HIGHLIGHTS
Udzungwa Rain Forest
Udzungwa rain forest is the most diverse natural forest in the Udzungwa mountains. Over 2500 distinct plant species, the spectacular lush forest, and scenic waterfalls make the Udzungwa rainforest a must-visit place for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The forest is the habitat of various monkeys like the rare linga Red colobus and the Sanje crested manga bush. Mikumi Udzungwa rain forest safari is a part of the Art in Tanzania sustainable travel programs. This safari is a unique wildlife and rainforest adventure, and the Udzungwa rainforest trek is an excellent addition to the Mikumi national park safari.
Breathtaking Landscape
Mikumi’s landscape, such as grassy plains, open woodlands, black hardwood trees, baobabs and rolling hills, is almost the same as that of the Serengeti. The “Miombo” vegetation that engulfs most of the Mikumi National Park Tanzania allows for a variety of flora and fauna. Come to the Mkata floodplains in the Mikumi to find a bevy of wildlife in an exotic panorama.
Visit Serengeti’s vibrant neighbor- Mikumi, for a wilder and more remote experience. The varied landscapes and abundant wildlife make Tanzania Mikumi National Park a paradise for photographers.
Walking Safaris and Birdwatching
Walking safari and birdwatching in Mikumi with knowledgeable and professional staff offers a more immersive and intimate wildlife experience, allowing you to closely feel nature and observe the beautiful small details you might miss during game drives. With more than 400 bird species recorded, the park is a haven for birdwatchers.
The wet season is the ideal time for birdwatching enthusiasts to look for the best Mikumi National Park tours to witness migratory birds. Since Mikumi offers opportunities for excellent walking safaris, both first-time visitors and experienced travelers can visit the park and enjoy the thrill of observing wildlife in its natural surroundings.
IDEAL WEATHER
General wildlife viewing is best during the dry season (June to October) and the shoulder season (January to February). Although excellent visibility for wildlife spotting makes these months the time of high season, the best thing is you will not find Tanzania Mikumi National Park crowded. That means you can choose Mikumi to embark on your first wildlife adventure, as it will undoubtedly promise an unforgettable experience.
WORST WEATHER
The wet season that falls from March to April is considered a “not so ideal” time to visit Mikumi National Park Tanzania because the sky and weather are not clear enough to view and capture wildlife.
That is why the park receives the lowest number of visitors during this time. However, you can get some great deals on Mikumi National Park tours in the off-season.
BEST TIME
June through October and December through February are the times when the plains of Tanzania Mikumi National Park host large herds of wildlife like elephants and ungulates converging in and around water sources for a drink or dip.
This is also the time when the grass is shorter and thinner, the skies are clear and days are brighter. All these factors make these months ideal for Mikumi National Park safari.
HIGH SEASON
Low vegetation and limited water sources from June to October increase the chances of capturing the wildlife. It means the high season in Mikumi is from June to October. But the best thing is that, unlike other parks, Mikumi does not remain crowded during the high season.
That is because most tourists prefer sticking to the central plain, leaving the parks in the rugged southern terrain to more adventure lovers. However, the park can get crowded from September to October, as it is the best time to spot the giant Hippos at the hippo pool.
LOW SEASON
April and May are low seasons as these are the wettest months when the park is not so easily accessible, leaving limited accommodation available for the visitors.
ABOUT MIKUMI
When planning a trip to Tanzania, one thing that should undoubtedly be on your bucket list is the Mikumi National Park safari. Established in 1964, Mikumi National Park is the fourth largest park in Tanzania, located in the southeastern part. It is situated near Morogoro with an area of 3,230 km sq and is a part of the larger Selous Ecosystem, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Famous for being wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers’ paradise, Mikumi offers guaranteed wildlife sightings and awe-inspiring beauty of African wildlife, including wildebeest, zebra, buffaloes, giraffes, elephants, lions, crocodiles, and endangered wild dogs, with lions covering most of the population.
