Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park – Travel Guide (2025, Map, FAQ & More!)
Welcome to Mikumi National Park, one of Tanzania’s best safari destinations! If you have never been to Tanzania, this guide will help you understand everything about Mikumi – the wildlife, the best time to visit, where to stay, and how to get there. Mikumi is easy to reach from Dar es Salaam, making it perfect for first-time safari visitors.
This national park is part of the larger Selous ecosystem, meaning animals move freely between Mikumi and other wildlife areas like Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve). Here, you can see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, buffalo, and many more animals roaming in the wild. If you are looking for a safari that is both affordable and full of adventure, Mikumi is the place to go.
Safari Highlights in Mikumi National Park
- Big Game Viewing – See lions, elephants, and buffalo in open plains.
- Hippo Pools – Watch hippos and crocodiles up close.
- Birdwatching – Over 400 bird species, including eagles and storks.
- Scenic Landscapes – Rolling hills and beautiful sunsets.
- Easy Access – Just a 4-5 hour drive from Dar es Salaam.
- Budget-Friendly – More affordable than Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Why Is Mikumi National Park Special?
Mikumi National Park is one of Tanzania’s hidden gems, offering incredible wildlife experiences in a beautiful landscape of open plains, baobab trees, and seasonal rivers. It is part of the larger Selous ecosystem, making it a fantastic place for nature lovers and safari enthusiasts. The park is home to a wide variety of animals and birds, providing a true African safari adventure.
🐘 Big Game Viewing
Mikumi is one of the best places in Tanzania to see large mammals like elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and buffalo. The open savannah makes wildlife easy to spot, and you might even witness a predator in action.
🦜 Diverse Birdlife
The park is a paradise for bird lovers, with over 400 species recorded. You can see colorful birds like lilac-breasted rollers, fish eagles, and even rare species such as the ground hornbill. The seasonal wetlands also attract migratory birds.
🦏 Rare Species
Mikumi is home to some rare and unique animals, including the eland (the largest antelope), wild dogs, and even the elusive leopard. The park’s environment supports a rich variety of both common and endangered species.
🏞️ Stunning Landscapes
With rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and the backdrop of the Uluguru Mountains, Mikumi offers breathtaking scenery. The park’s Mkata Floodplain resembles the Serengeti and provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable safari experience.
Mikumi National Park Safari Packages
Discover our most popular safaris
Planning your Mikumi National Park adventure is easy with a variety of safari packages tailored to meet different preferences and budgets. Whether you’re seeking luxury, family-friendly experiences, or a quick getaway, Tarangire has options to suit every traveler:
The Best Time to Visit Mikumi National Park
The Mikumi National Park is a year-round destination, but your experience can vary depending on the time of year:
Dry Season (June – October) – Best for Wildlife Viewing
Animals gather around waterholes, making them easy to spot.
Fewer mosquitoes, making it comfortable for travelers.
Wet Season (November – May) – Best for Green Landscapes
Lush green landscapes, great for photography.
Best time for birdwatching.
Safari Activities in Mikumi National Park
Mikumi offers a variety of exciting safari activities, from thrilling game drives to guided walking safaris. You can spot lions, elephants, and hippos up close or enjoy birdwatching with over 400 species. Whether you prefer a classic safari or a photography adventure, Mikumi has something for every wildlife enthusiast.
map of Mikumi National Park
Interesting Facts about Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is one of Tanzania’s most accessible wildlife destinations, located in the southern part of the country and covering 3,230 square kilometers (1,247 square miles). It is part of the larger Selous ecosystem, featuring vast open savannahs, baobab trees, and seasonal rivers. The park’s landscape is often compared to the Serengeti, especially the Mkata Floodplain, where wildlife sightings are abundant. With an elevation ranging from 450 to 800 meters (1,480 to 2,625 feet) above sea level, Mikumi experiences warm days and cooler nights, making it a comfortable safari destination year-round.
