Zanzibar Mikumi Safari: A Day Trip Review with Flight

Planning a vacation could be very exciting, but picking the right activities, that can sometimes feel a bit tough. If you find yourself in Zanzibar and you’re thinking of seeing some real Tanzanian wildlife without using up too much vacation time, a day trip to Mikumi National Park by flight might be something you could think about. I went on one of these trips not too long ago, and I’d like to talk about how that all went, to sort of give you an idea of whether it might work for your needs.

Why Mikumi for a Day Trip from Zanzibar?

You might wonder, with the bigger and, well, more well known parks like Serengeti around, why choose Mikumi? See, the great thing about Mikumi is really its location. Serengeti is quite a ways away, so going there usually needs several days. Mikumi, on the other hand, is near enough to Zanzibar that you can get there and back in just one day by taking a short flight. I felt that it allowed you to get a taste of safari life without taking up my entire vacation. More or less, it felt a little bit like squeezing a fantastic mini-adventure right into the middle of a relaxed beach vacation.

Booking the Trip: What to Expect

When you book this day trip, just know that there could be a few different tour operators providing the service, so it’s important to read through everything, you know, beforehand. Usually, the package contains return flights, park fees, a game drive, as well as meals. Do check, even though, what is included, too, to prevent any surprises. I booked with a local company that was very flexible with the dates. I found them by reading stuff posted on vacation boards and they were often complimented. When booking, consider asking about the dimensions of the vehicle used for game drives because, that can affect your viewing. The bigger vehicles usually accommodate bigger crowds too it’s almost as though the goal is just being packed into the Jeep.

The Flight: A Quick Hop to Adventure

The flight itself is very short; ours was very much just an hour. That’s not too long at all. That alone makes it practical for a day trip. Getting up so early can sometimes feel just a little bit rough, however that first peek from up high, glancing down to see Tanzania spread beneath you, can really feel so awesome. Plus, if you’re fortunate enough to get a window seat, keep an eye out. That said, sometimes you could see the coastline or maybe some small islands when you’re leaving Zanzibar.

Game Drive: Spotting Wildlife

The main feature, arguably, of this trip is really the game drive inside Mikumi National Park. After arriving, you’ll usually be transferred into an open-top safari vehicle. Keep in mind, the vehicle will be pretty rugged; it’s got to handle some dirt tracks. Mikumi is home to animals, so that means it might be possible for you to see lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants, plus many types of birds. I actually managed to spot a pride of lions resting under a tree during my visit, that was pretty cool. Listen, bring binoculars! This helps lots to spot stuff very far away. The guides usually know where animals tend to gather and do their best to show you all the most important things.

Lunch in the Bush: A Unique Dining Experience

That said, lunch is normally a picnic style meal arranged in the park, and it can sometimes be really memorable. I felt like there’s something truly special about eating lunch while enclosed by the African wilderness. This could also be an excellent time to chat with your guide as well as any other travelers joining the trip, you know, exchange safari stories or just chat some stuff about what other animals people really want to see.

What to Bring: Packing Essentials

I wish I would’ve remembered a few things that might have improved my trip, things I’ll remember in the future, in any case. Definitely bring sunscreen and bug repellent. That Tanzanian sun, after all, can be really intense and bugs sometimes appear later in the day. It could be a great idea to consider wearing light, neutral clothes to stay relaxed, however it can sometimes be dusty. Don’t forget your camera or any extra camera batteries, either! You’re going to really want to document every sight.

Is It Worth It? The Final Verdict

The Zanzibar to Mikumi day trip really is pretty good if you’re restricted by the time and want just a little peek at what an African safari feels like. Even though you’ll only spend a portion of your time at the park, it gives plenty of chances to view some superb wildlife and makes memorable memories. The price is a little steep, but many excursions end up costing the same thing. I can’t say if yours might be exactly the same, but if it’s remotely similar to mine, I bet you might have just a really nice experience!

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