Tanzania’s bustling hub of Dar es Salaam serves up several excellent safari options for every kind of traveler. I’m especially impressed by the 6-Day Best of Tanzania Budget Safari – it delivers authentic wildlife encounters without breaking the bank. The 1-Day Mikumi trip works perfectly for time-pressed travelers, getting you back to Dar by sunset.
For serious safari enthusiasts, I love the comprehensive 8-Day Safari through Mikumi, Ruaha, and Udzungwa. It’s a real winner for spotting diverse wildlife and experiencing different park environments. The 3-Day Nyerere Private Safari stands out for its intimate Big 5 encounters and expert guides.
Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the 2-Day Mikumi option from either Dar or Zanzibar – it packs plenty of wildlife viewing into a compact timeframe.
Let’s explore the top safari picks that make the most of your time and money.
Key Points
- Safari Tours offers a 6-Day Best of Tanzania Budget Safari with 5-star ratings and 100% traveler recommendation.
- A 1-Day Safari to Mikumi National Park is available, featuring diverse wildlife sightings and a Badge of Excellence.
- An 8-Day Safari package covers Mikumi, Ruaha, and Udzungwa Mountains, with 4×4 transportation and meals included.
- Private Safari Experiences in Nyerere (Selous) Park offer personalized attention and Big 5 sightings.
- Short Safari Adventures, such as 2-Day and 3-Day Mikumi National Park Safaris, provide accessibility and highly-recommended options.
6-Day Best of Tanzania Budget Safari From Arusha
Often, travelers embark on the 6-Day Best of Tanzania Budget Safari from Arusha, a highly-rated tour that boasts a 5-star rating from 127 reviews.
Recommended by 100% of travelers and awarded a Badge of Excellence, this budget safari includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and a driver/guide.
Pickup and drop-off are provided, and bottled water is included. While alcoholic drinks can be purchased, gratuities are also covered.
The tour requires a minimum of 2 people, with a maximum of 7 travelers, and isn’t wheelchair accessible. Moderate physical fitness is needed, and no serious medical conditions are allowed.
Confirmation is received at booking, and dietary requirements can be accommodated.
Read our full review: 6-Day Best of Tanzania Budget Safari From Arusha Review
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1 Day Safari to Mikumi National Park
The Dar es Salaam Day Safari to Mikumi National Park offers travelers a chance to explore one of Tanzania’s most accessible wildlife havens.
This one-day excursion, with 18 positive reviews and a Badge of Excellence, is recommended by all travelers. Priced from €455.10 per person, the safari includes a 4×4 tourist vehicle, English-speaking driver guide, and all meals.
Pickup is at 4 AM from the Dar es Salaam airport or hotel, and the tour features diverse wildlife sightings, from elephants to giraffes. Reviewers praise the friendly and knowledgeable guides, though some suggest a longer safari for a more comprehensive experience.
Read our full review: 1 Day Safari to Mikumi National Park Review
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8 Days Safari to Mikumi, Ruaha & Udzungwa Mountains
This 8-day safari to Mikumi, Ruaha, and Udzungwa Mountains offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of Tanzania’s diverse wildlife havens.
Departing from Dar es Salaam, the tour includes a 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser, driver guide, and park fees. Guests can expect 7 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 7 dinners, though drinks, laundry, tips, and personal items are excluded.
The activity starts at 7:30 am and accommodates a maximum of 12 travelers, though it’s not wheelchair accessible and infants must sit on laps.
Priced from €1,931.74 per person, this highly-rated safari has received 13 positive reviews from previous travelers.
Read our full review: 8 Days Safari to Mikumi, Ruaha & Udzungwa Mountains Review
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3 Days Nyerere (Selous) Park Private Safari With Boat Trip
Immersing travelers in the heart of Tanzania’s wildlife haven, the Days Nyerere (Selous) Park Private Safari with Boat Trip offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the grandeur of Selous Game Reserve, the largest protected game reserve in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This 3-day private safari promises an authentic safari experience, with two nights at a safari lodge and meals included. Guests can look forward to exploring the reserve’s grasslands, lakes, and rivers, where they’ll have the chance to spot the Big 5 and other diverse wildlife.
The highlight is a boat safari on the Rufiji River and a full-day game drive, all while enjoying personalized attention from a private guide.
Read our full review: 3 Days Nyerere (Selous) Park Private Safari With Boat Trip Review
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3 Days Explore Selous Game Reserve + Boat Safari + Bushman Walking
Setting out on a captivating 3-day adventure, travelers can explore the vast Selous Game Reserve, Africa’s largest protected wildlife haven.
This private tour includes a boat safari and a guided bush walk with the indigenous Bushman community.
With 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners included, along with airport/departure tax and parking fees, the package offers excellent value.
Pickup at 6:30 AM is available, though the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible and may not be suitable for those with back problems or serious medical conditions.
