Mikumi National Park, Central Tanzania , this park is about 250km west of Dar es Salaam and is the closest national park to the city.
Spend two days driving in the park, see: lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, boars, wildebeests, 
impalas, and copious amounts of birds. When entering the park, ask the guards at the gate which areas are best for viewing that day and if they've seen any lions around. Also, look for circling vultures, which indicates a dead animal, there may also be some lions around snacking on the remains.
impalas, and copious amounts of birds. When entering the park, ask the guards at the gate which areas are best for viewing that day and if they've seen any lions around. Also, look for circling vultures, which indicates a dead animal, there may also be some lions around snacking on the remains. Safaris : Travel agents and tour companies can arrange transportation to Mikumi and through the park and ensure the vehicle used is a reliable 4x4. DO NOT enter a national park without a FULL tank of petrol. You should also have an emergency jerry can with at least 20 liters of fuel and a full-sized spare tire in case you damage your tire in a remote area and need to drive through difficult terrain. Other equipment to bring includes a tow rope, shovel, machete, torch (flashlight), first aid kit and extra drinking water for unexpected delays.
Stay on Camp ('hotel' and safari operator) :
There are three places to stay in the park. Two are owned by Foxes Safari and the other is Kikoboga. Foxes Safari Camp is the first tented camp site when you enter the park from Dar es Salaam. This camp is almost in the center of the park and offers a great view from the top of the hill where the restaurant and pool are located. At night you can here animals walking around and under the elevated tents. The other Foxes owned lodging is Vuma Hills which is about 6km from the main gate. Very nice accommodation and excellent food, but I've never heard any animals at night, which is a cool feature of the previous spot. I've never stayed at Kikoboga, but the huts look nice and there is a watering hole near by which attracts many animals especially during the dry season.