Mikumi 3-Day Safari from Zanzibar by Ferry and SGR Train
About This Experience
A three-day, two-night version of the overland Mikumi trip, run at a slightly higher price point with lodge accommodation at Chambo Villas and a clear day-by-day shape.
Day one begins with a 05:30 hotel pickup for the 07:00 Azam or Zan fast ferry, landing at Dar es Salaam around 09:00. From there the SGR train runs inland for about two hours, with a lunch stop at Doma village, before the last hour into Mikumi and a visit to a Maasai boma. Then it is straight to the lodge for the night.
Day two is a full day of game driving in Mikumi from an early start at 06:00 — the hours a fly-in day trip cannot reach, when the floodplain is coolest and the animals are moving.
Day three brings you back across to Zanzibar by the same route. Reviewers describe the journey as tiring but genuinely interesting, and the guiding — Abdul's name comes up repeatedly — as the strongest part of the trip. Guides speaking German are available on request.
Highlights
- Full day of game driving in Mikumi from a 06:00 start on day two
- Fast-ferry crossing plus the SGR high-speed train — the journey is part of the trip
- Visit to a Maasai boma on the first afternoon
- Two nights at Chambo Villas with breakfast included
- Well reviewed for guiding, with German-speaking guides available on request
What's Included
- ✓ Hotel pickup and drop-off on Zanzibar
- ✓ Return ferry crossing and SGR train tickets
- ✓ All road transfers between Mikumi and the ferry terminal
- ✓ Two nights' bed-and-breakfast accommodation at Chambo Villas
- ✓ 4x4 jeep for game drives in Mikumi National Park
- ✓ National park entrance fees
- ✓ Lunch
Not Included
- Tips and gratuities
- Extra drinks — soft drinks, beer and wine
- Travel and health insurance
- Personal expenses
What to Bring
- Your passport — needed for ferry and train tickets
- A small overnight bag for two nights
- Insect repellent and any malaria prophylaxis your doctor advises
- Warm layer for the 06:00 game drive start
Good to Know & Caveats
- Day one starts with a 05:30 hotel pickup for the 07:00 fast ferry.
- The inland leg is about two hours on the SGR train, with a lunch break at Doma village.
- Travel days are long; the payoff is the full game-drive day in the middle.
- German-speaking guides can be arranged — request one at the time of booking.
Meeting Point
Hotel pickup on Zanzibar at 05:30, then the Zanzibar ferry terminal for the 07:00 Azam or Zan fast ferry to Dar es Salaam.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.9/5 by 15 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
The team was very responsive and professional — from the hotel pickup by private vehicle, through all the ferry and train logistics, to the hotel booked in Mikumi.
— Jose, August 2026
A very nice tour where you get an insight into the country by ferry and train. The visit to the Maasai village is particularly impressive, and on the safari I was lucky enough to see giraffes and hippos.
— Sabrina, June 2026
What an experience. We travelled with four children and our guide Abdul took them by the hand during the ferry crossing. Good explanations during the safari.
— Chantal, July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the day-by-day shape of the trip?
Day one is the journey — ferry at 07:00, SGR train inland, lunch at Doma village, a Maasai boma visit and the lodge. Day two is a full day of game drives from 06:00. Day three returns you to Zanzibar the same way.
Where do I stay?
Chambo Villas at Mikumi, on a bed-and-breakfast basis for both nights.
How does this differ from the other 3-day ferry safari?
The shape is nearly identical. This one costs more and specifies the lodge by name; the alternative includes all three meals daily and is a little cheaper. Both include a full game-drive day and a Maasai visit.
Are German-speaking guides available?
Yes, on request — reviewers have travelled with one. Ask at the time of booking rather than on the day.
