Mikumi National Park – Tanzania’s Accessible Wildlife Wonderland

Mikumi National Park is one of Tanzania’s most iconic and accessible safari destinations, offering visitors a classic African wilderness experience without the crowds typical of more famous parks. Located in the southeastern part of the country near the town of Mikumi, the park lies about 280–300 km west of Dar es Salaam, making it an ideal choice for both short excursions and extended safari adventures.

Established in 1964, Mikumi covers approximately 3,230 km², making it the fourth-largest national park in Tanzania. It forms part of a vast protected ecosystem that borders the Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere National Park), creating a diverse and uninterrupted habitat for wildlife.

🐘 Spectacular Wildlife & Safari Highlights

Mikumi National Park is a true wildlife haven, characterized by sweeping savannahs, woodlands, floodplains, and the life-giving Mkata River. Its easily navigable roads and open landscapes make wildlife viewing particularly rewarding.

Wildlife you can expect to see:

🦁 Lions, leopards, and hyenas
🐘 African elephants
🐃 Buffaloes, wildebeest, and zebras
🦒 Giraffes and antelopes like kudu and eland
🦛 Hippos and crocodiles at hippo pools
🐍 Reptiles and smaller mammals

Mikumi doesn’t have rhinos, but it does feature four of Africa’s “Big Five” animals, making it perfect for classic safari experiences.

🦜 A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled with more than 400 recorded bird species in the park. From vivid lilac-breasted rollers and yellow-throated longclaws to majestic bateleur eagles and elegant storks, Mikumi provides year-round birding opportunities, with migratory species arriving during the wetter months.

🏞️ Landscape & Nature

Often compared to a “Little Serengeti,” Mikumi’s terrain ranges from grass-covered floodplains to miombo woodlands dotted with towering baobab trees and acacias. The Uluguru and Udzungwa Mountains frame the scenery, creating a dramatic backdrop that shifts with the light throughout the day.

The Mkata floodplain, in particular, is a hotspot for wildlife sightings as animals congregate at waterholes, especially during the dry season.

📅 Best Time to Visit

🌞 Dry Season (June – October): Best for wildlife viewing as animals gather around shrinking water sources and vegetation thins out.
🌧️ Wet Season (November – May): Lush landscapes, excellent birdwatching, and fewer tourists, though some lodges may close.

Mikumi is open all year, but many travelers prefer the dry season for peak game viewing.

🚗 Getting There & Accessibility

Mikumi’s proximity to Dar es Salaam (about a 4–6 hour drive) makes it one of Tanzania’s most accessible national parks. Visitors can reach the park:

🚘 By road – via the A7 highway
🚆 By train – scenic routes on the TAZARA line to nearby towns with transfers
✈️ By air – charter flights to Mikumi Airstrip cut travel time significantly

Its ease of access draws many visitors from both local and international destinations, whether for a day trip or a longer safari itinerary.

🧭 Safari Activities

Once inside the park, activities include:

🚙 Game Drives — morning and evening drives to spot the Big Five and more. The park is rich with the variety of wildlife that you will encounter while in Serengeti.
🐦 Birdwatching — prime spots near floodplains and wetlands
🥾 Guided Walks — explore the bush with expert rangers. Your armed ranger will ensure that you stay safe during this walking safari.
📸 Photography Safaris — capture stunning wildlife and landscape shots. with its plain
🛖 Camping & Lodges — from budget campsites to luxury safari lodges

🌿 Why Visit Mikumi?

Whether you’re a first-time safari traveler or a seasoned explorer, Mikumi National Park offers:

Easy access from Tanzania’s major cities
Classic, uncrowded safari experiences
Diverse wildlife, including four of the Big Five
Exceptional birdwatching and natural beauty
Less expensive and more relaxed than some northern parks

Mikumi National Park isn’t just a stop on a Tanzania travel itinerary — it’s an immersive Africa safari destination where unforgettable wildlife encounters, dramatic landscapes, and authentic nature experiences await.

Suggested Travel Itinerary: Mikumi National Park Safari

3-Day / 2-Night Mikumi National Park Itinerary

Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Mikumi National Park

Early morning departure from Dar es Salaam by road (4–6 hours) or charter flight
Scenic drive through countryside and villages
Arrival at Mikumi National Park around midday
Lunch at the lodge or picnic site
Afternoon game drive across the Mkata floodplain
Spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, and lions
Evening sunset viewing and photography
Dinner and overnight stay at a safari lodge or tented camp

Day 2: Full Day Game Drives in Mikumi

Early morning game drive for predator sightings
Breakfast at the lodge
Mid-morning visit to hippo pools
Lunch and rest at the lodge
Afternoon game drive exploring different park sections
Optional birdwatching or guided nature walk (where permitted)
Dinner, campfire storytelling, and overnight stay

Day 3: Mikumi – Dar es Salaam

Early breakfast
Short morning game drive or nature walk
Depart Mikumi National Park
Return to Dar es Salaam by afternoon

Optional Extensions

Combine Mikumi with Udzungwa Mountains National Park for hiking and waterfalls
Extend to Nyerere National Park for boat safaris
Add cultural village visits near Mikumi

Best Time to Visit

Dry season (June–October): Best wildlife viewing
Wet season (November–May): Lush scenery and excellent birdlife