4-Day Mikumi & Udzungwa Waterfalls Safari from Dar es Salaam
A private 4-day trip from Dar es Salaam to two neighbouring parks: game drives on Mikumi's open floodplain, then a guided hike through the rainforest of the Udzungwa Mountains to the Sanje waterfalls.
From the Plains to the Rainforest
Mikumi and the Udzungwa Mountains sit close together but could hardly be more different. Mikumi is open savannah where elephants, giraffes, zebras and lions are easy to see from the vehicle. Udzungwa is a steep, forested mountain range explored mainly on foot, home to primates found nowhere else, such as the Udzungwa red colobus and the Sanje mangabey.
The Sanje trail climbs through the forest to a series of waterfalls with views over the Kilombero valley. It suits active travellers who want a safari and a proper walk in one short trip, with nights in simple, comfortable lodges near the parks.
Prefer a river safari? See the 5-Day Nyerere & Mikumi Safari →
Highlights
- An afternoon and a full day of game drives in Mikumi
- A guided rainforest hike to the Sanje waterfalls
- Chances to see primates found only in the Udzungwa Mountains
- Private 4x4 vehicle and driver-guide throughout
- 3 nights in simple lodges, full board
What to bring
- Good walking shoes with grip, and a light rain jacket for the forest
- A daypack and a water bottle
- Neutral-coloured clothes for game drives
- Insect repellent, sun hat and sun cream
- Your passport
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 hotel in Dar es Salaam in the morning for the drive west, about 5 hours with a lunch stop in Morogoro. In the afternoon you have your first game drive in Mikumi.
Overnight: Lodge near Mikumi National Park
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Morning and afternoon game drives on the Mkata floodplain, with a picnic lunch in the park. Elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, impalas and hippos are common, and lions are seen fairly often. No sighting can be guaranteed.
Overnight: Lodge near Mikumi National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike: steep forest trail with steps · about 4–5 hours there and back
An early drive south to the Udzungwa park headquarters at Mang'ula, where a park guide joins you. The trail climbs through rainforest to the Sanje waterfalls, with views over the Kilombero valley from the upper trail. Look out for monkeys and birds in the trees. Afternoon at your lodge near the park.
Overnight: Lodge near Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast the drive back through Mikumi and Morogoro to Dar es Salaam, most of the day, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Price Per Person — Private Trip
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $1,435 |
| 2 People | $995 |
| 3 People | $850 |
| 4 People | $775 |
| 5 People | $730 |
| 6 People | $700 |
Price per person in US dollars, by the number of people sharing the vehicle and rooms. Groups of more than 6: price on request.
Trip Notes
- Start & end: your hotel in Dar es Salaam
- Private trip: your group only, on the dates you choose
- Moderate fitness needed for the waterfall hike
- Lodges named when we confirm availability
- Prices may change if park fees change
Includes
- Private 4x4 vehicle with a professional driver-guide
- Mikumi and Udzungwa Mountains national park fees
- Park guide for the Sanje waterfall hike
- 3 nights in simple lodges, full board
- Drinking water
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Dar es Salaam
Excludes
- International flights and visa fees
- Accommodation in Dar es Salaam
- Travel insurance
- Tanzania's compulsory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors (44 US dollars per person, from 1 October 2026)
- Tips for your guides
- Drinks other than drinking water
- Any government increase in park fees or taxes after booking
Questions Travellers Ask
How hard is the Sanje waterfall hike?
It is a steep forest trail with many steps, about 4 to 5 hours there and back with stops. Moderate fitness and good shoes are enough; you can turn back earlier if you prefer.
Is the hike suitable for children?
Fit older children usually manage it with an adult. The trail is steep and long for young children; tell us their ages and we suggest a shorter walk.
What animals live in Udzungwa?
The forest is known for primates found only in these mountains, including the Udzungwa red colobus and the Sanje mangabey, plus many birds and butterflies. Large animals are rarely seen on the trail.
Why are the nights in simple lodges?
The lodges near Udzungwa are simple, and we keep the same level near Mikumi to keep the price fair. Ask us if you would like a more comfortable camp near Mikumi.
When is the best time to go?
The dry season, June to October, is best for both game drives and the forest trail. In the rains the trail is muddy and slippery.
