Planning a Mikumi safari from Zanzibar and wondering whether to spend one day in the park or stay overnight?
Both options let you see the wildlife of Mikumi National Park, but they suit different travellers. The 1-day flying safari is for visitors with limited time who want to add a wildlife day to their Zanzibar holiday. The 2-day safari gives you more time in the park, a night nearby and a second chance for game viewing.
In short: choose a 1-day Mikumi safari if you have limited time and want a convenient wildlife day trip from Zanzibar. Choose a 2-day Mikumi safari if you want more time for game drives and a more relaxed trip.
1 day or 2 days: how they compare
| 1-day safari | 2-day safari | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 day | 2 days, 1 night |
| Starting point | Zanzibar | Zanzibar |
| Transport | Return flight and safari vehicle | Return flight and safari vehicle |
| Game drives | A full day in the park | Game drives over two days |
| Overnight stay | No | Yes |
| Best for | Travellers with limited time | Travellers wanting more time in Mikumi |
| Pace | More compact | More relaxed |
Why visit Mikumi from Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is known for its beaches, turquoise water and island atmosphere, but from the island you can also add a mainland wildlife safari to your holiday. Flying to Mikumi makes this possible without spending most of your trip on the road.
Mikumi is part of Tanzania's southern safari region, known for its open plains, woodland and varied wildlife. On a game drive you may see elephant, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest, impala and hippo, and, depending on conditions and animal movements, predators such as lions.
To explore more of the region, see our southern Tanzania safaris, which include Nyerere National Park.
The 1-day Mikumi safari
The 1-day flying safari is the most convenient option if you want a Tanzania safari without a night on the mainland. You fly from Zanzibar to Mikumi in the morning, meet your safari guide, spend the day in the park and fly back to Zanzibar in the afternoon.
Who is it best for?
- Travellers with only one free day during their Zanzibar holiday
- Those who want to combine a beach holiday with a wildlife day
- Anyone who wants to keep travel time short by flying
- Travellers who prefer a compact safari
- Visitors spending only a short time in Tanzania
What does the day look like?
The day starts with an early transfer from your Zanzibar hotel to the airport. You fly to Mikumi, where your guide and safari vehicle meet you at the airstrip. Game drives take you through areas such as the Mkata Floodplain, with time for wildlife viewing and lunch before the afternoon drive. Later in the afternoon you return to the airstrip for your flight back to Zanzibar.
Read more about our 1-day Mikumi flying safari.
Why choose one day?
- Convenient: you see a mainland safari while keeping your hotel in Zanzibar.
- Time-efficient: flying saves most of a day on the road.
- Good for short holidays: a safari fits into a beach holiday without adding several days.
The 2-day Mikumi safari
The 2-day Mikumi safari from Zanzibar gives you more time in the park while still flying rather than driving. You fly to Mikumi on the first morning, go on game drives and stay overnight near the park. The next morning you return to the park for another game drive before flying back to Zanzibar.
Who is it best for?
- Travellers who want more time for wildlife viewing
- Those who prefer a less compressed itinerary
- Anyone who would like to spend a night near Mikumi
- Travellers who want two sets of game drives
- Those who enjoy combining wildlife with a cultural visit
What can you expect?
Your first day begins with a morning flight from Zanzibar to Mikumi. At Kikoboga airstrip you meet your English-speaking safari guide and set off on your first game drive. You can explore the Mkata Floodplain and the areas around it; depending on the season, the weather and the animals' movements, you may see elephant, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, hippo and lion.
After the day's game viewing you spend the night near the park. The next morning you go out again, with another chance to explore and to see the wildlife at a different time of day, before heading to the airstrip for your flight back to Zanzibar.
Maasai cultural visit
The 2-day itinerary can include a visit to a Maasai boma, where you learn about Maasai community life, traditions, crafts and daily routines from the people who live there.
Read more about our 2-day Mikumi flying safari.
Best time for a Mikumi safari
Mikumi can be visited for most of the year, and each season offers something different. The dry months are popular for wildlife viewing, because the vegetation thins and animals gather around the remaining water. The wetter months bring greener landscapes and good conditions for photography and birdwatching. If wildlife is your priority, talk to us about your travel dates so we can plan around the season.
What to bring
- Passport or other required travel documents
- Light, comfortable clothing
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Comfortable shoes
- Camera or binoculars
- Personal medication
Frequently asked questions
Can I do a Mikumi safari from Zanzibar in one day?
Yes. On the flying safari you fly from Zanzibar to Mikumi in the morning, go on a guided game drive and return to Zanzibar the same afternoon.
Is the 2-day safari better than the 1-day safari?
Neither is better for everyone. The 2-day safari gives you more time in the park and a night nearby, while the 1-day safari is more convenient if your time is limited.
How do I get from Zanzibar to Mikumi?
The quickest way is to fly from Zanzibar to Mikumi and continue by safari vehicle with your guide. Our guide to getting from Zanzibar to Mikumi explains the options.
What animals can I see in Mikumi?
Mikumi is home to elephant, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest, hippo, lion, many antelope and a wide range of birds. Sightings depend on conditions and animal movements.
Can I book a private Mikumi safari from Zanzibar?
Private arrangements may be possible, depending on the itinerary and your dates. Contact us with your preferred dates and the number of travellers and we will plan the safari around you.
