Planning a safari in Mikumi National Park starts with one big question: how do you get there? The good news is that Mikumi is one of Tanzania’s most accessible national parks. We’re not tucked away in a far-flung corner – in fact, we’re conveniently located along a major highway and even near a railway line. Depending on your budget, sense of adventure, and schedule, you have a few great options to reach Mikumi. Let’s break down the main ways to get here by road, by train, and how Daga Tented Camp can help with transfers to make your journey smooth and stress-free.
By Train (Our Favorite Way!)
One of the most enjoyable and relaxing ways to travel to Mikumi is by taking the train from Dar es Salaam to a city called Morogoro, and then driving from Morogoro to Mikumi. Tanzania recently upgraded its rail system, and the modern SGR (Standard Gauge Railway) train from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro is a fantastic experience. The train ride is only about 1.5 to 2 hours long – significantly shorter than driving the same stretch – and it’s comfortable and scenic. Picture yourself gliding through the countryside, watching villages and landscapes roll by, perhaps sipping a cup of Tanzanian coffee from the dining car. You avoid the traffic out of Dar es Salaam (which can be quite heavy), and instead, you’re reading a book or looking out the window as the world goes by. Trains typically have air-conditioned cars and restrooms, and assigned seating which makes it a hassle-free journey. Once you arrive in Morogoro, which is a bustling town nestled against mountains, you’ve covered the bulk of the distance in ease. From Morogoro, Mikumi National Park is about 100 km away (approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive). Here’s where we come in: At Daga Tented Camp, we offer pickup service from Morogoro Station. We’ll be there to greet you as you step off the train (with a warm smile and maybe a welcome snack ready!). Then you can hop into our comfortable 4x4 vehicle for the drive to Mikumi. The road from Morogoro to Mikumi is generally good tarmac (it’s the A-7 highway), passing through scenic countryside and small villages. Before you know it, you’ll see the signs for Mikumi National Park. Our camp is just five minutes from the park’s entrance, so once you reach Morogoro, you’re actually quite close to the safari action! Traveling by train + transfer is the option we often recommend because it strikes a perfect balance: it’s fast, comfortable, and you still get to see some local life along the way without being stuck behind the wheel. Plus, it’s safe and reliable. If you’re coming from abroad, you’d likely land in Dar es Salaam, spend a night or a morning there, then catch an early train to Morogoro, and by midday or early afternoon you could already be at Daga Tented Camp ready for your first game drive. Not bad at all, right?
By Road (Driving or Private Transfer)
For those who prefer road travel or have lots of luggage, driving to Mikumi is the traditional way. The journey by road from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi is about 280 km. Depending on traffic, especially getting out of Dar, it can take anywhere from 4.5 hours on a very good day to about 6 or even 7 hours if there’s heavy traffic or road work. The road, once you leave the city, is pretty straightforward – it’s the same A-7 highway heading west. You’ll go through the coastal plains, then up and over a scenic set of hills near a town called Chalinze, then on to Morogoro, and finally through a portion of Mikumi National Park itself (the highway actually cuts through the northern part of the park, which means you might spot wildlife from the road!).
If you enjoy road trips and the freedom of having your own car, self-driving is possible. You can rent a car in Dar es Salaam – typically a 4x4 is recommended because while the main road is paved, if you plan to actually drive inside the park you’ll need a 4x4 for the dirt tracks. Driving in Tanzania can be an adventure; you have to be cautious of other traffic, occasional potholes, and in the rural stretches, be prepared for the unexpected (like a herd of cows crossing or a bus overtaking on a curve). If you’re comfortable with that, the route is fairly easy to follow with maps or GPS, and there are fuel stations along the way (we usually advise filling up in Morogoro before the final stretch to Mikumi). One nice thing is you can stop whenever you want – perhaps take a break in Morogoro for a snack or use the restroom.
