the cooler hours of the day. Return to your lodge for breakfast, then begin the journey back to Dar es Salaam with a packed lunch on the way. Arrive in the late afternoon, where your safari comes to an end. Drop-off will be at your hotel or the airport.

• Accommodation: Not included (return to Dar es Salaam)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Includes

• Private 4x4 safari vehicle with English-speaking guide
• Park entry fees for Nyerere & Mikumi
• 4 nights’ accommodation in budget lodges/camps
• Meals as listed (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Boat safari, walking safari, and game drives
• Bottled drinking water during safaris
• Pick-up and drop-off in Dar es Salaam

Excludes

• International flights
• Tanzania visa fees
• Travel and health insurance
• Alcoholic & soft drinks
• Tips for guide and lodge staff
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
• Optional activities not in the itinerary