4 Days Nyerere and Mikumi Adventure Experience

Detailed Overview

Overview

Nyerere National Park (before Selous G.R.) is one of the spectacular southern circuit national parks of Tanzania which is still relatively undisturbed by human impact.
Almost all of Africa's famous animals can be found in Nyerere National Park, including varieties of birds and reptiles. That’s why Nyerere National Park was already declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982 and the UN ranks Nyerere National Park among the 25 most biodiverse regions in the world. The population of African wild dogs is the largest on the entire continent with 1300 animals and there are approximately 3,700 lions – one of the largest populations in Africa and furthermore the park is home to more than half of Tanzania’s elephant population. Nyerere National Park has a great variety of habitats such as swamps, open grassland, riverine forests and the Miombo woodlands with impressive baobabs and acacia trees as well doum- and borassus palms up to 30 meters high and mango trees can also be found in well-watered places. The Rufiji River with his numerous side arms and large lakes forms a labyrinth with islands, sandbars and lagoons. Crocodiles sunbathe on their banks and hippos wallow in the muddy water.

Mikumi Nationalpark is located 286 km from Dar es Salaam and is the fifth largest National Park in Tanzania. The park is one ecosystem with Nyerere National Park and therefore elephants, buffalos and zebras are migrating to and from the northern part of Mikumi N. P. The grass savannas of the Mkata Floodplains in the northwestern part of the park can be compared to those of the Serengeti. The southern depressions form water courses which flow to Mkata River and supporting large population of wildlife including buffalo, wild dog, eland, elephant, giraffe, hartebeest, zebra, leopard, lion, impala, sable antelope, warthog, waterbuck, wildebeest, and greater kudu. Yellow baboons, impala and reedbuck are commonly seen at Kisungura area along the Mkata River. The Park habitat is also among one of the richest in the world for residence and migratory birds. More than 400 species of birds have been observed in this park.

Tour Highlights

• Nyerere National Park
• Still relatively unspoiled and an insider tip
• Undisturbed safaris due to fewer tourists
• Enjoy the variety of game viewing safaris by boat, 4×4 or on foot
• Large lakes and rivers
• Mikumi National Park
• Discover the rich wildlife of the Mkata floodplains, home to four of the big five: leopards, lions, elephants, buffaloes
• Popular for sightings of the world’s largest antelope – the eland
• Has a wide variety of vegetation types, woodland, swamp and grassland
• Enjoy the glorious sunrise and sunset

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Nyerere National Park (before Selous G. R.)

Morning pick up at the agreed meeting point in Dar es Salaam and departure to Nyerere National Park. The journey will take 5 – 6 hours. Lunch will be served at a restaurant in Kibiti. In the late afternoon, you take a boat safari along the mighty Rufiji River, bringing you into close contact with hippos, crocodiles, fantastic birdlife and other animals like elephants, lions, buffalos and other game that comes to the river.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Selous Ngalawa Campsite and Lodge (budget), Mloka Safari Lodge (mid-range), Africa Safari Selous (luxury)

Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Nyerere National Park

A full day in Nyerere National Park exploring wildlife in a 4 wheels drive vehicle. There will be great photographic opportunities in many different sections of this vast park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Selous Ngalawa Campsite and Lodge (budget), Mloka Safari Lodge (mid-range), Africa Safari Selous (luxury)

Day 3: Walking Safari Nyerere National Park – Mikumi National Park

Before breakfast you start a wilderness walking safari that lasts about 2 hours and is accompanied by an armed ranger. This gives you an intimate feeling with the savanna and its proximity to African wildlife. Then you meet our driver at the national park gate and drive back to the camp for breakfast. After breakfast you leave the Nyerere National Park in direction Mikumi National Park with game viewing and picnic lunch on route. The journey takes you through one of the wildest and most untouched areas of Tanzania, up into the Uluguru Mountains across rivers and small local villages and farms. The drive is tiring but possibly the most rewarding and adventurous on the southern circuit. After arrival in the lodge and a short relaxation we start for a game drive until sunset.

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Mikumi Bandas or Bastian Campsite (budget), Bastian Lodge (mid-range)

Day 4: Mikumi National Park – Dar es Salaam

After an early breakfast we leave for a 4 hours game drive in the park. Then we leave the national park in direction Dar es Salaam. With a lunch stop at a restaurant in Morogoro, we continue with the drive back to the previously agreed drop off point in Dar es Salaam.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Possible Accommodation: no accommodation on this day.

Best Travel Time

• The best time to visit the Southern Circuit National Parks is during the dry season from June to October. It is the best time for wildlife viewing because the vegetation is less dense. The temperature is hot and dry during the day, cooler at night.
• From November to February It becomes more sultry and greener.
• Rainy season is from March to May routes are almost impassable and lodges and camps very often closed.

Inclusions

• Transport from and to your hotel/residence or airport/seaport
• Park entry and nature trail fees
• Professional, English-speaking driver/guide
• All accommodations and meals as mentioned in the itinerary or as agreed. N. B. accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is dependent on availability at the time of booking; alternatives of a similar class may be booked instead
• All camping gear (if applicable)
• Game drives and activities as per itinerary
• 4 × 4 safari vehicle with pop up roof for game viewing
• TANAPA armed ranger (where needed, e.g. on walking safaris, some boat safaris etc.)
• Drinking water during the game drives/walking safari
• Driver’s salary and allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver

Exclusions

• International/national flights and visa fees
• Extras, personal expenses i.e. soft- and alcoholic drinks, telephone, souvenirs, laundry etc.
• Travel, medical, injury and luggage insurance
• Flying doctor rescue services
• Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park entrance fees
• Tips to the driver & guide
• Anything else not mentioned in the inclusions
• Optional activities not outlined on the itinerary

Optional Add-ons

• Visit to a local dance show/village (Nyerere N. P.)
• On request other tour languages possible
• Flights DAR – Nyerere N. P. / Mikumi N. P. – DAR can be arranged
• Additional accommodation before and after the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
• Extension of stay or additional program is possible / or have a look at our other offers

Important Notes

• Kids under the age of 12 are not allowed on a walking safari.
• We offer discounted prices for children.
• Usually our tours require a minimum of 2 persons to run. Single travelers can join a tour or ask us for a tailor-made safari.

What to Bring

• Lightweight clothing
• Swimwear
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Sandals and walking shoes
• Insect repellent
• Personal medication
• Travel documents