Mikumi National Park is Tanzania’s fourth-largest national park and one of its most accessible. Located along the busy highway between Dar es Salaam and Iringa, the park has often been overshadowed by the more famous Serengeti or Ngorongoro. But for those in the know, Mikumi offers an easy, crowd-free gateway into the wild. With open savannahs reminiscent of southern Serengeti, it’s a great place to see lions, elephants, giraffes, and more—all within a day’s reach of the coast.
Mikumi is located in southern Tanzania and borders the larger Selous Game Reserve (now part of Nyerere National Park).
Distance from Dar es Salaam: Around 280 kilometers (about a 4–5 hour drive)
Area: Approximately 3,230 square kilometers
Accessibility: Easily reached by road or light aircraft from Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, or Zanzibar
Its location along the A-7 highway makes it a favorite for road trippers, overlanders, and locals looking for a weekend safari escape.
Mikumi offers a surprisingly diverse wildlife experience, especially in the dry season.
Some key species you’ll likely encounter:
Lions: Often seen lounging under acacia trees or stalking prey in the plains.
Elephants: Frequently seen in family groups, especially near water sources.
Buffalo and wildebeest Commonly roam the open plains in large herds.
Giraffes and zebras: Always present and easily spotted in the grasslands.
Hippos and crocodiles: Found in the park’s waterholes and rivers.
Eland, kudu, and sable antelope: More common in the woodlands and less-traveled areas.
Birdlife: Over 400 bird species, including eagles, hornbills, storks, and bee-eaters.
Though rhinos are absent, and leopards are elusive, Mikumi still delivers solid big-game viewing.
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The main attraction in Mikumi is the traditional safari game drive. The network of dirt roads covers the Mkata plains and surrounding woodlands, with several popular loops offering excellent viewing.
Most visitors do morning and evening drives.
Wildlife is most active during the cooler hours.
While not as widely offered as in some southern parks, guided nature walks can sometimes be arranged with TANAPA rangers or select lodges near the park boundary.
Bring your binoculars—Mikumi is a birder’s paradise. Wetland areas and acacia groves attract everything from saddle-billed storks to lilac-breasted rollers.
With flat, open landscapes and fewer vehicles, Mikumi is ideal for photography, especially in the early morning or just before sunset.
By Road:
Self-drive from Dar es Salaam via Morogoro (about 5 hours).
Public buses are available to Mikumi town, with local transfers into the park.
By Air:
Charter flights can land at Mikumi Airstrip from Dar es Salaam, Ruaha, or Selous.
Flights are less frequent and often included in fly-in safari packages.
By Train:
The TAZARA railway passes through nearby towns, offering a slow but scenic route for adventurous travelers.