3-Day Mikumi Safari from Zanzibar by Ferry & Train
A private 3-day safari from Zanzibar to Mikumi National Park that travels by fast ferry and train instead of a light aircraft, with game drives on two days and two nights in a lodge or tented camp near the park.
From the Beach to the Bush Without a Flight
Our fly-in safari reaches Mikumi in under an hour. This version takes longer but costs much less: the morning ferry from Stone Town to Dar es Salaam, the modern SGR electric train west to Morogoro, and the last stretch by road with your driver-guide. You see the coast, the city and the countryside on the way, and arrive in time for an afternoon game drive.
Mikumi's open Mkata floodplain is good for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, wildebeest and lions, and the park is quieter than the northern circuit. It suits travellers on a beach holiday who want a real safari on a moderate budget, and anyone who prefers ground transport to small planes.
Short on time? See the 3-Day Mikumi Fly-in Safari from Zanzibar →
Highlights
- Fast ferry from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam and back
- SGR electric train between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro
- An afternoon, a full day and a morning of game drives in Mikumi
- Two nights in a lodge or tented camp near the park, full board
- Private vehicle and driver-guide from Morogoro
What to bring
- A small bag: ferries and trains have luggage limits; leave big bags at your Zanzibar hotel
- Neutral-coloured clothes and a warm layer for early drives
- Sun hat and sun cream
- Your passport for the ferry and the train
Read our park guides: Mikumi National Park
Route Map
- By road
- Day of the trip
Lines show the order of travel, not the exact roads.
We collect you from your Zanzibar hotel early for the morning fast ferry to Dar es Salaam, about two hours. Our driver takes you to the SGR station for the train west to Morogoro, where your safari guide meets you. The last part is by road to Mikumi, with an afternoon game drive before your lodge.
Overnight: Lodge or tented camp near Mikumi National Park
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Morning and afternoon game drives across the Mkata floodplain, with a picnic lunch in the park. Elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo and impalas are common; lions are seen fairly often. No sighting can be guaranteed.
Overnight: Lodge or tented camp near Mikumi National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early game drive, then the road to Morogoro for the train back to Dar es Salaam and the afternoon ferry to Zanzibar. We meet you at the port and drive you to your hotel, arriving in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Price Per Person — Private Safari
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $1,220 |
| 2 People | $835 |
| 3 People | $710 |
| 4 People | $645 |
| 5 People | $605 |
| 6 People | $580 |
Price per person in US dollars, by the number of people travelling together, sharing rooms. Groups of more than 6: price on request.
Trip Notes
- Start & end: your hotel on Zanzibar
- Private safari: your group only, on the dates you choose
- Long first and last days with ferry and train
- Lodge or tented camp named when we confirm availability
- Prices may change if park fees, ferry or train fares change
Includes
- Fast ferry Zanzibar–Dar es Salaam return (economy)
- SGR train Dar es Salaam–Morogoro return
- All transfers between hotel, port and station
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide
- Mikumi National Park fees
- 2 nights full board near Mikumi
- Drinking water
Excludes
- International flights and visa fees
- Zanzibar accommodation
- Travel insurance
- Tanzania's compulsory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors (44 US dollars per person, from 1 October 2026)
- Zanzibar's compulsory inbound travel insurance (44 US dollars per person)
- Tips for your guide
- Drinks other than drinking water
- Any government increase in park fees or taxes after booking
Questions Travellers Ask
Why go by ferry and train instead of flying?
It costs much less than the light-aircraft flight, and you see the coast and the countryside on the way. It takes most of the first and last days, so if your time is short, choose our fly-in version.
Is the SGR train comfortable?
Yes. The Standard Gauge Railway is a modern electric line with reserved seats. We book your tickets in advance.
What if the sea is rough or the train is cancelled?
Fast ferries sometimes run late in rough weather. If a ferry or train is cancelled, we use the road instead so the safari still goes ahead.
What will we see in Mikumi?
Mikumi's open floodplain is good for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, wildebeest, hippos and lions. It has no rhinos, and sightings can never be guaranteed.
What luggage should I take?
A small bag for two nights. Leave the rest at your Zanzibar hotel; ferries and trains have luggage limits.
