Experience an unforgettable 1-day fly-in fly-out safari from Zanzibar with Top Serengeti Safaris, exploring Mikumi National Park in Tanzania’s Southern Circuit. This compact adventure includes a 45-minute flight each way and a full-day game drive in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, guided by an expert driver. Spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), zebras, giraffes, and over 400 bird species across 3,230 sq km of open savannahs. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and return to Zanzibar by evening. The cost of 1-day fly-in fly-out Mikumi safari from Zanzibar starts from $400 per adult and $320 per child. Perfect for travelers seeking a quick yet immersive wildlife experience.
Safari Itinerary
Join Top Serengeti Safaris for a thrilling 1-day fly-in safari to Mikumi National Park, featuring a full-day game drive and seamless travel logistics from Zanzibar.
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Day 1: Zanzibar to Mikumi National Park and Return
5:30 AM to Evening
Begin your day with an early pick-up from your Zanzibar accommodation at 5:30 AM. Transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for a 45-minute flight to Mikumi National Park. Upon arrival, embark on a full-day game drive covering approximately 100 km in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof. Spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, and possibly leopards, along with diverse birdlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch near a waterhole, surrounded by the park’s open savannahs and distant hills. Return to the airstrip by late afternoon for your flight back to Zanzibar, arriving by 7:00 PM with a drop-off at your accommodation.
- Private Safari Guide
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser
- Return Flights from Zanzibar
- Park Entrance Fees
- Breakfast & Lunch
🍴 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
What's Included
- ✅ Private pick-up and drop-off in Zanzibar
- ✅ Return flights from Zanzibar to Mikumi
- ✅ Private transportation in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- ✅ All park entrance fees (Mikumi)
- ✅ Game drive as per itinerary
- ✅ Professional English-speaking guide
- ✅ Meals as specified in the itinerary
- ✅ Bottled drinking water during game drive
What's Not Included
- ❌ Accommodation in Zanzibar
- ❌ Visa fees and personal travel insurance
- ❌ Alcoholic and soft drinks (beyond bottled water)
- ❌ Tips for the driver/guide (optional but recommended)
- ❌ Items of personal nature (laundry, phone calls, etc.)
Safari Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time for this Mikumi safari is during the dry season (June to October) for optimal wildlife viewing and clear skies. The wet season (November to May) offers lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching but may include occasional showers.
Packing List
- ✅ Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (long sleeves and pants for sun and insect protection)
- ✅ Comfortable closed-toe shoes for game drives
- ✅ Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
- ✅ Binoculars (8x or 10x magnification recommended) and camera with zoom lens and extra batteries/memory cards
- ✅ Insect repellent (DEET-based), anti-malarial medication (consult your doctor), and basic first-aid kit
- ✅ Reusable water bottle and small daypack for excursions
- ✅ Light rain jacket (for wet season) and warm layers for early mornings (temperatures can drop to 15-20°C/59-68°F)
- ✅ Personal medications and toiletries
Health & Safety
- ✅ Ensure comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellation.
- ✅ Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Tanzania; carry your international certificate. Recommended vaccinations: hepatitis A/B, typhoid, rabies.
- ✅ Stay hydrated (drink at least 2 liters of water during the day) and use sunscreen to protect against the strong equatorial sun (UV index often 10+).
- ✅ Follow your guide’s instructions during game drives; never exit the vehicle without permission for safety from wildlife.
- ✅ Be cautious of tsetse flies in wooded areas; wear long sleeves/pants and use repellent.
- ✅ Drink only bottled or filtered water; avoid ice in drinks and raw foods to prevent stomach issues.
Visa & Entry Requirements
Most nationalities require a visa for Tanzania, obtainable online (e-Visa) or on arrival at Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam airports (USD 50-100, cash only). Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay and has blank pages. COVID-19 requirements may apply; check current regulations. For more details, visit Tanzania Visa Information.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is customary but optional in Tanzania. Recommended amounts (in USD):
- ✅ Safari Guide/Driver: $10-15 per person for the day
Tip in cash at the end of the trip, based on service quality.
Travel Tips
- ✅ Bring USD cash (post-2006 bills) for tips and small purchases; ATMs are limited in Zanzibar.
- ✅ Respect local cultures: Ask permission before photographing people; dress modestly during transfers.
- ✅ Charge devices before departure; power may be limited during the day.
- ✅ Carry a small first-aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, antidiarrheal medication, and any prescription drugs.
- ✅ Use binoculars for better wildlife viewing; your guide will point out distant animals.
- ✅ Expect an early start (5:30 AM) for optimal game viewing when animals are active.
- ✅ Flights are in small aircraft (e.g., Cessna, 12-20 seats); luggage limit is typically 15 kg in soft bags, including handbags.
Weather Expectations
Mikumi has a tropical climate with two seasons. Dry season (June-Oct): Day temps 25-30°C (77-86°F), low humidity, clear skies. Wet season (Nov-May): Day temps 28-32°C (82-90°F), afternoon showers, higher humidity. Pack layers for variable conditions. Check Best Time to Visit for detailed seasonal advice.
Why Choose This Mikumi Fly-In Safari?
This 1-day fly-in safari offers a quick yet immersive exploration of Mikumi National Park from Zanzibar. Here’s why it stands out:
- ✅ Time-Efficient: Perfect for travelers with limited time, offering a full safari experience in one day.
- ✅ Big Five Experience: Spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos in Mikumi’s diverse ecosystems.
- ✅ Private Safari: Enjoy a personalized journey with a dedicated guide and 4x4 Land Cruiser.
- ✅ Diverse Wildlife: Encounter zebras, giraffes, and over 400 bird species in open savannahs.
- ✅ Scenic Flights: Enjoy stunning aerial views of Tanzania’s landscapes during 45-minute flights.
- ✅ Expert Guidance: Benefit from knowledgeable guides to maximize wildlife sightings and provide in-depth information.
This safari is ideal for adventurers seeking a seamless wildlife experience from Zanzibar.