What are the most popular national parks accessible from Dar es Salaam?

Three key national parks lie within reach of Dar es Salaam. Mikumi National Park sits 4-5 hours away by car and features large elephant herds and lions. Nyerere National Park (previously Selous Game Reserve) is a 5-hour drive and offers river safaris on the Rufiji River. Ruaha National Park the largest in Tanzania lies 8 hours away and houses Africa's second-largest lion population. Visitors can choose from lodges like African Safari Selous Lodge or Camp Bastian Mikumi. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The diversity between the three parks was amazing - from boat safaris in Nyerere to the vast plains of Mikumi."

How much should I budget for a safari tour from Dar es Salaam?

Budget ranges vary widely for Dar es Salaam safaris. A 2-day Mikumi trip starts at 519 USD while luxury 12-day tours combining multiple parks and Zanzibar can reach 8300 USD. Most 3-4 day trips to Selous or Mikumi cost between 1000-2700 USD. This includes stays at places like Lake Manze Tented Camp transport meals and park entrance fees.

What is the best time of year to start a safari tour from Dar es Salaam?

The dry seasons from June to October and January to February provide the best safari conditions from Dar es Salaam. During these months wildlife gathers near water sources in parks like Mikumi Ruaha and Nyerere. The southern parks see fewer visitors than northern Tanzania's famous circuits. Local accommodations like Camp Bastian Mikumi confirm these months offer prime viewing. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "We went in July and the weather was perfect - not too hot and we saw incredible concentrations of wildlife around the remaining water sources."

Where can I expect to stay on the first night after departing Dar es Salaam?

First-night stays typically occur at established camps near your initial park destination. Selous tours often use Selous Jimbiza Camp or Selous Mapumziko Lodge while Mikumi visits frequently stay at Camp Bastian. These places provide basic comforts and a true safari setting perfect for next-day game drives. TourRadar travelers consistently praise these camps for their "excellent food and friendly staff."

What activities are typically included on the first day when departing Dar es Salaam?

Most tours begin with 7:30 AM hotel pickup in Dar es Salaam followed by a drive to your destination. Selous tours usually include an afternoon boat safari to view hippos and crocodiles on the Rufiji River. Mikumi visits often feature evening game drives and Maasai village tours. One TourRadar traveler shared: "The first day was well organized with pick-up right on time and a beautiful afternoon boat safari in Selous."

What makes Dar es Salaam a good starting point for safari tours?

Dar es Salaam's location and infrastructure make it an ideal safari base. The city provides access to southern circuit parks: Mikumi (4-5 hours) Nyerere (5-6 hours) and Ruaha (7-8 hours). Pre-safari stays at hotels like the Peacock Hotel good roads and the international airport allow easy combinations with Zanzibar beach visits. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Starting in Dar made perfect sense - good hotels easy access to multiple parks and we could add on Zanzibar afterward."

Tanzania Tours from Dar es Salaam

Have you ever thought about going on a safari in the Serengeti with an experienced guide, seeing Big Cats and other animals, and the amazing views from Ngorongoro Crater? The northern circuit of Tanzania, which starts in Zanzibar, offers thrilling safari action. In Tarangire, you can see elephants and old baobab trees, spending more time with wildlife without having to drive long distances from Dar.

