Zanzibar & Mikumi: Tour Review & Guide (2024)

Planning a trip that squeezes in both the stunning beaches of Zanzibar and the incredible wildlife of Mikumi National Park? Sounds amazing, right? Well, a 2-day, 1-night tour of Mikumi from Zanzibar might be just what you need, that is if you’re prepared for a quick but incredibly rewarding experience. This write-up gives you what you need to decide if this adventure suits you, that is as we break it all down so you know exactly what to expect.

What’s the Big Deal With Mikumi Anyway?

Mikumi National Park, just so you know, sits relatively close to Dar es Salaam and happens to be super popular for those wanting a taste of safari life without trekking too far inland. It’s part of a much bigger ecosystem that, apparently, includes the famous Selous Game Reserve (now known as Nyerere National Park). Think of it like this, very similar to a smaller, more accessible version of the Serengeti. It has all the iconic African wildlife – lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras – but the best part? You might see loads of them just driving along the main road.

What makes Mikumi especially interesting, actually, is its landscape. The park, too, boasts open grasslands, Miombo woodlands, plus even some rocky hills, offering, like your everyday movie set, various backdrops for spotting animals. So, basically, you get that classic African safari feel without going way off the beaten track. Plus, you can see a whole range of animals very easily.

Why a Boat Tour, Though?

Now, here’s a different spin, apparently – many Mikumi tours don’t just stick to the usual jeep safari. A boat tour, you see, is something of a twist that many people really seem to enjoy. Some tours take you along the Ruaha River, so it’s almost like offering a totally fresh perspective on the park and its wildlife. Imagine watching elephants coming down to drink or seeing hippos wallowing in the water from a boat! That, too, offers such a relaxed vibe and makes for amazing photos, clearly adding an extra something to your trip. It’s not something you get on every safari, it’s almost an added bonus.

What’s the Day-by-Day Look Like?

Right, so picture this: the itinerary for a 2-day, 1-night trip from Zanzibar to Mikumi usually goes something like this. Day one typically starts super early. So, too it’s almost about a flight from Zanzibar to an airstrip near Mikumi. From there, it’s straight into a game drive. You spend the day exploring the park, spotting wildlife, stopping for lunch, plus then heading to your accommodation inside or just outside the park. The evening, naturally, could involve dinner at the lodge and the sounds of the African bush as your lullaby.

Day two usually involves another early start for one more game drive, catching the animals during their most active time. Afterwards, that is as soon as it’s lunch and then you’re off to the airstrip for your flight back to Zanzibar. Yes, very, very fast-paced, very packed, it provides a brilliant snapshot of what Mikumi has to offer. Be warned that it’s not a relaxing beach holiday; this one’s about experiencing as much wildlife as possible in a very small time frame.

Things I Thought Were Pretty Cool

There were aspects I noticed, such as getting close to elephants. Mikumi has large elephant populations. One time, so, too it’s almost like we watched a whole family cross the road right in front of our jeep – definitely amazing. And then there were the lions. Seeing lions is never guaranteed, apparently, but Mikumi gives you pretty good odds. We saw a pride lounging under a tree, plus it was just so great.

The boat tour, I found to be interesting. Gliding along the river and watching wildlife come to the water’s edge felt really, really special. It, too, gave me pictures and viewpoints I definitely wouldn’t have gotten from just a car. So, it stands as my high recommendation if it’s offered!

The whole experience was short, of course, though still so exciting. Landing in the bush, heading straight into the game drive, as a matter of fact, felt like stepping into a movie. One con is it really doesn’t leave much time to unwind, and I was really tired by the end, it must be mentioned.

Potential Downsides You Should Think About

The time limit can be a little tight. Getting to Mikumi from Zanzibar involves flights, so you waste several hours traveling on each day. Two days might not seem so short, honestly, yet you only spend a day and a half actually on safari, that being because of traveling logistics.

Another thought is cost. This kind of whirlwind trip does cost more than spending the same time in Zanzibar, or on a longer safari elsewhere. The flights alone impact the price, but then it also has to be balanced that you’re packing a rare experience into just two days. Don’t think this is a shoestring-budget adventure, you see.

Fatigue may impact some more. The early wake-up calls, the bumpy jeep rides, the heat – it adds up. This trip requires a good level of physical resilience. That’s why you end up so tired at the end of the day!

Who Would Dig This Trip (and Who Might Not)?

This tour is the one for you if:

• You want to combine a beach holiday with a quick safari experience.
• You’re short on time and looking for a ‘taster’ of African wildlife.
• You’re okay with a fast pace and a relatively high cost.
• You are very focused on wildlife.

Maybe skip this trip if:

• You are on a tight budget.
• You want a slower, more relaxed travel style.
• You have more time and can dedicate a few more days to a full safari somewhere.
• You dislike very early starts!

A Few Things to Plan Ahead

Booking. Look around various tour operators, also compare prices and check, like your local investigator, reviews. Do they cover all park fees, meals, plus transportation? Understand what is involved.

What to pack: Think light, practical clothes, strong sunscreen, insect repellent, a good hat, and definitely a camera with a zoom lens. Binoculars are a good thing to bring to increase wildlife viewing. Try to bring something light to keep the sun off you, as well.

Health things: Check if you require any vaccinations, and bring any necessary medications. Check out travel clinics’ advice, I guess, months before your travel begins so you have adequate time.

In Sum

So, if a fast, fascinating snapshot of African wildlife appeals to you, plus if you are happy with spending a bit more for something you can fit into a shorter travel schedule, this could well be great. Prepare for an early start, lots of driving, many memorable wildlife encounters, plus a bit of exhaustion by the time you get back to those Zanzibar beaches!

This trip squeezes some real adventure into just 48 hours. For the right traveler, the trip can really be so worth it!