Besides offering a fascinating wildlife experience, this hidden gem allows travelers to witness breathtaking lush landscapes. Since Mikumi is only a 5 hour car ride away from Dar es Salaam, it is a convenient destination for both local and international tourists. Even if you are a fan of the Great Migration, you will surely get a glimpse into this incredible national phenomenon in Mikumi.
It means Mikumi National Park Tanzania is a perfect safari destination for those who are busy and do not have much time to travel. Two days or more are enough to explore all the incredible things this park has to offer.
3 Days / 2 Nights Tarangire / Lake Manyara / Ngorongoro Crater
9 Days / 8 Nights Selous / Ruaha / Mikumi
- Selous Game Reserve
- Ruaha National Park
- Mikumi National Park
Contact Us
Saadani Game Reserve is located on the coast of Tanzania. It lies in the eastern part of the country, bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east and the Wami River to the south. Its location makes it the only wildlife harbour in Tanzania to border the sea, offering an amazing seething bush meeting with the beach. It also attracts both, local and international tourists, to engage with wildlife adventure along with coastal relaxation.
Saadani Game Reserve is one of the best reserves among Tanzania’s array of wildlife due to its unique combination of savannah, coastal, and marine ecosystems. Its coastal location offers a wide range of activities that are usually not found in any other reserves. You can enjoy traditional game drives to spot amazing African wildlife and get the rare opportunity for boat safaris in the Wami River.
It is essential to take health precautions before visiting Saadani Game Reserve in Tanzania for a safe and memorable trip. The necessary precautions include:
●Vaccinations: Make sure that you are vaccinated with all the basic routine vaccines like polio.
●Malaria Prevention: Saadani is located in a malaria-endemic region, so it’s essential to take malaria prevention medicine and antimalarial medicine.
●Water and Food: Drink only purified water and eat freshly prepared, hot foods. Avoid eating raw foods without peeling and proper washing.
●Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect from the sun in high temperatures.
●Medical Supplies: Carry a first aid kit with basic necessities and any medicines required.
Saadani Game Reserve is home to iconic wildlife. It offers tourists a chance to see a rich variety of African species. The wildlife you can see in the reserve are Elephants, Lions, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Hippos, Crocodiles, Leopards, Antelopes, Warthogs, Birds etc during your visit.
Yes, Saadani Game Reserve offers lodging options within the reserve and provides different options for visitors to choose accommodations according to their preferences and budgets.
The accommodations in Saadani include:
●Saadani Safari Lodge: It offers luxury tents with stunning views of the Wami River and the Indian Ocean.
●Kisampa Bush Retreat: It is located outside the reserve, and offers eco-friendly accommodations in tents and cottages.
●Tanzania Bush Camp: A tented accommodation that provides a classic safari experience with comfortable services.
●Saadani River Lodge: It offers luxurious tents with amazing views of the surrounding wilderness.
The best time of year to visit Saadani depends on your preferences and specifications. Before visiting Saadani, you can consider its seasons and plan accordingly.
●Dry Season: Dry season occurs from June to October. It is considered the best time to visit Saadani. The weather is dry with clear skies and minimal rainfall, also ideal for viewing wildlife.
●Wet Season: Wet season occurs from November to May, it brings higher temperatures and occasional rainfall, and also provides lush green landscapes and fewer crowds. You can view amazing wildlife during this time and new rains attract the arrival of migratory birds.
Yes, there are cultural experiences which are available in and around Saadani Game Reserve. They give tourists an amazing opportunity to learn about the local communities and their traditions. Cultural experiences include:
●You can visit local villages and interact with people, learn about their customs and traditions.
●Some of the tour operators organize cultural performances like traditional dances and music which feature local artists and performers.
●You can participate in crafted workshops and learn classic skills like beadwork, and basket weaving from locals.
●You can visit local community development projects and learn how they impact the community.
●You can go on cultural tours and explore historical sites.
●You can participate in cooking exhibitions and learn to make traditional dishes using locally available ingredients.
