Filter Options

Your Safari

Where To
Start Date
Start Date
2 Adults
Age at the end of the tour
Travelers

Tour Length

Rates in USD $ Change Currency

Per person, excl. international flights

Comfort Level

Private or Shared Tour

Safari Type

Operator Rating

Specialized Tours

+ Show more

Other Tour Features

Filter by Operator

Filter by Accommodation

Operators From

+ Show more

1-Day Safari From Dar es Salaam - Compare 35 Tours

You only have 1 day to go on safari, so it’s time for you to start planning. You’ll want to get started very early on the day you travel to make the most of your day, and what a day it will be! You’ll need to fly, so think about the flight as part of your safari: it’s a wonderful way to see some of the country in a short space of time. You’ll be going and returning on the same day, and you’ll arrive back in Dar es Salaam exhausted, exhilarated and wishing you had more time. But there is so much to look forward to as you get a taste of one of the wonderful parks that Tanzania’s south has to offer.

Selected filters:
Clear All Filters
1-20 of 35 results. Rankings are based on performance, relevance and payment. Learn more

4 Questions About 1-Day Safaris From Dar es Salaam

 
 

4 Questions About 1-Day Safaris From Dar es Salaam

Answered by Anthony Ham

Where can I go on a 1-day safari from Dar es Salaam?

“On a 1-day safari from Dar es Salaam, your options are limited, but that doesn’t mean you can’t see some animals while you’re here in one of East Africa’s best wildlife countries. And before you get started, it’s important that you understand exactly what is possible: a 1-day safari means a day trip, so you’ll leave Dar es Salaam in the morning and return to the city the same day. You’ll make the most of your day if you fly to your destination from Dar, and then fly back again. This, of course, will rule out any cheap or affordable budget safaris. If you do fly, the two most obvious parks to visit are Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) and Mikumi National Park, both in Tanzania’s south. They are fantastic parks with incredible wildlife. Another possibility that may involve less travel time is to visit Saadani National Park, although it doesn’t have the wildlife of the other two parks.”

1

Which animals can I see on a 1-day trip from Dar es Salaam?

“It all depends on where you go. If you visit Nyerere National Park, there’s a good chance that you could see lion, elephant, zebra, giraffe, hippo and crocodile on a 1-day safari from Dar es Salaam. If you get to see African wild dog or leopard, then you’ve really hit the jackpot. If you visit Mikumi National Park and you get to explore the glorious Mkata Floodplain, you’ll be looking for elephant, giraffe, buffalo and hippo, as well as lion and leopard. If, on the other hand, your safari takes you to Saadani National Park, you’ll probably see hippos and crocodiles, while giraffe and elephant are also commonly spotted. More elusive, especially on a short visit, are Lichtenstein’s hartebeest and, if you’re really lucky, lion. One of the unusual things about Saadani is the setting: it’s the only park where you can see some of these animals within sight of the beach.”

2

Is a fly-in safari recommended for a 1-day safari from Dar es Salaam?

“There are some big advantages to choosing 1-day fly-in safari packages and tours. The first is that you’ll maximize the amount of time you spend in the destination, rather than using up all of your day traveling to get there and back. Another benefit is that your air transfer will be like taking a scenic flight, and the views you enjoy along the way may end up being a highlight of your trip. And, of course, flying makes possible some of the parks that are farther away from Dar, such as Nyerere or Mikumi. The downside of a fly-in safari can be the cost: flying may be fast, but it is expensive. If you’re planning a cheap and affordable budget safari, choose to visit Saadani, which is close enough to Dar that you won’t need to fly. Lots of locals visit Saadani as a day or weekend trip from the city.”

3

How much will this safari cost?

“If you only have 1 day, you’ll need to accept that this will be an expensive day. The only exception to this is a day trip to Saadani, which might be possible for US$100 to US$150 per person per day. This should include transfers, park entry fees, vehicle, guide and lunch. If you’re flying to Nyerere, Mikumi or elsewhere, then your 1-day safari from Dar es Salaam might start at around US$400 to US$500 per person per day, but could cost more. It’s worth shopping around as there can be big price differences between safari operators. You should have lots of day-trip tours and packages to choose from. A couple of final things to remember. First, you should always ask what’s included, and what’s not included, in the quoted price to avoid any nasty surprises when it comes time to pay. And if an operator looks to cut costs by not leaving first thing in the morning and arriving on the last flight back of the day, look elsewhere.”

4

Tanzania Reviews

4.8/5 2,111 Reviews
Expert
Mary Fitzpatrick  –  
United States US

Mary is an acclaimed travel writer and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including South Africa, Tanzania, East Africa and Africa.

Tanzania – Iconic Safaris, Beaches and Hiking
5/5

Few areas of the continent offer the amount, variety and accessibility of wildlife as Tanzania– and against such a scenic backdrop. Animals are abundant, species diversity is excellent, and evocative acacia- and baobab-studded landscapes...

Full Review

Expert
Brian Jackman  –  
United Kingdom UK

Brian is an award winning travel writer, author of safari books and regular contributor to magazines such as BBC Wildlife and Travel Africa.

Wilderness unlimited
5/5

Tanzania may be one of the world’s poorest countries but its national parks and game reserves are the crown jewels of Africa. First among equals is the Serengeti, probably the most famous wildlife refuge on the planet, a wilderness the...

Full Review

Charlie Walls  –  
Canada CA
Reviewed: May 8, 2026
Most amazing experience!
5/5

I can not recommend this safari enough, it was the most incredible experience ever!! Me and 4 of my friends did a three day safari in Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Tarangire National Park and it was amazing. Our driver was...

Full Review

Javier Ayala Toscano  –  
Colombia CO
Reviewed: May 6, 2026
Tanzania is a breathtaking masterpiece of nature
5/5

An unforgettable experience! My safari in Tanzania was truly the trip of a lifetime. From the moment we arrived, the vast landscapes of the Serengeti and the breathtaking views of the Ngorongoro Crater left us speechless. We were lucky...

Full Review

Deeba Rai  –  
Canada CA
Reviewed: Apr 30, 2026
Hakuna Matata
5/5

Tanzania is a lovely place to visit from what I heard from other travelers. The serengeti in Tanzania is a much nicer experience because they have so many facilities and washrooms everywhere in the park. The staff and workers everywhere are...

Full Review

Sheela Bhattacharya  –  
Tanzania TZ
Reviewed: Apr 26, 2026
Every season brings new charm
5/5

Tanzania is pure magic for anyone who loves wildlife. The sheer richness and diversity of animals here is unmatched—every game drive feels like stepping into a live documentary. From vast open plains to dense forests and crater...

Full Review