Established as a national park in 1964, Mikumi is home to a diverse range of animals, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, hippos, and the rare African wild dog. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting over 400 bird species, including fish eagles, hornbills, and colorful lilac-breasted rollers. The park’s strategic location along the Dar es Salaam–Iringa highway makes it an easy stop for travelers exploring southern Tanzania. With its rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes, Mikumi National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers and safari enthusiasts.
Mikumi National Park Photography
Where to Stay in Mikumi National Park
Luxury Lodges & Tented Camps
Vuma Hills Tented Camp – A luxury tented camp with great views.
Mikumi Wildlife Camp – Located near the park gate.
Mid-Range Lodges
Stanley’s Kopje Camp – Located on a small hill.
Tan-Swiss Lodge – Comfortable and affordable.
Budget & Camping Options
Public Campsites – Simple and affordable.
Guesthouses in Morogoro – A cheaper option outside the park.
How to Get to Mikumi National Park
By Road
From Dar es Salaam: A 4 to 5-hour drive on a good tarmac road.
From Morogoro: About 1 to 2 hours by car.
By Air
There are small charter flights from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Arusha to Mikumi Airstrip.
Flight time: Around 1 hour.
Wildlife in Mikumi National Park – What Animals Can You See?
Mikumi is home to a wide variety of animals. Some of the wildlife you can see include:
Lions – Sometimes seen climbing termite mounds or resting under trees.
Elephants – Found in family groups, often near waterholes.
Giraffes – Easily spotted in the open savannah.
Buffaloes – Travel in large herds.
Zebras & Wildebeests – Common in the grassy plains.
Hippos – Seen in hippo pools.
Leopards & Hyenas – More difficult to see but active at night.
Mikumi is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 400 species of birds, including eagles, hornbills, kingfishers, and storks.
Packing List – What to Bring for a Mikumi Safari?
Light clothing (for warm weather).
Jacket (it can be chilly in the morning).
Binoculars (for spotting animals).
Camera (for safari photos).
Hat & Sunglasses (for sun protection).
Insect repellent (to avoid bites).
Feature Travel Tips
See Our Basic Tanzania Travel Info
Popular questions about Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is in southern Tanzania, about 283 km (176 miles) west of Dar es Salaam and near the Uluguru Mountains.
The park covers 3,230 square kilometers (1,247 square miles), making it Tanzania’s fourth-largest national park.
Mikumi is known for its easy accessibility, diverse wildlife, and landscapes that resemble the Serengeti. It is also part of the Selous ecosystem, offering excellent game viewing.
Mikumi is home to lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, hippos, wildebeests, impalas, and rare wild dogs. You may also spot crocodiles and leopards.
No, rhinos are not commonly found in Mikumi. If you want to see rhinos, consider visiting Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park.
Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and birdwatching. Some lodges also offer night game drives for a chance to see nocturnal animals.
The best time is during the dry season (June–October) when animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot.
You can drive from Dar es Salaam (4–5 hours) via the A7 highway, take a bus, or fly from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi Airstrip.
Yes! Mikumi is close to Ruaha National Park, Udzungwa Mountains National Park, and Selous Game Reserve, making it ideal for a Southern Tanzania safari circuit.
Yes, the park is safe. However, always follow your guide’s instructions and avoid walking alone in wildlife areas.
Yes, there are lodges, tented camps, and budget campsites inside and near the park, offering different safari experiences.
Yes! The wet season (November–May) brings lush green landscapes and is a great time for birdwatching and fewer crowds. However, some roads may be muddy.
Yes, guided safaris with experienced rangers are available. You can choose between private safaris, group tours, or self-drive safaris (with proper permits).
Yes! Mikumi is one of the few parks in Tanzania suitable for a day trip from Dar es Salaam or Morogoro. However, an overnight stay allows for better wildlife viewing.
Yes! Mikumi has over 400 bird species, including fish eagles, hornbills, herons, lilac-breasted rollers, and crowned cranes.
The Mkata Floodplain is the park’s most scenic area, often compared to the Serengeti. It has abundant wildlife and is the best place to see big cats, elephants, and giraffes.
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