8 Days: Mikumi, Selous & Zanzibar
The full southern holiday: arrive in Dar es Salaam, see Mikumi and Selous by road with your own guide, then fly to Zanzibar to end on the beach.
- Length8 days, 7 nights
- StartsDar es Salaam airport
- EndsZanzibar airport
- StayHotel, lodge, camp and beach hotel
This plan suits travellers who fly into Dar es Salaam. You travel overland to Mikumi and Selous with the same guide and vehicle, which lets you see the countryside between the parks, then take a short flight from Selous to Zanzibar so there is no long way back.
We choose the hotels, lodge and camp with you when we confirm your dates.
Day by day
Day 1: Arrive in Dar es Salaam
We meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel to rest after the flight.
Day 2: Drive to Mikumi
Your guide collects you for the drive west to Mikumi, about five hours with a stop on the way. Afternoon game drive.
Day 3: A full day in Mikumi
Morning and afternoon game drives across the plains.
Day 4: Mikumi to Selous
An early drive, then the road to Selous with your guide. This is a long day; we confirm the route and timing for your dates.
Day 5: Game drive and boat safari
A morning game drive and an afternoon boat safari on the Rufiji River or its lakes.
Day 6: Fly to Zanzibar
A short morning in the park, then the flight from Selous to Zanzibar and our driver to your beach hotel.
Day 7: Zanzibar
A free day by the sea.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Zanzibar's airport for your flight home.
The drive from Mikumi to Selous takes most of a day. Small planes allow about 15 kg of luggage per person, hand luggage included, best in a soft bag; we confirm your airline's limit when we book. Flights can be delayed by weather or air traffic; if that happens, we adjust the day so you lose as little time in the park as possible.
Price per person in US dollars
Private trip for your group only. The price per person depends on how many of you travel together.
| Season | 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High seasonJune–October · 20 Dec–February | $3,410 | $2,800 | $2,595 | $2,495 | $2,435 | $2,395 |
| Low seasonMarch–May · 1 Nov–19 Dec | $3,230 | $2,620 | $2,420 | $2,315 | $2,255 | $2,215 |
High season: June to October and 20 December to February. Low season: March to May and 1 November to 19 December.
Prices per person sharing a room; one traveller has a room to themselves. Groups of 7 or more: ask us for a price.
Many camps in Selous close for part of the long rains, around April and May; we check your dates first.
Prices include our current estimates of the hotel, lodge, camp and flight costs; we confirm the final price in writing before you pay.
Included
- Airport transfers in Dar es Salaam and on Zanzibar
- Road journey and game drives in a 4x4 safari vehicle with your own English-speaking guide
- Mikumi and Nyerere National Park fees
- Boat safari on the Rufiji River or its lakes
- Flight Selous–Zanzibar by small plane
- 1 night in a Dar es Salaam hotel with breakfast
- 4 nights in mid-range lodges and camps, meals as listed
- 2 nights in a mid-range beach hotel with breakfast
- Drinking water on safari
Not included
- Meals in Dar es Salaam and on Zanzibar other than breakfast
- Zanzibar's tourist levy charged by hotels, where it applies
- Compulsory travel insurance: mainland Tanzania's inbound policy (US$44 per person since 1 October 2026) or, if you arrive on Zanzibar first, Zanzibar's own policy (US$44); you need only one
- International flights and visas
- Tips, drinks other than water and personal spending
- Any government increase in park fees or taxes after booking
How booking works: a 30% deposit confirms your trip and the balance is paid on arrival in Tanzania, before the trip starts. We reply within 24 hours. Booking terms
Mikumi, Selous and Zanzibar in 8 days: questions
Can we start on Zanzibar instead?
Yes. We can reverse the trip or start with a few beach days; tell us your flights and we plan around them.
Why go by road between the parks?
It is the only practical way between Mikumi and Selous, and it shows you rural Tanzania. The flight at the end saves you the long road back to the coast.
How much luggage can we bring?
On the road part there is no strict limit, but the flight from Selous to Zanzibar allows about 15 kg per person in a soft bag. We can send extra bags ahead to your Zanzibar hotel.
Is this trip suitable for children?
Yes for most families, but the drive days are long. Tell us the ages and we suggest breaks or an extra night.
Related trips
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Two nights on the Rufiji with a boat safari, four nights on the island.
3 days · ferry & train3-Day Mikumi Safari by Ferry & Train
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More Tanzania trips by Lion Crest: 8-day southern Tanzania safari on lioncrestsafaris.com
Ask us about dates and prices
Tell us your dates, where you are staying and how many of you are travelling. We reply within 24 hours, usually much sooner on WhatsApp.