10 best Tanzania tour packages from Dar es Salaam

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Safari
2 Days Mikumi National Park - Accommodation Inside the Park.
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"Amazing moment we really appreciate it."
Oussama, traveled in March
Duration
2 days
Destinations
Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
African Pangolin Safaris
From
US$535per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
2 Day Mikumi National Park
Duration
2 days
Destinations
Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese+5 more
Operator
Afrishare Trekking And Safaris
From
US$519per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Experience Tanzania in 10 Days: Complete High-End Mid-Range Safari Tour from Dar es Salaam
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Serengeti National Park,Changu Island,Stonetown+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Africa Natural Tours
From
US$4,859per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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Safari
Southern Tanzania Hidden Gems – 5 Days Safari
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Dar es Salaam, Saadani National Park,Mikumi National Park,Selous Game Reserve+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Selous Game Reserve
Operated in
English
Operator
Authentic Africa Travel
From
US$2,600per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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Safari
10-Day Tanzania Safari & Beach Tour to Selous, Ruaha & Zanzibar.
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Dar es Salaam, Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park,Zanzibar+1 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
National Park
Selous Game Reserve
Operated in
English
Operator
Kabura Travel & Tours
From
US$12,020per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Safari, Hiking & Camping
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Dar es Salaam, Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Serengeti National Park,Zanzibar,Mount Kilimanjaro+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Italian,French+1 more
Operator
Lonely Site Tours & Safari
From
US$2,240per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Tanzania safari For Cruisers 4Days / 3nights ( Luxury)
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Dar es Salaam, Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Lake Manyara,Zanzibar+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English
Operator
Across Africa Tours & Travel
8% Off
From $3,089
US$2,842per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
6 Day Safari Big Five at Selous and Ruaha
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Dar es Salaam, Selous Game Reserve, Iringa,Ruaha National Park+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Selous Game Reserve
Operated in
English, German,Italian,French,Spanish,Chinese+4 more
Operator
Afrishare Trekking And Safaris
8% Off
From
US$1,710per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
6 Days Udzungwa NP, Ruaha NP and Mikumi NP Best of Southern Circuit - Private Safari
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Dar es Salaam, Udzungwa Mountain National Park, Iringa,Ruaha National Park,Mikumi National Park+2 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Southern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English
Operator
African Pangolin Safaris
8% Off
From
US$1,860per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
5 Days 4 Nights Mikumi & Ruaha Wildlife Lodge Safari
5.0 (23 traveler reviews)
"The entire trip was expertly organized, making every moment smooth and enjoyable. Mikumi National Park was breathtaking, and our safari days were filled with incredible wildlife sightings."
Brook, traveled in August
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park, Iringa,Ruaha National Park+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English
Operator
Migration Venture Africa
8% Off
From
US$1,900per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
8 Day Best of Selous, Mikumi and Ruaha National Park
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"We had a wonderful experience on our safari tour with Afrishare. The tour guides"
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Dar es Salaam, Selous Game Reserve, Mikumi National Park,Iringa,Ruaha National Park+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
Afrishare Trekking And Safaris
8% Off
From
US$2,500per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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Safari
8 Days Mikumi NP, Ruaha NP and Nyerere NP (Selous GR) the best of Southern Tanzania.
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park, Iringa,Ruaha National Park,Morogoro,Selous Game Reserve+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English
Operator
African Pangolin Safaris
8% Off
From
US$2,100per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
3 Days 2 Nights Mikumi Wildlife safari By SGR-Train
4.9 (22 traveler reviews)
"The highlights of our visit was the game drives at Selous now so called Nyerere National Park."
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Mikumi National ParkSouthern Circuit Tanzania+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Migration Venture Africa
8% Off
From
US$800per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
Tanzania & Zanzibar Island: African Safari, School Construction & Education, Swim with Dolphins
4.9 (348 traveler reviews) award winner
"What an incredible group of people and the leaders were fantastic very good at communication and very well organized!"
Paula, traveled in December
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Tarangire National Park,Lake Manyara,Arusha+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18-50
National Park
Tarangire National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
GIVE Volunteers
8% Off
From
US$3,095per person
Price based on Shared Room
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City & Culture
5 Days - Bagamoyo African Art Tour
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Bagamoyo Arts Collection by TourRadar exceeded all my expectations! The accommodations were comfortable, and the food was delicious."
Daniel, traveled in December
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyo
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English, Italian,French+1 more
Operator
Wonders of Creation Tours and Safaris
8% Off
From
US$3,768per person
Price based on Shared Room
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