However, many guests prefer to let someone else do the driving – that’s where private transfers come in. We can arrange a private car and driver to pick you up directly from Dar es Salaam (city or airport) and bring you straight to the camp. Our drivers know the route well and will get you here safely. You can relax, nap, or enjoy the scenery without worrying about the road. On a private transfer, you can also ask the driver to stop if you see something interesting or need a break. For example, some guests like to stop at a curio shop on the way for a leg stretch or at a viewpoint overlooking Morogoro’s Uluguru mountains. The benefit of a private transfer is convenience – yes, it costs more than taking the train or bus, but it’s door-to-door service on your schedule. If you’re arriving on a very early morning flight to Dar, you could theoretically be picked up and driven the same day to Mikumi, arriving by early afternoon. (Though keep in mind you might be tired from an international flight – some people opt to rest in Dar a day first).
Public Bus
Budget travelers or those seeking a local experience sometimes ask about taking a public bus from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi. It is indeed an option. There are daily buses that run from Dar to Iringa or Mbeya (which pass Mikumi on the way) – you’d catch one of those and get off at Mikumi town. The bus journey can be around 6-7 hours and buses in Tanzania vary in comfort and reliability. It’s definitely the cheapest option (costing only a few dollars), and you’ll be elbow-to-elbow with locals, likely with lively music playing and maybe a chicken or two aboard – it’s authentic, to say the least! However, it can be long and hot, and the bus will make various stops. If you’re adventurous and on a tight budget, it’s doable: you would then need to arrange for us to pick you up from Mikumi town (which is just outside the park) when you arrive. We’ve had guests do it – they certainly got a travel story out of it – but generally if your time is limited, the train or a private transfer ends up being a better experience overall. If you do decide to bus, we can advise which bus lines are more reliable and the timing, and make sure to have a vehicle waiting for you at the bus stop in Mikumi to whisk you to camp (after that bumpy ride, you’ll welcome the cold drink we’ll have ready!).
Flying
Although not mentioned in the title, it’s worth noting briefly: there are small aircraft flights that can be chartered to Mikumi. The park has an airstrip. As of now, there aren’t daily scheduled flights like there are to some northern parks, but you can charter a plane or sometimes join a charter if a group has one. This is the fastest way (about a 1-hour flight from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar), but it’s also the most expensive by far. If you’re interested in flying, let us know – sometimes for groups or those on an expansive itinerary, it can make sense. Most people, however, will choose train or road.
Transfers within Mikumi & Nearby
If you’re coming from other parts of Tanzania, say you’re combining Mikumi with a trip to Selous (Nyerere National Park) or Ruaha National Park, travel can be arranged via road transfers as well. For instance, from Selous’ northern gate to Mikumi by 4x4 is a long but scenic drive (roughly 6-7 hours through wilderness and villages), and from Ruaha, it’s even longer (not common to do directly). Many who do those combinations actually fly between parks because of distance. But Mikumi and Udzungwa combo is easy by road (as we do day trips), and Mikumi can even be visited as a long day trip from Dar by road (though we always encourage at least an overnight or two to do it justice).
Why It’s Easy with Daga
However you come, we aim to make it seamless. If you choose the train + our pickup, we handle the Morogoro to camp leg entirely – you just enjoy the ride. If you choose to drive yourself, we’ll provide clear directions and be on call if you need any assistance (and of course, once you arrive, you can park your vehicle safely at our camp). If you opt for our private transfer, you basically just have to show up and let us handle the rest. We even have had guests take the bus to Mikumi town and we scoop them up from the roadside – we’re flexible and want to accommodate all travel styles.
To Sum Up
Road, Train, or Transfer? – If you ask me personally, I’d say take the train to Morogoro and let us drive you from there. It’s the least tiring and quite enjoyable. But if you love road trips or have a lot of stops to make, driving all the way is perfectly fine too – the roads are good and you’ll get here in half a day from Dar. Knowing there are options means Mikumi can fit into many itineraries, whether you’re a luxury traveler or on an adventurous budget journey.
Whichever way you choose, the animals of Mikumi will be waiting for you! We often joke that the giraffes near the highway wave hello as you pass by. The journey to get here is just the beginning of your adventure, and we’re here to ensure it goes without a hitch. Safe travels, and see you at camp!