Mikumi National Park
25.08.2022
“The mantra has always been: collect moments, not things.”
And on this day, we did exactly that — in every sense of the phrase.
This was the day we stepped into one of the most extraordinary experiences we’ve ever had on any trip. Period.
We were heading to Mikumi National Park for a full-day safari. Known as Tanzania’s 4th largest national park and often dubbed a “mini Serengeti,” it’s a dream for anyone with a love for wildlife. The only thing that could’ve topped this would’ve been extending the experience to a few days — or, honestly, as long as your schedule and wallet allow. And to hell with it… I say stretch it if you can!
Family Travel — But Make It Magical
One of the things I care deeply about is showing that everyday families — on realistic budgets — can still do incredible things. You don’t always need to splash silly money to make beautiful memories.
But… this trip was a special one. And sometimes, just sometimes, you dip your toe into something a little more luxurious. That’s what we did here. Hard saving and smart planning meant we could enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience, even if just for a day.
And trust me, that one day will stay with us forever.
💡 Scroll to the bottom if you’re here for the cost breakdown — but I promise you’ll want to read the journey too. It might just convince you that it’s worth every single penny.
Planning the Safari from the UK
I’d been chatting to our driver, Ibrahim, for months before we even set foot on that tropical island. He handled everything — entry tickets, domestic travel, the safari vehicle, meals — all wrapped into one price, which we paid after the experience (rare and reassuring!).
➡️ I’ll drop a full step-by-step guide in a separate blog post with contacts, tips, and everything I did to book directly.
Of course, there are bigger tour companies, but if you’re trying to save where you can — and still have an epic time — booking directly is the way to go.
The Day Begins — 4 AM Starts & African Sunrises
We were picked up from our hotel at 4 AM. It was painfully early, and our eyes were losing the battle — but adrenaline was winning.
As we drove through the island in the early hours everything was deadly silent, yet somehow echoing a thousand stories. The island was still, but it spoke through every shadow and whispered in the air. That quiet strength runs deep here, alive in the people and the land.
Roughly an hour passed, and before we knew it, we were at the airport.
That sunrise as we arrived? Listen. There’s nothing like an African sunrise — soft, surreal, golden. It was one of those moments you don’t forget.
We were met by a local travel rep who helped us check in for our domestic flight to Mikumi (roughly a 50-minute journey). While waiting to board, we grabbed a much-needed coffee and started to feel the buzz for the day ahead.
The Jumanji Moment
Walking towards the plane — a small twin-turboprop aircraft — felt like stepping into a scene from Jumanji. There were only a few of us on the flight.
Just as the group began to board, the heavens opened and the rain fell, golden sunlight streaming through it like a spotlight on stage. Magical.
I even caught a quick video, which I’ll pop below.
The flight was short, smooth, and came with a light breakfast. Before we knew it, we were descending into the vast, golden savannah of Mikumi.
Touchdown in the Wild
From the moment our plane’s wheels kissed the dusty earth, a quiet hush seemed to fall over everything. The air smelled different here—earthy, warm, with a whisper of dry grass and something wild, untouched. As we stepped off the small plane, the heat wrapped around us like a thick, comforting blanket. The vast savannah stretched endlessly, golden and shimmering under the fierce African sun, as if nature itself was inviting us into its secret world.
I could feel my heart beat a little faster—part excitement, part awe, part deep reverence. The distant call of birds echoed across the plains, and the low rumble of unseen animals moved through the grass. It was raw, untamed, and profoundly beautiful. Our new driver greeted us with a warm smile, his eyes reflecting the pride of this land he knows so intimately.
Everything was seamless. Our driver led us to our jeep, which we shared with one other couple. Climbing into the 4×4 safari jeep, I realised this wasn’t just a trip — it was stepping into a living storybook, one I’d never want to close.
➡️ You can choose to have a private 4×4, but it’ll cost more. We were happy to share — it worked out well, and our guide ensured everyone had a personal and memorable experience.
Into the Wild
I didn’t expect what we saw. Not like that.
It felt like we were living inside a movie.
We saw giraffes, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, antelope, white-headed vultures, Miombo blue-eared starlings… and herds of elephants walking in formation like a scene straight out of The Jungle Book.
And then came the lions.
Our guide was incredible — his eyes sharper than binoculars. At one point, he stopped and whispered, “lion.” We looked. Nothing. Then, slowly, out of the long grass, this majestic lion appeared, walking calmly towards our jeep. He got so close we could’ve reached out and touched him.
We didn’t, obviously — we stayed deadly still, dead quiet. No one wanted to become lunch. 😂
Honestly, though, real talk – that moment is hard to put into words. What I did feel was a deep sense of completeness and gratitude. Sitting there with my husband and children. My heart swelled with love for my family, pride in that moment, and pure amazement at the wild, beautiful world around us! I truly realised this was happening — that we were living this magic and awe together. It was overwhelmingly emotional, and for that brief, perfect moment, time stood still – and I felt not just connected to my family but to the earth itself in a way I never had before.
After gathering myself, I snapped a few shots — but even without the photos, I know I’d never forget that feeling.
Breathe It In
The rest of the day was spent spotting more wildlife, soaking in the views, and just being. No rush, no pressure. Just stillness, awe, and that deep feeling of “wow.”
We stopped for a lunch break — which, let me be honest — was the one part that didn’t quite hit the same. The food wasn’t great. My kids will never forget the chicken… mainly because it still had feathers on it. 😅
And the flies? Oh, they came for your food like they paid for it.
✅ Tip: Bring your own snacks. Especially if you’re fussy or travelling with kids. It’s a long day and you’ll want to be fuelled.
Final Thoughts
If you’re visiting Zanzibar and can stretch your budget — even just for a day — do it. Mikumi is a wild, raw, stunning place, and I promise you’ll walk away with more than just photos.
You’ll leave with memories carved into your soul.
💸 The Cost
We paid £380 per person.
For our family of 4, that came to £1,520 total.
That included:
Hotel pick-up & drop-off
Return domestic flights
Game drive (shared vehicle)
Lunch & unlimited drinks
Entry fees to Mikumi
Full-day guided safari
Compare that with a similar TUI experience, which costs around £450–£500 per person — so yes, we saved!
Plus, booking directly means your money goes straight to the locals. And that matters to me. These guides work tirelessly to give us unforgettable experiences, and I believe in giving back in a way that’s meaningful and direct.
🔑 Hints & Tips
• Bring snacks – just trust me.
• Layer up – mornings are chilly, afternoons are blazing.
• Suncream is a must – African sun is no joke, no matter how melanated you are!
• Wear closed shoes – dust, insects, and terrain can get rough.
• Phone vs. Presence – take photos, yes. But also put the camera down. Be in the moment. Let your eyes soak in what no filter ever can.
One Last Thing…
This is a bucket list experience for many of us. A once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing.
And I get it — you’re tempted to capture every single second. Phone in hand, snapping away, filming the lion crossing the path, zooming in on the giraffes in the distance, recording the sounds, the sky, the savannah stretching endlessly ahead…
But sometimes — just sometimes — put the phone down. Let it go. Take a deep breath.
Look at the sheer beauty in front of you with your own eyes instead of through the lens.
Watch that lion move. Take in the way the wind rolls through the grass. Feel the heat on your skin. Hear the birds calling — and really be there. Present. In that moment.
Because no matter how many photos or videos you take, the clearest image — the one that stays burned in your mind and heart — is the one you experience in real-time.
That picture in your head? That one doesn’t get deleted. It doesn’t need editing or reposting. It’s yours forever.
So yes, take the pics — of course you will.
But don’t let the lens be the only way you see it.
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