Mikumi Day Trip Safari Review: Is it Worth It?

So, you’re thinking about squeezing a Mikumi National Park safari into just one day, too it’s quite a thought, isn’t it? That, you know, maybe you’re short on vacation days or perhaps just testing the safari waters, it’s almost like you’re peeking to see if the experience is all it’s cracked up to be. Well, very that’s exactly the position I was in before my own Mikumi day trip, yet now I’m here to give you the lowdown based on my actual boots-on-the-ground adventure, more or less to help you make that decision. This review gets into what to expect, the sights I took in, a bit, just a little, about the animals I encountered, and whether a single day in Mikumi really delivers the goods; in some respects, I hope that I’m able to shed some light on things.

What to Expect on a Day Trip to Mikumi

Alright, a day trip to Mikumi is quite a whirlwind, you see; what’s typical is that it begins super early. Expect to wake up way before sunrise if you’re coming from Dar es Salaam, for example. Basically, that drive can be a good 4-6 hours each way. That’s a pretty big chunk of your day gone just traveling, actually it eats up a lot of your daylight hours for game viewing, very.

We usually travel in a modified safari vehicle; could be that this is often a Land Cruiser or similar 4×4 designed to handle the sometimes challenging terrain, really to the point that comfort can sometimes be an issue! Safaris aren’t known to be without their bumps and rattles. So, anyway, once you get into the park, it’s off to the races. A game drive is typically your main activity, where your driver, that guy doubles as a guide, will cruise around searching for wildlife. A little you want to manage your expectations given the limited time, still you can certainly see a decent selection of animals; arguably, with some careful planning and a touch of luck, that can happen.

Food, too it’s almost always packed lunch. Typically you’ll get a pre-arranged meal from your tour operator, yet make sure to double-check those details before you go, or you might find yourself getting to be really friendly with your tummy! In the same way, I recommend packing some extra snacks and plenty of water; for instance, it might get hot, it might get bumpy, and that might get you hungry!

Wildlife Encounters: What You Might See

Mikumi, is that you’ll find that it’s known for its pretty solid wildlife viewing opportunities, right. A little what makes it very special, it appears, is how accessible it is. It’s more or less like a mini-Serengeti, only handier for those coming from Dar es Salaam. Yet a day trip? Well, let’s temper our hopes, OK? We had, arguably, some good encounters, but it isn’t a given.

Usually, very what I spotted fairly easily were zebras, wildebeests, impalas and giraffes – the common folk you might say. Still there was something beautiful in seeing them graze on the open plains. Elephants too, and maybe in massive herds if you’re lucky; they are almost majestic, peacefully wandering. In short I remember feeling that excitement when we saw a journey of giraffes glide so gracefully through the acacia trees, that was a truly postcard-worthy scene.

Very in regards to the big predators; as I was saying, lions are in Mikumi, although a little finding them in one day is another story, typically they do what they please. Chances of viewing leopards, still maybe; rhinos however, as a matter of fact, sadly they’re absent in Mikumi so you can strike that hope off your record now. Keep that searching for something special in mind.

Pros and Cons of a Mikumi Day Trip Safari

Naturally there are advantages and disadvantages with trying to compress an safari into one day, after all. In a way it’s about deciding what will fit with your wishes, right?

A day trip allows people like you, arguably, the chance to see an safari if you happen to be quite short on time. Right then maybe you’re traveling to Tanzania for business or have a small weekend getaway from Dar; pretty much you might squeeze this journey in when otherwise it would never be doable. Basically too that’s a way of experiencing a slice of Tanzania’s nature and getting your toes wet.

Still I felt rushed. A little the long drives do not actually give much quality game-viewing hours, by the way. Usually by the time you start searching those animals it gets quite late in the afternoon and soon it is necessary to get going so as not to travel far in the night, which means an early trip home. It might be worth mentioning this does have bearing on exactly how numerous different sightings come. And you might get a bad case of sitting sickness!

Also with a single day; right then, it is more difficult to find these animals who happen to be quite rare; really you simply aren’t having much time available to wait things out, in short; in short if you’re a photography buff, basically I can tell you in short that limited light will definitely make photography somewhat hard so expect compromised photo opportunities.

Making the Most of Your Limited Time

Basically to take full advantage of that Mikumi day-trip, right then, I actually found several key elements quite helpful: careful preparation really makes for success. Honestly discuss the goals for this safari, and sort of ask to prioritize certain animals; this could be helpful to them so as not to only show zebras. So start off really early so as to avoid midday when animal sightings can get reduced as you travel. Actually if it’s safe enough to do so request a driver who will consider travelling when dawn arrives – it adds several priceless moments!

In fact be certain to wear colors in such ways as khaki/olive tones so animals are unlikely be distracted (or spooked.) Right then definitely always, very always listen to one’s guide as it’s vital so that neither one of you disrupts the delicate ecosystems there – one rule he will enforce by means of penalty! Then I always carried binoculars and this may make viewing experiences very interesting so I highly suggest these for spotting.

Basically just set reasonable goals in terms of animal spotting! If perhaps seeing lions represents the pinnacle so as it were yet one ends the days finding just one of them so then value all creatures on which you might encounter instead – it isn’t a good thing simply if expecting nothing rather than elephants.

Is a Mikumi Day Trip Worth It? My Final Thoughts

Arguably, so that ultimate question lingers, doesn’t it; actually I am of the opinion so as the experience in Mikumi throughout a single-day is rewarding to many depending, frankly. I actually find it most worthwhile while there appears lack of occasion rather when no other options exists! Nevertheless realize so time constraint and the fast journey could diminish those memories created during that event. Remember what you like your circumstances; potentially considering expanding if feasible will add even higher quality adventure.

Anyway one must recognize constraints placed under such a short moment spent. Clearly by organizing properly though, following knowledgeable tour company personnel combined even luck throughout viewing potential should make memorable occasions though for anyone!