3-Day Mikumi and Ruaha Parks: Safari Review

Planning a Tanzania safari, is that something you are considering? Well, very few experiences rival the sheer thrill of witnessing Africa’s stunning wildlife up close. When it comes to Tanzania, the Serengeti often grabs the spotlight, yet there are other wilderness areas so worth checking out. Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks offer some superb, raw safari experiences, and this 3-day safari does a fine job combining both. I recently got back, and I want to share with you my experiences of it all, along with very handy recommendations to ensure your wild trip goes super smoothly. So, let’s begin, we may learn something.

Why Mikumi and Ruaha?

Maybe you’re wondering, is that a safari tour I should invest in? A 3-day safari tour is actually cool, giving you enough time, that is to soak it all in. Now, Mikumi, as I’m sure you may or may not know, it’s practically Dar es Salaam’s backyard. A very short ride and boom, you’re seeing what nature offers. So that park offers a very easily reached wildlife getaway. Ruaha, it’s a bit farther out there, offering a different vibe. This park is very grand, super massive and feels really untouched. Together, the combo is the wildness you dreamed of seeing.

Day 1: Mikumi – The Closest Wildlife Experience

My trip started so early with a drive from Dar es Salaam right to Mikumi, that’s where all began. I could sense the switch from the lively streets of the city to a much quieter countryside. The landscape changed a little as we drove, with fields then trees that lined roads, just adding some anticipation to the coming views. Once inside Mikumi, well, it wasn’t too long before wildlife sprang to view. First, giraffes so elegant and tall, and some herds of zebra who always do bring some life with their funny patterns.

The park is, I’d say, pretty cool for how accessible it is and gives a lovely sampler of what you could see around Tanzania. We also caught sight of elephants cooling near a watering hole, just kicking up some dust over them, then later we came across lions, very sleepy just relaxing in shade from some acacia trees. As the sunlight went away, so the wildlife did get way more active and the sky turned into this burst of reds then oranges at sundown. The lodge for the night, just located outside Mikumi, that did offer a chance, that’s for me, to absorb what the park has and to plan the very next adventure.

Day 2: Ruaha – Big and Beautiful

An early start again on Day 2, and we were off, that’s right, that day we went heading out toward Ruaha. The ride, it’s very lengthy but worth it, very very worth it. As we got closer to Ruaha, the look of landscape changed a tiny bit more to be more wild and dramatic, kind of implying how much space this area did cover. And believe me Ruaha, that place is really big! As Tanzania’s largest national park, it feels practically unexplored, with all this gorgeous wildlife moving free of constraints.

My initial drive game inside Ruaha offered some wonderful sights, is that a correct sentiment or no? A high point included coming across very big herds of elephants, they do seem way more plentiful right there as compared to what’s in Mikumi, and being near Ruaha River, where there is so much happening animal-wise. The river is like, well imagine a hub, drawing so many animals seeking water. Crocodiles, for instance, just bask, some so patient, and birds are all colorful while filling sky above. During the sundown, what with all this dramatic scenery with Ruaha, just know photos look great! And overnight in my tented camp inside the park just added on to whole immersive experience.

Day 3: Another Day of Wonders and the Return

I did wake up so early for, it’s fair to say, one more drive right via Ruaha, to, well maybe find the animal that might have, kind of eluded previous drive. We wanted those wild dogs the park is, quite frankly, famous for, but even then those dogs weren’t seen. But then a big treat: a pride of lions with some playful cubs that did give us some nice entertainment just before our return trip back. The morning, too it’s almost as if you are blessed with fresh look at the parks with an early start.

Later, we started the very lengthy drive returning back to Dar. Yes it was rather tiring, too it’s almost impossible not be exhausted given all the things there are to take in. That ride back still did feel really satisfying for all of the wild encounters. It’s kind of tiring but you’ve gotta realize it really paid back for this whirlwind tour of the wilds inside Tanzania, you should do that in fact.

Important Considerations for Your Safari

Okay so, are you considering doing the tour for sure? Okay. Here is some thoughts on this adventure I had.

Best Time to Visit: Want nice weather? Sure you do. Want some super sightings of animals? The season which runs June all way to October happens, usually, to be dry which just drives more of the animals right towards waterways, they have no other choices. Those cooler months just increase your wildlife seeing potential, is that a factor for you?

What to Pack: Clothing in layers is smart, with long pants plus long-sleeve shirts which helps with repelling pesky bugs. Then that sunscreen is just a must and your hat will too! Bring great binoculars because that view of something real, real far is pretty great! Photographers would want a super zoom and also an extra storage, as a matter of fact. Bug spray will probably prove important at dusk.

Health and Safety: So ask what shot you do require or your physician to make you ready. So Malaria can potentially pose threat in Tanzania, is that well-known? Take all safeguards when this area happens so be high risk and it pays well. Stay hydrated and make your group understand guidelines the safari guide does go over so wildlife isn’t threatened. You hear?

Making the Most of Your Safari

Wanting your Tanzania visit just that more super, or even spectacular? Do you wanna.

Photography Tips: Getting early start lets a photographer utilize that super sunrise while getting amazing wildlife clicks. Keep in your mindset that animal patience pays off; also try changing your place, that’s to get perspective of another kind which helps a story come thru visually.

Cultural Sensitivity: When visiting locales plus smaller towns and those spaces which touch near those, please behave while showing regard or habits so this isn’t annoying people around.

Supporting Local Communities: Buy some handmade pieces plus choose local business operations which gives back or backs those nature-linked causes which in effect fuels what the location is!

Would I Recommend This Safari?

Very sure, for somebody searching shortcut to Tanzania which mixes accessibility versus authenticity so that 3 days is really solid. Now should you, possibly, want an expedition much more profound and comprehensive then that may fail since there exists some very many longer and really extensive drives involved but it makes quite satisfying, that’s short though filled up Tanzania tour.

#Mikumi #Ruaha #TanzaniaSafari