6 Days Drive-in Drive-out Midrange Safari Mikumi and Udzungwa

Your drive-in adventure begins with an early departure from Dar es Salaam, following the road through Morogoro Region toward Mikumi National Park. Mikumi is connected to Dar es Salaam by the main road network, with TANAPA’s published guide placing the road distance at about 283 km. On arrival, enter the park and spend the afternoon exploring the Mkata plains for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and predators. After the game drive, continue to your midrange lodge for dinner and overnight, completing the first section of your fully road-based Southern Circuit journey.

Distance: Approx. 283–310 km plus game drive
Time: Approx. 5–6 hours transfer plus 2–4 hours safari
Attractions: Scenic highway journey, Mkata Floodplain, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and lions

Destination:

Mikumi Natinal Park

Overnight:

Asante Afrika Camp Mikumi

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Lunch, Dinner

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Spend an uninterrupted day inside Mikumi exploring the park’s open plains, woodland and water areas. The Mkata Floodplain is one of the park’s key wildlife-viewing zones, with elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebra, giraffe and other large mammals among the animals associated with this habitat. Your guide will follow productive game-viewing routes according to conditions and sightings, with time for photography and observation throughout the day. Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing the afternoon safari and returning to your midrange lodge in the evening.

Distance: Approx. 60–100 km
Time: Approx. 8–10 hours
Attractions: Mkata Floodplain, elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hippos and birdlife

Destination:

Mikumi Natinal Park

Overnight:

Asante Afrika Camp Mikumi

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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After breakfast, continue the drive-in journey from Mikumi toward Udzungwa Mountains. The main Mang’ula park area is roughly 60 km from Mikumi, making the two destinations practical to combine by road. On reaching Udzungwa, change from vehicle-based safari to a guided forest activity through lush vegetation, looking for primates, birds, butterflies and waterfalls. Take time to enjoy the dramatically different mountain environment before returning to your midrange accommodation.

Distance: Approx. 60–65 km plus walking trail
Time: Approx. 1–1.5 hours drive plus 3–5 hours forest activity
Attractions: Scenic road transfer, rainforest, primates, waterfalls, forest birds and mountain viewpoints

Destination:

Mikumi Natinal Park

Overnight:

Hondo Hondo Udzungwa Forest Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Begin the day with another guided nature experience in Udzungwa before continuing the overland journey to Iringa. After leaving the forest environment, travel through the Southern Highlands and enjoy views of farms, villages, valleys and mountain landscapes. The drive is an important part of the drive-in, drive-out concept because it allows you to experience the geography between destinations rather than flying over it. Arrive in Iringa later in the afternoon and check into your midrange hotel for dinner and overnight.

Distance: Approx. 240–250 km depending on route
Time: Morning nature activity plus approx. 4–5 hours transfer
Attractions: Udzungwa forest, mountain scenery, Southern Highlands, local villages and scenic road landscapes

Destination:

Udzungwa Mountains

Overnight:

Iringa Sunset Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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After breakfast, explore Kalenga Museum and Isimila Stone Age Site before beginning the drive back toward Mikumi. At Kalenga, discover Hehe history and the story of Chief Mkwawa, then continue to Isimila for an archaeological walk among prehistoric tools and dramatic natural formations. Afterwards, drive approximately 190 km toward Mikumi, enjoying changing highland scenery before arriving at your midrange lodge for the final night.

Distance: Approx. 188–200 km plus heritage excursions
Time: Approx. 2–4 hours visits plus 3–4 hours road transfer
Attractions: Kalenga Museum, Isimila Stone Age Site, Hehe history, archaeology and scenic highland road

Destination:

Iringa Attractions

Overnight:

Asante Afrika Camp Mikumi

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Complete the safari with an early nature activity around Mikumi before beginning the final drive-out to Dar es Salaam. A guided walk, birding experience or other agreed morning activity provides a relaxing conclusion before the longer road transfer. Leave Mikumi and follow the highway through Morogoro Region, stopping for lunch or refreshments as needed before arriving in Dar es Salaam later in the day. Your final drop-off completes a safari operated by road from the first morning to the final afternoon.

Distance: Approx. 283–310 km
Time: Approx. 1–3 hours morning activity plus 5–6 hours road transfer
Attractions: Mikumi nature experience, Morogoro landscapes, Tanzania countryside and complete drive-out journey