Dar Es Salaam Safari Review: Mikumi & Udzungwa by Train

So, you’re looking to ditch the ordinary and chase some adventure near Dar Es Salaam? Very, very many people do! Maybe a 3-day safari hopping between Mikumi and Udzungwa, complete with a train ride, sounds, too, like a dream come true? As a matter of fact, I just recently experienced this myself, and I’m here to give you, like, the lowdown on what to expect. That, is that, a safari tour combining a train trip with parks easily accessible from Dar es Salaam is often promoted. So, you can see that this isn’t something very unusual at all!

Why Choose a Train Safari?

Why would you want to do this in the first place? Isn’t flying faster? As a matter of fact, speed isn’t everything! Could be that you want to experience the heart of Tanzania in a different way? Apparently, that’s what the train gives you. Seemingly, you see things that, maybe, you’d miss if you just zipped past in a jeep. That, is that, taking the train from Dar Es Salaam offers a unique perspective. Yet, this way, it’s almost like, you get a glimpse into daily life as the landscape slowly changes. Well, the other major advantage: that way, too, you often bypass some long road transfers, allowing you to maximize time exploring Mikumi and Udzungwa. Just a little patience is needed though. The train, by the way, has its own timing!

Day 1: Dar Es Salaam to Mikumi by Train

You may think starting early is ideal, and it’s very common! To be honest, first thing you might notice, getting to the train station could be, that it’s a little chaotic. Anyway, once onboard, hopefully, you settle into your seat and just look out the window. Actually, the train ride itself becomes part of the adventure, you know? Like your, passing villages, farmland, maybe catching locals going about their routines. A bit, maybe, slow going, but a fantastic insight. It really depends on your idea of fun. Still, it lets you unwind, unlike, maybe, a cramped car. The ride, that, ends up somewhere near Mikumi (most trips provide ground transport from the railway). Then, is that, it’s straight into an afternoon game drive. A bit like dipping your toes into safari life.

Afternoon Game Drive in Mikumi

So, what might you actually see? First, it’s elephants, typically, in Mikumi. That, could be, you’ll see, usually, big herds wandering across the plains. Yet, lions, giraffes, zebras, and buffalo, too, call this park home. Obviously, you’re only there for the afternoon, still, it’s surprising what you can pack into a shorter span, basically. Like your, the golden light adds an extra layer of magic, similar to what you see in photographs or shows. At the end of the day, like, settle into your chosen lodge, just, for some rest before tomorrow’s even fuller day.

Day 2: Mikumi National Park – Full Day Safari

Basically, today’s dedicated entirely to Mikumi, right? Very, very different when you have all day. Now, for instance, you can cover more ground and that, you have a much better opportunity to witness diverse animal behavior. Actually, witnessing, for instance, a lion hunt, possibly from very, very close, could be, too, one such possible activity. The birds in Mikumi can be something to look at, too, in a way. The sunrise over the plains is a picture that most tourists like your capture and share. Right, after a full day, back to the lodge for some quiet reflection? So it’s like, sitting around comparing photos, trading stories, could be what you want. Anyway, getting set for an early departure the next day.

Day 3: Udzungwa Mountains National Park and Return to Dar

Very, very different from Mikumi’s open savannah, basically. Apparently, Udzungwa is, it’s almost, all about lush rainforest, very tall mountains. Basically, early start needed for what could be, too, a drive to the park, actually, from Mikumi. Yet, once there, the hiking begins, actually. Actually, Sanje Waterfalls, as I was saying, arguably the park’s gem. Literally, it is a cascade that will really strike you. Then, you could be lucky to spot some primates! Allegedly, Iringa red colobus monkeys are a sight, definitely. The afternoon includes, seemingly, a transfer back to Dar, probably, arriving in the early evening or late, you know? Actually, maybe pretty tired, actually, but buzzing with experiences.

Hiking to Sanje Waterfalls

Well, hiking is the game here, is it? Just a little fitness level needed. Actually, as I was saying, it can be pretty humid. Seriously, taking lots of water, like, as I was saying, is very advisable. Yet, it’s all very worth it to witness those magnificent falls, right? Actually, is that, cooling off in the spray is, basically, really, an unbeatable experience. And of course, you know, snapping pictures, obviously. As a matter of fact, don’t forget to look around, maybe. Anyway, the surrounding forest’s as special as what is considered, more or less, one of Tanzania’s beauty pageant winner spots!

