The Best Short Safari From Dar, Now by Electric Train
This is one of the best Dar es Salaam to Mikumi safari experiences for travelers who want a short but unforgettable wildlife adventure. Instead of a long, bumpy 5-6 hour road transfer, you ride the modern SGR electric train from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro at the foot of the Uluguru Mountains, a smooth, scenic start to your safari.
From there the journey balances high-energy hiking with relaxing game viewing: a guided trek through the lush Uluguru Mountains to the Choma Waterfalls, then full game drives in Mikumi National Park, often called the "Mini-Serengeti," home to elephants, lions, giraffes and zebras. It is the perfect combination of nature hiking and wildlife safari for first-time visitors, families and weekend travelers.
Elephants crossing on the Mkata Plains, Mikumi National Park
At the Choma Waterfalls, Uluguru Mountains
- 🚆 Dar ↔ Morogoro by SGR electric train
- 💧 Uluguru hike to Choma Waterfalls
- 🦁 Full-day Mikumi game drive
- 🔥 Maasai cultural experience on Day 3
- 🛏️ 2 nights full-board lodge
- 🚙 Private 4x4 with pop-up roof
- ✅ Licensed guide & 24/7 support
The 3-Days Adventure Itinerary
A private, flexible schedule. Timings flex around the SGR timetable and your pace.
SGR Train to Morogoro & the Choma Waterfalls Hike
- Morning: Pickup from your Dar es Salaam hotel or the airport and transfer to the SGR terminal; board the electric train to Morogoro.
- Midday: Meet your guide in Morogoro and begin a guided trek into the Uluguru Mountains to the Choma Waterfalls, through rainforest and Waluguru farming villages, watching for endemic plants and birds.
- Afternoon: Cool off at the falls with a picnic lunch, then transfer to your lodge near Mikumi.
- Evening: Check in, dinner and a restful night under the stars.
Overnight: Lodge near Mikumi, full board. Meals: lunch, dinner.
Full-Day Game Drive in Mikumi National Park
- Dawn: Early breakfast, then enter Mikumi through the Kikoboga Gate for a full day on the Mkata Floodplain.
- Midday: Search for lion prides, elephant herds, giraffe, zebra and buffalo, and visit the hippo pools.
- Lunch: Picnic lunch in the bush, surrounded by open savannah.
- Golden hour: Late-afternoon drive for active wildlife, then back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Lodge near Mikumi, full board. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Maasai Cultural Experience & SGR Return to Dar
- Morning: Visit a Maasai community for a guided cultural experience, a homestead visit, traditional dancing and an insight into Maasai pastoral life.
- Breakfast/brunch: Return to the lodge to freshen up and eat.
- Midday: Transfer to Morogoro station for the SGR electric train back to Dar es Salaam.
- Evening: Arrive in Dar es Salaam; drop-off at your hotel or the airport.
Meals: breakfast.
Trekking the Uluguru rainforest trail
Kikoboga Gate, Mikumi National Park
3-Day Hiking & Safari Price
Standard rate is $670 per adult; the per-person price drops as your group grows. All rates are all-inclusive, based on group size.
Per person, all-inclusive. Larger groups pay a lower per-person rate.
| Group Size | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $670 |
| 2-4 People | $640 |
| 5-8 People | $600 |
| 9+ People | $590 |
Prices include SGR train tickets, park fees, guide, private 4x4 transport and full-board accommodation. Confirmed at booking based on your travel date. Children's rates available on request.
Where you'll Stay
You'll Spends Your two nights For Day 1 and Day 2 at Camp Bastian Lodge, With Private en-suite chalets/cottages with verandas and garden views, plus a designated campground.
It has Outdoor swimming pool, restaurant serving local and international meals, bar, and nightly bonfire/fire pit. It's Situated right on the edge of the national park, making it easy to access wildlife tours.
What Makes This Safari Special
A fast, comfortable electric-train ride instead of a long road slog.
A guided Uluguru rainforest hike to a beautiful mountain waterfall.
A full day of game viewing on Mikumi's game-rich Mkata Plains.
Licensed local safari and hiking guides who know the region.
Wildlife of Mikumi National Park
Mikumi's open Mkata Floodplain, the reason it's called the "Mini-Serengeti," makes wildlife easy to spot. Across your full day of game drives you can expect large elephant herds, resident lion prides, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest and hippos, plus more than 400 bird species.
The Maasai Cultural Experience During Mikumi Safari
Inclusions
- Round-trip SGR electric train tickets (Dar ↔ Morogoro)
- All park entry & activity fees
- Professional safari & hiking guide
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Full-board accommodation (2 nights)
- Bottled drinking water & picnic lunch
- Pick-up / drop-off in Dar es Salaam
Exclusions
- International / domestic flights
- Tips for the safari crew
- Soft drinks & alcoholic beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal expenses & souvenirs
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Why Book With Kai Tours & Safaris
A registered Tanzanian company with experienced local guides.
Rated by travelers on our TripAdvisor profile.
One transparent, all-inclusive price with flexible booking.
A specialist on call from planning to drop-off.
Kai Tours & Safari Mikumi Team
Meet the dedicated Kai Tours & Safari Mikumi team, your friendly local experts for unforgettable adventures in Mikumi National Park and beyond.
- Local experts: A knowledgeable team with hands-on experience in Mikumi and Tanzania safari travel.
- Professional guides: Friendly safari specialists dedicated to helping you discover wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
- Passionate service: A committed team ready to create comfortable, safe, and unforgettable travel experiences.
Ready for the Uluguru & Mikumi Adventure?
Tell us your dates and group size and we'll confirm the SGR timetable, your lodge and a final all-inclusive quote, usually within a few hours.
WhatsApp an Expert Book Your Safari NowFrequently Asked Questions
"Kai Tours was the best decision of our trip. Justus is a fantastic, reliable guide — the train ride, the Choma waterfall hike and the Mikumi game drive were smooth and unforgettable."
"Our family had a wonderful safari with Kai Tours. Everything was well organized and the company is very trustworthy — worth every dollar and strongly recommended."
"Amazing Mikumi trip from Dar with very comfortable transport, friendly guides and excellent organization from start to end. The Uluguru hike was a lovely bonus."
