Embark on the ultimate southern Tanzania safari with our Top 5-Day Mikumi and Selous Game Reserve Tour, a journey that combines spectacular wildlife, pristine landscapes, and authentic African experiences. This carefully crafted itinerary takes you through Mikumi National Park, often called the “mini-Serengeti,” and the vast Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park), one of Africa’s largest protected wildlife areas.

Over five unforgettable days, you’ll encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and hippos while exploring two contrasting ecosystems — the open savannahs of Mikumi and the riverine wilderness of Selous. Ideal for travelers seeking diversity, adventure, and tranquility, this safari showcases Tanzania’s best-kept southern treasures.

Why Choose the Mikumi & Selous Safari?

Southern Tanzania offers a more exclusive safari experience compared to the northern circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Maasai Mara). Combining Mikumi National Park with Selous Game Reserve provides:

1. Diverse Landscapes: From wide savannah plains and acacia woodlands in Mikumi to riverine forests, wetlands, and baobab-studded terrain in Selous.

2. Abundant Wildlife: Big Five game, rare antelopes, and thousands of bird species.

3. Exclusive Experience: Fewer tourists mean more personal encounters with wildlife and nature.

4. Photographer’s Paradise: Exceptional light, stunning vistas, and dramatic wildlife encounters.

5. Adventure Variety: Game drives, boat safaris, walking safaris, and optional fishing trips in Selous.

Whether you’re an avid wildlife enthusiast, photographer, or nature lover, this 5-day safari offers a memorable balance of activity, comfort, and discovery.

Safari Overview

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Destinations: Mikumi National Park & Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)
Safari Type: Wildlife Safari (Luxury or Mid-range)
Starting Point: Dar es Salaam / Zanzibar
Best Time to Visit: June – October (dry season) for wildlife visibility; November – May (green season) for lush scenery and birdwatching.

Detailed 5-Day Mikumi & Selous Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Mikumi National Park – Gateway to Southern Safari

Morning:

Pick up from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar and drive to Mikumi National Park (approximately 4–5 hours). Along the way, enjoy views of Morogoro’s rolling hills, small villages, and farmland.

Afternoon:

Arrive at your lodge or tented camp and enjoy lunch overlooking the savannah. After a brief rest, embark on your first evening game drive. Mikumi’s Mkata Floodplain offers excellent wildlife sightings, with herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes.

Highlights:

• Elephants and giraffes grazing along open plains.

• Lions and leopards resting under acacia trees.

• Hippos and crocodiles in the Hippo Pools.

• Rich birdlife, including hornbills, bee-eaters, and fish eagles.

Return to camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Vuma Hills Tented Camp / Mikumi Wildlife Camp

• Mid-range: Camp Bastian Mikumi / Tan-Swiss Lodge

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Mikumi National Park

Start early to catch the morning wildlife activity. The open plains make it easy to spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, and other iconic African species.

Morning Game Drive:

Traverse the Mkata Floodplain, stopping to observe:

• Herds of elephants and buffaloes crossing the plains.

• Lions and cheetahs hunting or resting.

• Giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests grazing.

Midday:

Stop for a bush picnic lunch in the park while enjoying the surrounding wildlife.

Afternoon:

Continue your safari, visiting the Hippo Pools and nearby woodlands for more sightings. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon.

Optional: Early evening sundowner for sunset photography.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Selous Game Reserve – Riverine Wilderness

After breakfast, drive or fly south to Selous Game Reserve, one of Africa’s largest and most remote reserves, covering over 50,000 km².

Afternoon:

Arrive at your lodge or camp and relax before an afternoon game drive. Selous is famous for its riverine habitats, baobab-studded plains, and large populations of elephants and buffaloes.

Highlights:

• Elephants and buffaloes congregating along the Ruaha or Rufiji rivers.

• Lions resting under baobabs.

• Hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds along riverbanks.

