Morogoro, Tanzania: a town below the mountains
Morogoro lies on the A7 about 200 km west of Dar es Salaam, at the foot of the Uluguru Mountains. The Morogoro Municipal Council counted 471,409 people in the 2022 census, so it is a real regional town, not a village. For travellers it is mostly a gateway: the SGR train from Dar es Salaam ends here for Mikumi trips, the Uluguru trails start here, and Mikumi National Park is about an hour further along the road.
Plan a night or a day here on the way. If you plan Mikumi, see the Mikumi safari from Dar es Salaam page for trips that use this route.
Things to do in Morogoro
Most of it is in the mountains above town.
Uluguru trails
The forest reserve above the town has routes for hiking and forest walks, plus waterfalls and cultural sites. Routes start from Morogoro towards Morningside and Bondwa, and towards Kinole. See the Uluguru Mountains guide.
Luguru villages
The mountains are home to the Luguru people, and the seat of the traditional chief King'alu is among the cultural sites of the area. Visit villages with a local guide and ask before you take photos of people.
Sokoine University of Agriculture
This public university lies on the slopes of the Uluguru Mountains, about 3 km from the town centre, and was founded on 1 July 1984. It is a working campus, not a visitor attraction, so do not count on being able to walk in.
A stop on the way to Mikumi
You can sleep here and drive on to the park the next morning, which puts you at the gate early for a full day of game drives.
Our pick: Mikumi from Morogoro
A day trip that starts in town, with hotel pick-up.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Mikumi trips from Morogoro and Dar es Salaam
Safaris to Mikumi that run along the A7, from day trips to longer stays. Check pickup points and what each price includes.
Morogoro Tanzania by train: Dar es Salaam to Morogoro
The SGR railway runs the route in under two hours.
The SGR runs between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro, and the ride takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. Since April 2026 two trains run each way daily. Check the current timetable before you go, because the times can change.
| Direction | Departs | Arrives |
|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam to Morogoro | 12:20 | 14:05 |
| Dar es Salaam to Morogoro | 16:30 | 18:29 |
| Morogoro to Dar es Salaam | 09:50 | 11:40 |
| Morogoro to Dar es Salaam | 14:25 | 16:10 |
In July 2024 the fare was TZS 13,000 for the standard train that stops at all stations and TZS 22,000 for the express. Fares may have changed since then. The train ends at Morogoro, so the last stretch to Mikumi is by road. A late arrival is not a good start for a long safari day, so plan a night here. The full route is on the Dar es Salaam to Mikumi page.
Morogoro to Mikumi and the national park
From Morogoro the A7 runs to Mikumi town in about an hour. The park gate sits near the town, and the road itself passes through the park, where animals can be on or beside the carriageway. Drive slowly in the park section and do not drive after dark outside larger towns.
Udzungwa is a further drive from Mikumi town towards Ifakara. See Udzungwa Mountains if you want to add the forest and the Sanje waterfalls.
Before you travel to Morogoro
Entry rules and road advice that apply on the mainland.
Visa
A single-entry visa costs $50 for up to 90 days, and US citizens travelling as tourists are asked to apply for the multiple-entry visa at $100. Rules differ by nationality, so check yours and allow time for the e-visa.
Insurance
Since 1 October 2026 the mainland requires state entry insurance, at $44 for up to 92 days. Holders of Tanzanian residence permits are exempt.
On the road
Driving at night outside larger towns is not advised. On the A7, a 600 m section at the Mikumi weighbridge is planned for rebuilding in concrete, so expect roadworks between Morogoro and Mikumi.
Plan your time around Morogoro
Pages that fit this stop.
Uluguru Mountains
Routes, peaks and villages above town.
Mikumi wildlife
Animals of the Mkata Floodplain.
Where to stay
Camps, lodges and rooms near the park.
Nyerere National Park in the south has its own guide. See Nyerere National Park. Iringa is covered at Iringa.
Morogoro: frequently asked questions
Where is Morogoro?
It lies on the A7 about 200 km west of Dar es Salaam, at the foot of the Uluguru Mountains.
How long is the train from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro?
Roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours on the SGR. Since April 2026 two trains run each way. Check the current timetable before you go.
What are the best things to do in Morogoro?
Hiking and waterfalls in the Uluguru Mountains, visits to Luguru villages with a local guide, and using the town as a base for Mikumi National Park.
How far is Morogoro from Mikumi National Park?
About 107 km, roughly an hour by road along the A7.
Can I visit Sokoine University of Agriculture?
It is a working public university. Visitor access is not guaranteed, so ask before you go.
Is there a train from Morogoro to Mikumi?
No. The SGR ends at Morogoro, and you continue to Mikumi by road, about 107 km or roughly an hour.