In Saadani Game Reserve, self-driving is not a good option. You are advised to explore the reserve with the assistance of a guided tour operator. At Reality Tours and Safaris, you can get the best guides. They can help you with the following matters:
●As you are new to the place, our guides know how to traverse safely with the diverse landscapes.
●Driving in the reserve without a guide may increase the risk of being attacked by dangerous animals and also might not be safe for you as you are not experienced in wildlife encounters. Our guide will ensure your safety while on the tour.
●Our guided tours will provide you with an opportunity to learn about the reserve’s ecology, wildlife, and conservation efforts from experts.
Along with traditional game drives, Saadani Game Reserve provides different kinds of activities for tourists to enjoy and explore the reserve. Some of the reserve activities are: Walking safaris, Boat safaris, Birdwatching, Cultural experiences, Beach activities, and Fishing. All these activities offer you to experience adventure and feel relaxed in the reserve’s amusing beauty.
Walking safaris are not generally offered in Saadani Game Reserve due to safety policies and the presence of large and dangerous wildlife. Anyhow, some of the tour operators provide bush walks or nature hikes in safety areas within the reserve along with experienced guides and armed rangers for your safety. These guides usually focus on exploring nature on foot. You can learn about tracks, signs, behaviour of animals and the unique ecosystems of Saadani in walking safaris.
Yes, It is safe to visit Saadani Game Reserve. But, you should be aware of a few risks and take precautions in wildlife encounters, health and medical concerns, safety during travelling, security, and respect for local customs and cultural sensitivities. You just need to book your Saadani Game Reserve tour with Reality Tours and Safaris. By following the instructions of our experienced guides, maintaining the safety regulations, and taking specific precautions, you can be safe and enjoy the Saadani Game Reserve.
Yes, Saadani Game Reserve offers an amazing birdwatching opportunity for tourists. With over 400 bird species recorded in the reserve, you can enjoy a wide variety of avian life. Some of the bird species in Saadani include:
●Waterbirds: Saadani is close to the Indian Ocean and the Wami River, it makes an ideal habitat for waterbirds like herons, egrets, storks, pelicans, and many more.
●Raptors: The reserve is home to raptors such as African fish eagles, martial eagles, African harrier-hawks, species of kites and falcons.
●Forest birds: It provides a habitat for forest birds like hornbills, barbets, turacos, and sunbirds.
●Savannah birds: You can spot species like ostriches, secretary birds, bustards, and rollers.
●Coastal birds: You can see shorebirds like plovers, sandpipers, terns, gulls and seabirds like tropicbirds.
●Migratory birds: You can watch a variety of migratory species based on the time of year.
Guided birdwatching tours in Saadani are available at Reality Tours and Safaris, where our skilled guides help you identify bird species and make you understand their behaviour and habitat.
Yes, camping is allowed in Saadani Game Reserve. It offers you an adventurous safari experience and makes you indulge in nature’s beauty. The reserve provides specific camping areas where you can set up tents and feel the natural surroundings. The camping may provide basic necessities depending on your budget, you can plan your camping equipment including tents, sleeping bags, and other necessary items that comfort you. It’s essential to follow all camping rules and regulations, and guidelines given by the reserve management to secure a safe and enjoyable experience for yourself and others.
Saadani Game Reserve provides a wide range of facilities to accommodate visitors and upgrade their safari experience. The facilities depend upon the tour package or accommodation type you choose, some facilities that are available are lodges and camps, restaurants and dining, guided activities, visitor centres, vehicle hiring, safety and security, and environmental conservation. These facilities and services give you an amazing and comfortable safari experience in Saadani Game Reserve. It allows you to delve into Tanzania’s natural beauty with memorable moments.
Yes, it is possible to book tours or accommodations online for Saadani Game Reserve through Reality Tours and Safaris. Reality Tours and Safaris is one of the famed travelling companies that is offering the best packages for tours and accommodations in Saadani Game Reserve. Our website is highly user-friendly and you can browse different tour packages from our website. So, what are you waiting for? Book your Saadani Game Reserve tour with Reality Tours and Safaris and enjoy your trip.