• Optional boat safari for unique wildlife sightings.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Selous Safari Camp / Siwandu Camp / Beho Beho Safari Camp

• Mid-range: Rufiji River Camp / Sand Rivers Selous

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Full-Day Game & Boat Safari in Selous

Morning Game Drive:

Explore Selous by 4×4, visiting floodplains, miombo woodlands, and river valleys. Look out for:

• Lions and leopards hunting in the early hours.

• Elephants and buffaloes at waterholes.

• Rare antelopes, giraffes, and zebras.

Midday:

Return to camp for lunch and a short rest.

Afternoon Boat Safari (Optional):

Take a boat trip along the Rufiji River, an extraordinary way to see:

• Crocodiles and hippos in their natural habitat.

• Waterbirds, including herons, storks, and African fish eagles.

• Wildlife along the riverbanks, including elephants coming to drink.

Return to camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Departure

Enjoy a final morning game drive in Selous, capturing any last wildlife sightings and photography opportunities.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Dar es Salaam (or Mtemere Airstrip for a flight). Depart with unforgettable memories of Tanzania’s southern wilderness.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation Highlights

Mikumi National Park:

• Vuma Hills Tented Camp: Luxury tented accommodation with panoramic savannah views.

• Mikumi Wildlife Camp: Close to wildlife, ideal for first-time safari visitors.

Selous Game Reserve:

• Selous Safari Camp: Exclusive, luxurious lodges with river views.

• Siwandu Camp: Comfort in the heart of Selous with top-tier safari experiences.

• Sand Rivers Selous: Premium boutique camp with elegant design and personalized service.

Wildlife You’ll Encounter

• Big Five: Lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos (rare).

• Hippos and crocodiles along riverbanks.

• Plains animals: zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, impalas, and elands.

• Over 400 bird species, including African fish eagle, kingfishers, storks, and herons.

• Occasional wild dogs and cheetahs.

Selous offers particularly rare sightings due to its vastness and fewer tourists, making encounters feel intimate and magical.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (June–October): Best for game drives and spotting animals congregating at waterholes.

• Green Season (November–May): Excellent for birdwatching, photography, and seeing lush landscapes.

Safari Add-Ons & Extensions

• Zanzibar Beach Stay: Relax on white sands after your safari.

• Udzungwa Mountains Hike: Extend for a nature and waterfall adventure.

• Ruaha National Park Extension: For additional big-game viewing in Tanzania’s largest park.

• Fishing Safari in Selous: Catch tilapia or tiger fish in the Rufiji River.

Packing List

• Light, breathable safari clothing in neutral colors.

• Comfortable walking shoes or boots.

• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

• Binoculars and camera with extra batteries.

• Insect repellent and personal medication.

• Reusable water bottle.

Safari Tips

• Always follow your guide’s instructions for safety and wildlife conservation.

• Avoid bright-colored clothing; neutral tones help you blend into the environment.

• Carry small amounts of cash for tips and lodge extras.

• Charge all camera batteries each evening — wildlife moves fast!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How far is Mikumi from Dar es Salaam?
Mikumi is about 280 km (4–5 hours by road).

Q2: How do I get to Selous Game Reserve?
Selous can be reached by 4×4 drive (approximately 5–6 hours from Mikumi) or by domestic flight to Mtemere Airstrip.

Q3: What wildlife will I see?
Expect lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and a huge variety of birds.

Q4: Is this safari suitable for families?
Yes, both parks are family-friendly with safe lodges and child-friendly safari options.

Q5: Can I customize this safari?
Yes, you can add extra days, include Udzungwa Mountains, or finish with Zanzibar.

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Conclusion

The Top 5-Day Mikumi and Selous Game Reserve Tour is the perfect mix of adventure, wildlife, and serenity. From the open plains of Mikumi to the riverine forests and waterways of Selous, each day brings new discoveries and unforgettable encounters.

Travelers can enjoy exclusive wildlife sightings, peaceful landscapes, and diverse habitats — all while staying in carefully selected lodges and tented camps. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor, this southern Tanzania adventure promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Prepare your camera, put on your safari hat, and immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Tanzania’s Mikumi and Selous Game Reserve — two of Africa’s most enchanting safari destinations in one remarkable journey.