As Tanzania’s largest city and a key travel hub, Dar es Salaam serves as the perfect starting point for an authentic safari experience. While many travelers head to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro in Northern Tanzania, the Southern Circuit offers quieter, more affordable, and equally breathtaking wildlife safaris.
Whether you want to explore vast savannas, untouched forests, or marine wonders, here are the best safari destinations from Dar es Salaam.
✔ Best for Big Five & Predator Sightings → Nyerere (Selous) & Ruaha
✔ Best for Budget-Friendly & Short Safaris → Mikumi National Park
✔ Best for Hiking & Nature Lovers → Udzungwa Mountains
✔ Best for Marine Safaris & Diving → Mafia Island Marine Park
1. Nyerere National Park (Selous) – Africa’s Largest Wildlife Reserve
📍 Distance from Dar es Salaam: 6–7 hours by road / 45 min by flight
Why Visit?
- One of Africa’s largest protected areas (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Home to lions, elephants, leopards, black rhinos, hippos & wild dogs.
- Unique boat safaris along the Rufiji River.
Safari Highlights:
✔ Game drives – Spot the Big Five & over 400 bird species.
✔ Boat safaris – View hippos, crocodiles & elephants from the water.
✔ Walking safaris – Experience the African bush on foot.
Best Time to Visit:
✔ June – October (Dry Season) – Best for game viewing.
✔ November – April (Green Season) – Best for birdwatching & lush landscapes.
How to Get There:
✔ By Road: 6–7 hours (240 km to Mtemere Gate).
✔ By Air: Daily flights from Dar es Salaam (~45 min).
2. Mikumi National Park – The Best Budget Safari from Dar es Salaam
📍 Distance from Dar es Salaam: 4–5 hours by road
Why Visit?
- Closest major safari park to Dar es Salaam.
- Affordable compared to Serengeti & Ruaha.
- High chances of spotting elephants, buffalo, zebras & lions.
Safari Highlights:
✔ Game drives – Explore the Mkata Floodplain, known as the “Little Serengeti.”
✔ Less crowded – A peaceful, intimate safari experience.
✔ Great for short safaris – Perfect for weekend getaways from Dar es Salaam.
Best Time to Visit:
✔ June – October (Dry Season) – Best for wildlife sightings.
✔ November – April (Wet Season) – Green landscapes & birdwatching.
How to Get There:
✔ By Road: 4–5 hours (Paved road from Dar es Salaam).
✔ By Air: Flights available but less frequent.
✔ Tip: Mikumi is a great stopover on the way to Ruaha or Udzungwa.
3. Ruaha National Park – Tanzania’s Largest & Wildest Safari Park
📍 Distance from Dar es Salaam: 10+ hours by road / 1.5 hours by flight
Why Visit?
- Largest national park in Tanzania (20,226 sq km).
- Home to the highest concentration of lions in East Africa.
- Offers secluded, remote safaris with fewer tourists.
Safari Highlights:
✔ Big Five Safari – Lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rare antelope species.
✔ Walking safaris – One of the few places in Tanzania offering guided bush walks.
✔ Diverse landscapes – Baobab forests, savannahs & rocky outcrops.
Best Time to Visit:
✔ June – October (Dry Season) – Best time for spotting predators & large mammals.
✔ November – April (Wet Season) – Ideal for birdwatching & lush scenery.
How to Get There:
✔ By Road: 10+ hours (recommended only for longer trips).
✔ By Air: Daily flights available (~1.5 hours).
✔ Tip: Fly-in safaris are the best way to experience Ruaha.
4. Udzungwa Mountains National Park – Best for Hiking & Nature Safaris
📍 Distance from Dar es Salaam: 5–6 hours by road
Why Visit?
- Home to Africa’s second-highest biodiversity.
- Famous for Sanje Waterfalls & lush rainforests.
- Great for hiking, birdwatching & primate spotting.
Safari Highlights:
✔ Hiking to Sanje Falls – A stunning 170m waterfall.
✔ Wildlife spotting – Elephants, leopards, buffalo & unique monkey species.
✔ Camping & trekking – Multi-day hiking trails available.
Best Time to Visit:
✔ June – October (Dry Season) – Best for hiking & wildlife.
✔ November – April (Rainy Season) – Lush scenery but trails can be muddy.
How to Get There:
✔ By Road: 5–6 hours (paved road from Dar es Salaam).
✔ Tip: Perfect for travelers who love nature & hiking.
5. Mafia Island Marine Park – Best for Diving & Snorkeling
📍 Distance from Dar es Salaam: 30 min flight + short boat ride
Why Visit?
- Largest marine park in the Indian Ocean.
- World-class snorkeling & diving with whale sharks & coral reefs.
- Less crowded than Zanzibar.
Safari Highlights:
✔ Whale Shark Safaris (Oct – Mar) – Swim with these gentle giants.
✔ Diving & Snorkeling – Over 400 species of fish & vibrant coral reefs.
✔ Secluded island experience – Perfect for a post-safari beach escape.
Best Time to Visit:
✔ October – March – Whale shark season.
✔ April – September – Best diving conditions.
How to Get There:
✔ By Air: 30-min flight from Dar es Salaam.
✔ Tip: Combine Mafia Island with a Ruaha or Nyerere safari for the ultimate Tanzania adventure.
Conclusion: Which Safari from Dar es Salaam is Right for You?
| Safari Destination | Best For | Travel Time from Dar |
|---|---|---|
| Nyerere National Park | Big Five, Boat Safaris | 6–7 hrs (road) / 45 min (flight) |
| Mikumi National Park | Budget Safaris, Short Trips | 4–5 hrs (road) |
| Ruaha National Park | Remote, Predator Sightings | 10+ hrs (road) / 1.5 hrs (flight) |
| Udzungwa Mountains | Hiking & Waterfalls | 5–6 hrs (road) |
| Mafia Island | Snorkeling & Whale Sharks | 30-min flight |
🌍 Ready for an unforgettable safari from Dar es Salaam? Contact us to plan your adventure today! 🚀
