Mikumi National Park covers about 3,230 km² in southern Tanzania. The open Mkata floodplain at its heart is often compared to the Serengeti on a smaller scale. It is about four to five hours by road from Dar es Salaam, which makes it the easiest safari park to reach from the coast.
Wildlife
- Lions, often seen resting on termite mounds or in trees
- Elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo and wildebeest
- Eland, the world’s largest antelope, and sable and greater kudu in the miombo woodland
- Hippos at the Hippo Pools
- About 400 bird species. Read about birding in Mikumi
Things to know
The main highway between Dar es Salaam and Zambia runs through the park, so you may see trucks on the edge of game drives. Game viewing is concentrated on the floodplain north of the road.
When to go
June to October is best, when the grass is short and animals gather near water. Mikumi is open all year, and the green season from November to March has fewer visitors and good birding.
How long to stay
One or two nights is enough. Many travellers visit Mikumi on the way to Ruaha or the Udzungwa Mountains, or as a short safari from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.
Combine with
- Udzungwa Mountains next door for hiking and primates. Read our Udzungwa guide.
- Nyerere National Park for boat safaris. Read our Nyerere guide.
- Ruaha for a longer southern safari. See Nyerere and Ruaha.
Frequently asked questions
About 290 km, four to five hours by road.
Lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, wildebeest, eland, hippos and around 400 bird species.
One or two nights is usually enough.
