If you’re visiting Tanzania’s bustling port city of Dar es Salaam and want to escape into the wild, a 3 Day Tanzania Safari from Dar es Salaam is the perfect choice. Within a few hours’ drive or a short flight from the city, you can find yourself surrounded by elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species.
Unlike the popular northern circuit safaris from Arusha and Moshi, the Dar es Salaam safari packages explore Southern Tanzania’s hidden gems such as Mikumi National Park, Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve), and even Ruaha National Park for those with more time.
This makes the 3 Day Safari from Dar es Salaam ideal for travelers who want a short, affordable, and less crowded safari experience without flying across the country.
Convenience – Easily accessible by road or flight from Dar es Salaam.
Affordable Safari Option – Shorter travel distances reduce costs compared to northern safaris.
Less Crowded Parks – Enjoy a more authentic, off-the-beaten-track safari experience.
Diverse Wildlife – See elephants, lions, hippos, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, wildebeests, and leopards.
Variety of Safari Options – Choose between Mikumi, Selous, or Ruaha depending on time and budget.
Closest major park to Dar es Salaam (4–5 hours by road).
Known as the “mini-Serengeti” for its wide plains and abundant wildlife.
Best for a quick safari with high chances of seeing elephants, giraffes, zebras, and lions.
Largest protected wildlife area in Africa.
Just 4–5 hours by road or 1-hour flight from Dar es Salaam.
Unique activities like boat safaris on the Rufiji River and walking safaris.
Excellent for spotting crocodiles, hippos, wild dogs, and elephants.
A bit farther but accessible via short domestic flights.
Famous for large elephant herds and predator sightings (lions, leopards, cheetahs).
Great for travelers wanting a more exclusive safari.
Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Mikumi National Park
Pick up from your hotel in Dar es Salaam.
Drive through the scenic Uluguru Mountains to Mikumi National Park (4–5 hours).
Afternoon game drive on arrival – elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and antelopes.
Dinner and overnight at a lodge or camp inside the park.
Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Mikumi
Morning and afternoon game drives across Mikumi’s floodplains.
Chance to see lions, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and over 400 bird species.
Picnic lunch in the park.
Evening relaxation at your lodge/camp.
Day 3: Mikumi – Dar es Salaam
Early morning game drive.
Breakfast at the lodge.
Drive back to Dar es Salaam, arriving in the afternoon.
Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Nyerere National Park
Pick up from Dar and drive (or fly) to Nyerere National Park.
Afternoon boat safari on the Rufiji River – see hippos, crocodiles, and exotic birds.
Dinner and overnight at a safari lodge/camp.
Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Selous
Full-day game drive in Africa’s largest wildlife reserve.
Spot elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, and giraffes.
Picnic lunch in the park.
Evening walking safari (optional) with armed ranger.
Day 3: Morning Safari – Return to Dar es Salaam
Morning walking safari or short game drive.
Breakfast and return journey to Dar es Salaam by road/flight.
Dry Season (June – October): Best for wildlife viewing, animals gather around water sources.
Green Season (November – March): Lush landscapes, birdwatching paradise.
Rainy Season (April – May): Heavy rains may affect accessibility but prices are lower.
Prices vary depending on the park chosen, group size, and accommodation type.
Mikumi Road Safari:
Budget: $600 – $850 per person
Mid-range: $950 – $1,300 per person
Luxury: $1,500 – $2,200 per person
Nyerere (Selous) Safari:
Budget: $700 – $950 per person
Mid-range: $1,100 – $1,600 per person
Luxury Fly-in: $1,800 – $3,000 per person
4×4 safari vehicle with open roof
Professional English-speaking safari guide
All park fees and conservation charges
Full-board accommodation (lodges/camps)
Bottled drinking water
Daily game drives (plus boat/walking safari in Selous)
Not Included:
International flights
Visas
Personal expenses & tips
Travel insurance
Light clothing in neutral colors
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
Camera and binoculars
Personal medications
Light sweater or jacket for evenings
1. Which is better for a 3-day safari from Dar, Mikumi or Selous?
Mikumi is closer and cheaper, great for first-time safari-goers.
Selous offers more diversity, unique boat safaris, and larger wilderness.
2. How far is Mikumi from Dar es Salaam?
Approximately 4–5 hours by road.
3. Can I do a fly-in safari from Dar?
Yes, daily flights connect Dar to Selous, Ruaha, and even Serengeti.
4. Are boat safaris safe in Selous?
Yes, they are guided by professional rangers and are a unique highlight of the park.
5. Is this safari family-friendly?
Yes, especially Mikumi which is accessible and suitable for kids.
6. Can I combine this safari with Zanzibar?
Absolutely! After the safari, you can take a short flight to Zanzibar for a beach holiday.
7. Do I need malaria prophylaxis?
Yes, consult your doctor before traveling as Southern Tanzania is a malaria-prone area.
8. What is the accommodation like?
Choices range from budget camps to luxury lodges with swimming pools and river views.
9. Will I see the Big Five on a Dar safari?
You will likely see elephants, lions, and buffalo. Rhinos are rare in Southern Tanzania, but Selous offers wild dogs which are unique compared to the north.
10. Is it possible to customize the safari?
Yes, you can choose private or group tours, budget or luxury lodges, and add extra days.
A 3 Day Tanzania Safari from Dar es Salaam is the perfect way to experience African wildlife without traveling far from the city. Whether you choose Mikumi National Park for a quick escape or Nyerere (Selous) National Park for a more diverse adventure, this safari guarantees close encounters with elephants, lions, hippos, giraffes, and more.
For travelers with limited time or those combining their safari with a beach holiday in Zanzibar, this short yet exciting journey offers the perfect balance of convenience, affordability, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.
👉 Book your 3 Day Tanzania Safari from Dar es Salaam today and turn your city break into a wild adventure!
Tanzania is a year-round safari destination with many adventures being offered all over the country. For optimal wildlife sightings, the dry season from June to October is your best bet! Read more on when to visit Tanzania
Both have their perks with Big Five national parks, the incredible Great Migration and that quintessential African experience we all dream of. Check out our article on Serengeti vs Masai Mara to help you decide.
They both have such different safari experiences! Tanzania offers Big Five game reserves on classic dusty desert plains, rather South Africa partners the Big Five animals with luscious winelands. Both are just as good, but it depends on your safari style.
That’s a tough one! Botswana is home to herds of elephants at Chobe and the sparkling Okavango Delta, and Tanzania has the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro and Great Migration. Check out our article on Botswana vs Tanzania safaris to help you decide.
Tanzania is in general a safe, hassle-free country. However, like most places, you do need to take precautions and listen to your tour guide. It also pays to read our articles on ‘Things to know before going to Tanzania’.
A camera and binoculars are a must. You’ll regret it if you don’t take them! As for clothing, definitely pack lightweight, breathable clothing. Remember, Tanzania is an arid country so the days can get quite hot. Read more on what to pack for a safari in Tanzania in our travel magazine
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