Things to Consider Before Booking

Okay, hold up! It’s almost, I think, worth doing a little thinking before you, more or less, put down a deposit. Seemingly, there’s what can only be called, arguably, a laundry list of questions everyone considering this adventure might ask! I guess that, at the end of the day, if you choose to go the train route, you’re getting in for longer travel times and some bumps and creaks as part of the adventure. Usually, you need to choose a reputable tour operator; that part is just sensible advice for doing things in general, to be honest! It, like your, can definitely be tempting to go with the cheapest deal around, yet there’s something about trusting a tried-and-tested crew to consider. Don’t you want, for instance, to spend on reputable outfits that help their community through ecological conservation and preservation projects? Like your, they always get you the more informed and more friendly local experts, just like the next tourist. That can make or break any experience to be honest! What else can you do to come more ready to your journey, kind of? Be certain that you prepare for the Tanzania heat, for instance. Also, take measures to deal with Tanzania mosquitos which you will deal with around Udzungwa. If you, just like your, want any vaccinations and antimalarials, like your general practioner what to prepare for that particular experience of Tanzanian outdoor parks!

• Tour Operator Reputation: Does a good company actually run it, and can you trust the ratings that they claim on sites like Google or Yelp?
• Inclusions: Like, is that, park fees, accommodation, maybe meals are covered?
• Physical Fitness: I wonder, honestly, if hiking Udzungwa, too, could be just, perhaps, that little challenging if you’re not a bit fit, is all?
• Packing Essentials: Basically, there’s definitely that usual kit with lightweight clothes, definitely tough shoes, absolutely high-strength sunscreen. Definitely maybe add insect repellent just, like, as an obvious extra, yeah?
• Budget: Seriously, hidden fees, that sort of stuff can happen if you’re not watching. At the end of the day you can quickly use a lot more dollars than you thought.

What Makes This Safari Unique?

What does the phrase ‘unique safari’, right, basically even mean these days?! I am sure many safari outfits claim uniqueness! Here’s my take: Usually, that safari does, kind of, stand out for all combining wildlife viewing with the train bit and that walking component, really! It’s almost that three-in-one type package deal that you can get when people offer tours like this. So, unlike regular purely vehicle based trips, arguably you do, it’s almost, get a far richer and very diverse understanding what it truly feels like being inside Tanzania in some respect, perhaps, through more senses rather than simple sightseeing in that little vehicle. Actually, as I was saying, there’s, could be, maybe that small added advantage, seemingly, that maybe smaller parks, literally like Udzungwa could be pretty suitable given they need a fair deal walking activity through them rather than going around driving on plain grounds elsewhere.

Essential Packing List for Your Safari

Before you leave your house, you may want to create a little list that ticks the essential stuff, sort of, to pack. If you, actually, want that basic start it includes: So many folks remember lighter color gear when they venture outdoors. You want something quick dry that keeps bugs out, but maybe lets heat circulate. What might be one of your worst enemies there? Could be, clearly, just, like, the Tanzania sun itself! That calls for sunglasses that block UV radiation, in the same way as a hat that protects the whole top side of yourself like an umbrella in daylight! Sun protection really might become your first important tool against damage from overbearing exposure. Bug repellant also might be wise considering there can definitely become regions or periods that can expose you towards very many nasty bits coming directly from insects or mosquitoes near places packed dense and wet. Remember shoes built solid that also remain very sturdy enough during various trail terrains. Maybe if one aims, arguably, at walking and rough paths this detail could change ones general approach towards equipment itself!

• Lightweight clothing: Consider moisture-wicking materials
• Sturdy Hiking Shoes: Critical if your trip is designed around trails that pass through outdoor settings
• Sunscreen: Protection against sun burns and potential harm stemming exposure under sun at certain points!
• Insect repellent: Repel mosquitoes so disease transfered to tourist through carriers gets drastically eliminated overall!
• Hat & Sunglasses: Offers even better all-round sun block and cover to face, as one goes sightseeing through the days
• Camera: Taking excellent snapshots from outdoor environment you come through!

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