Embark on a thrilling journey into the heart of Mikumi National Park, where every moment is an adventure waiting to be discovered. Named after the adjacent mountain range, Mikumi is Tanzania’s fourth-largest national park, spanning over 3,230 square kilometers.
Mikumi National Park is a hidden gem offering a unique safari experience. Despite its proximity to Dar es Salaam, it remains one of Tanzania’s least visited parks, making it perfect for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path adventure. Choose Mikumi if you want to explore diverse landscapes and encounter a wide variety of wildlife without the crowds. Wildlife Encounters in Mikumi National Park Your journey into Mikumi begins at the park’s entrance gate, where you’ll be greeted by the sight of vast plains stretching to the horizon. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests. Keep an eye out for the park’s predators, such as lions and leopards, which are often spotted in the early mornings and late afternoons. As you explore further, you’ll come across the Mkata River, the lifeblood of the park. The river is home to a variety of aquatic species, including hippos and crocodiles. Boat safaris along the river offer a unique perspective of the park’s wildlife, with the opportunity to see animals up close as they come to drink from the river.
Mikumi lies about 280 km west of Dar es Salaam, roughly 4–5 hours by road on the Tanzam highway, which crosses the park.
Charter flights from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar land at the park's airstrip.
Explore popular animals that easy found on this world-class destinations
Loxodonta africana
Panthera leo
Syncerus caffer
Giraffa tippelskirchi
Equus quagga
Connochaetes taurinus
Hippopotamus amphibius
Taurotragus oryx
The open Mkata floodplain is often compared to the Serengeti, with lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, eland and wildebeest easy to see on a morning or afternoon drive.
The hippo pools near the park headquarters are a great place to watch hippos and crocodiles, with plenty of waterbirds on the banks.
Guided walks with an armed ranger introduce you to the tracks, trees and insects of the bush.
More than 400 bird species have been recorded, including lilac-breasted rollers, bateleur eagles and yellow-throated longclaws.
Mikumi is only about an hour and a half from the rainforests of the Udzungwa Mountains, making it easy to add primate walks and waterfall hikes to your safari.
The best time for game viewing: the grass is short and animals gather around the water holes and the Mkata floodplain.
The park is green and beautiful and excellent for birdwatching, with many migratory species present. Some tracks can be difficult after heavy rain, especially from March to May.
Popular experience in the Serengeti National Park
Best time: All year round
Destinations: Arusha, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Tarangire, Zanzibar
Best time: January, February, March, December
Destinations: Arusha, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Tarangire
Best time: All year round
Destinations: Arusha, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Tarangire
Best time: All year round
Destinations: Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Tarangire
Best time: All year round
Destinations: Lake Eyasi, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Tarangire
Best time: All year round
Destinations: Arusha, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti
Best time: All year round
Destinations: Lake Manyara, Materuni Waterfalls, Mkomazi, Tarangire
Best time: All year round
Destinations: Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Tarangire
Popular experience in the Serengeti National Park
Mikumi is about 280 km west of Dar es Salaam, around four to five hours by road on the Tanzam highway, which crosses the park. That makes it the most accessible national park from Dar es Salaam. Charter flights from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar can also land at the park's airstrip for travellers short on time.
Mikumi's open Mkata floodplain is often compared to the Serengeti. You can expect lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, elands, impalas and hippos, with leopards and African wild dogs occasionally seen. The park is also home to more than 400 bird species, including lilac-breasted rollers and bateleur eagles.
Yes. Its easy access makes Mikumi ideal for a two- or three-day safari from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, with a good chance of seeing plenty of wildlife in a short time. It's a great option for travellers who want to add a safari to a beach holiday without long drives or flights.
Yes. Mikumi combines beautifully with the Udzungwa Mountains, just an hour and a half away, for rainforest hikes, waterfalls and rare primates. It can also be part of a longer southern circuit safari with Ruaha or Nyerere National Park, offering a quieter alternative to the busy northern parks.
The dry season, from June to October, is best for game viewing: the grass is short and animals gather around the water holes. The wet season, from November to May, turns the park green and brings migratory birds, making it excellent for birdwatching. Some tracks may be difficult after heavy rain, especially from March to May.
