Mikumi National Park

The Gateway to Southern Tanzania’s Wildlife Adventures

Best Time

June – October

Region

Southern Tanzania

Area

3,230 km²

Safari Style

Open Savannah Wildlife

Overview

Discover Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park is one of Tanzania’s most accessible wildlife destinations and the perfect introduction to the country’s spectacular Southern Safari Circuit. Located between the Uluguru Mountains and the Lumango Range, the park is known for its wide-open floodplains, rich wildlife, and breathtaking scenery that resembles the famous Serengeti ecosystem.

Its proximity to Dar es Salaam makes Mikumi an excellent choice for short safaris, weekend escapes, and travelers seeking an authentic wildlife experience without long travel times. Despite its accessibility, the park offers abundant wildlife and uncrowded game viewing throughout the year.

Wildlife & Landscape

Mikumi National Park is home to elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, crocodiles, elands, impalas, and more than 400 bird species. The Mkata Floodplain provides exceptional opportunities for wildlife photography as animals gather around permanent water sources against a backdrop of rolling mountains.

Why Visit ?

Whether you’re planning a day trip from Dar es Salaam or combining Mikumi with Ruaha or Nyerere National Park, this remarkable destination offers rewarding wildlife encounters, beautiful landscapes, and one of Tanzania’s most enjoyable safari experiences.

Highlights

Mkata Floodplain
Big Four Wildlife Viewing
Easy Access from Dar es Salaam
Spectacular Mountain Scenery
Rich Birdlife with 400+ Species
Ideal for Short Safari Getaways

Things to do

Game Drives
Bird Watching
Wildlife Photography
Sunset Safaris
Bush Picnic Experience
Nature Viewing

Best Time to Visit

JAN – MAR

The park is lush and green, making it an excellent time for birdwatching, landscape photography, and observing young wildlife in the open plains.

APR – MAY

The rainy season transforms Mikumi into a vibrant landscape filled with fresh vegetation and fewer visitors, offering peaceful safari experiences.

JUN – OCT

The dry season provides the best wildlife viewing as animals gather around permanent water sources across the Mkata Floodplain, making game drives especially rewarding.

NOV – DEC

Short rains bring renewed greenery while wildlife remains active throughout the park, creating beautiful scenery and excellent photographic opportunities.

Getting There

Mikumi National Park is one of Tanzania’s most accessible safari destinations, located approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) southwest of Dar es Salaam. The journey by road takes about five to six hours along the well-maintained Tanzania–Zambia Highway, making Mikumi an excellent choice for weekend safaris, family holidays, and short wildlife adventures.

Visitors can also reach the park by scheduled or charter flights from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha, and other safari destinations to nearby airstrips. Whether arriving by road or air, Lowen Safaris arranges seamless transportation, comfortable accommodation, and expertly guided safari experiences from the moment your journey begins.

Mikumi is often combined with Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park to create unforgettable Southern Tanzania safari itineraries, offering visitors diverse landscapes and exceptional wildlife viewing across multiple destinations.

On the Map

Array

Your Safari in Pictures

PLAN YOUR JOURNEY

Create Your Dream Serengeti Safari

Our Tanzania safari specialists will help you design the perfect itinerary based on your travel dates, interests, accommodation preferences, and budget.