Priced from $800 per person, this highly-rated experience provides a chance to take in Tanzania’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Read our full review: 3 Days Explore Selous Game Reserve + Boat Safari + Bushman Walking Review
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3 Days 2 Night Mikumi National Park & Udzungwa Walking Safari
Travelers seeking an exciting adventure can embark on a captivating 3-day excursion that showcases the natural wonders of Mikumi National Park and the Udzungwa Mountains.
This private tour, priced from $900 per person, offers a comprehensive experience, including private transportation and lunch. Guests can explore the diverse wildlife and landscapes of Mikumi National Park and enjoy a walking safari in the Udzungwa Mountains.
The tour is suitable for most travelers, with the exception of those who are pregnant or require wheelchair accessibility.
Participants can take advantage of the flexible cancellation policy, which allows free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Read our full review: 3 Days 2 Night Mikumi National Park & Udzungwa Walking Safari Review
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2 Days Mikumi National Park Safari From Dar Es Salaam or Zanzibar
For those seeking a captivating Mikumi National Park experience from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, a 2-day safari offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse in the region’s diverse wildlife.
With 14 glowing reviews and a 100% traveler recommendation, this private tour boasts inclusions like meals, transportation, and even alcohol.
Pickup and accessibility are convenient, catering to various needs. Priced at $650 per person, the safari provides a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Backed by a Badge of Excellence, this 5-star rated experience promises an unforgettable adventure through one of Tanzania’s premier national parks.
Read our full review: 2 Days Mikumi National Park Safari From Dar Es Salaam or Zanzibar Review
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One Day Wildlife Safari in Mikumi National Park
A one-day wildlife safari in Mikumi National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness Tanzania’s diverse fauna.
Located near Dar es Salaam, this full-day private tour takes visitors on two game drives to spot the park’s big game and hundreds of bird species.
The itinerary includes hotel pickup, lunch, and refreshments, with highlights such as encounters with rare tree-climbing lions, eland, and a vast floodplain known as the “little Serengeti.”
Recommended by 93% of travelers, this 7-hour safari provides an immersive experience in one of Tanzania’s largest national parks, surrounded by the Uluguru, Rubeho, and Lumango mountains.
Read our full review: One Day Wildlife Safari in Mikumi National Park Review
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3 Days Safari to Mikumi NP – Accommodation Inside the Park
This 3-day safari to Mikumi National Park offers an immersive wildlife experience, with accommodation conveniently located within the park.
Guests enjoy round-trip transfers from Dar es Salaam, along with all meals, park fees, and game drives in a 4×4 open-roof vehicle.
The tour’s 100% traveler recommendation and 5.0 rating from 37 reviews showcase its quality. Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and abundance of wildlife sightings.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours before, this safari is a hassle-free way to explore Mikumi’s diverse ecosystem.
Whether you’re a solo traveler or part of a group, this 3-day adventure provides an unforgettable safari experience.
Read our full review: 3 Days Safari to Mikumi NP – Accommodation Inside the Park Review
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2 Days and 1 Night Mikumi Safari Private Tour
Set out on a captivating 2-day, 1-night private safari through Mikumi National Park, offering an intimate wildlife experience from Dar es Salaam.
This highly-rated tour, recommended by 100% of travelers, immerses you in the park’s diverse ecosystems. Enjoy private transportation, meals, and on-board restrooms for a comfortable journey.
Flexible pickup options and a customizable meeting point ensure a seamless start and end to your adventure. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is accessible to most travelers, including infants.
Priced at $580 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this private safari promises an unforgettable exploration of Mikumi’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: 2 Days and 1 Night Mikumi Safari Private Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year for a Safari in Dar Es Salaam?
The best time for a safari in Dar es Salaam is during the dry season, typically from June to October. This is when wildlife is more easily spotted, and the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Safari Tours in the Area?
There are typically no age restrictions for safari tours in the Dar es Salaam area. Most operators welcome guests of all ages, though children may require special accommodations or have limited participation in certain activities.
Can I Customize the Itinerary for a Private Safari Tour?
Yes, many safari tour companies in the area allow customers to customize their itinerary for a private tour. This provides flexibility to tailor the experience to individual preferences and interests.
What Type of Transportation Is Provided for the Safari Tours?
Safari tour providers typically offer a variety of transportation options, including private vehicles, 4×4 SUVs, and minivans. The type of transportation used can often be customized to meet the needs and preferences of the tour group.
Do Safari Tours Include Any Cultural Experiences or Local Interactions?
Many safari tours include cultural experiences and local interactions, such as visiting traditional villages, meeting with local artisans, or participating in cultural activities. This provides a deeper understanding of the local way of life.
The Sum Up
Dar es Salaam offers a variety of safari tours, catering to different budgets and interests. From budget-friendly options like the 1-day Mikumi National Park safari to more extensive 6-day Tanzania safaris, there’s something for all. These tours provide opportunities to spot diverse wildlife and explore captivating landscapes. Travelers can choose between day trips, multi-day safaris, and even boat excursions for a well-rounded Tanzanian adventure.