5.0 Excellent
Dorine M1 year ago
Grateful experience
As a solo female traveler, I felt super safe and well taken care of the entire time.
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National Park / Wildlife Safari / Southern Tanzania Safari / Game Drive / Birdwatching / Walking Safari / Photography / Family Safari / Weekend Safari / Southern Circuit
Mikumi National Park
Eastern Circuit
Overview
Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is one of the most accessible and rewarding safari destinations in Tanzania, combining open savanna, reliable wildlife viewing and excellent road connections with the country's Southern Safari Circuit. Located in Morogoro Region, Mikumi covers approximately 3,230 square kilometres and is centered around the Mkata Floodplain, a broad landscape of open grassland, seasonal wetlands and acacia savanna where wildlife is often easy to observe. The Mkata Floodplain is the visual heart of the park. Its long sightlines, scattered acacia trees and concentrations of grazing animals have led to frequent comparisons with the Serengeti, although Mikumi has its own distinctive southern Tanzania character. Visitors can see elephants, African buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, eland, impala, hippos and many other herbivores. Lions are regularly encountered, while leopards and spotted hyenas occur in woodland and riverine habitats. Water is especially important during the dry season. Seasonal pans, the Mkata River and the park's hippo pools can attract wildlife as conditions become drier across the landscape. Mikumi is also an excellent birdwatching destination, with more than 400 recorded species. Rollers, bee-eaters, hornbills, eagles, storks and many waterbirds can be seen across the park's grassland, woodland and wetland habitats. One of Mikumi's greatest advantages is accessibility. TANAPA currently estimates approximately three to five hours by road from Dar es Salaam depending on traffic, while Morogoro is much closer. Scheduled and charter flights also connect with Mikumi Airstrip. This makes Mikumi particularly useful for first-time safari travelers, families, short-stay visitors and travelers who want a genuine wildlife experience without committing immediately to a long safari. Mikumi also works strategically within longer Southern Tanzania itineraries. It can be combined with Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park to create a varied journey through wildlife, forests, waterfalls and remote southern landscapes. With TanzaLux Safaris, Mikumi can be experienced as a private day safari, short weekend safari or part of a longer Southern Tanzania itinerary.
- Mkata Floodplain
- Classic East African savanna scenery
- Reliable elephant sightings
- Frequent lion sightings
- Large buffalo herds
- Giraffes, zebras and wildebeest
- Hippo pools
- Nile crocodiles
- More than 400 recorded bird species
- Seasonal pans and waterholes
- Baobab and acacia landscapes
- Malundwe Mountain backdrop
- Guided walking safari
- Wildlife photography
- Excellent first-time safari destination
- Easy road access from Dar es Salaam
- Easy access from Morogoro
- Scheduled and charter flight access
- Gateway to Tanzania's Southern Safari Circuit
- Combination with Udzungwa Mountains
- Combination with Nyerere National Park
- Combination with Ruaha National Park
Best time to visit
When to go
Low season
March – May Short rains refresh the Mkata Floodplain and surrounding woodland, creating greener scenery and productive birdwatching. Wildlife remains present throughout the park, while seasonal rain can occasionally affect road conditions.
Shoulder season
November – February Short rains refresh the Mkata Floodplain and surrounding woodland, creating greener scenery and productive birdwatching. Wildlife remains present throughout the park, while seasonal rain can occasionally affect road conditions.
Peak season
June – October The main dry season is generally considered the strongest period for classic wildlife viewing. Vegetation becomes thinner and animals increasingly concentrate around rivers, pools and remaining water sources, making wildlife easier to locate.
Wildlife
- African elephant
- African lion
- African buffalo
- Leopard
- Spotted hyena
- Giraffe
- Plains zebra
- Wildebeest
- Eland
- Greater kudu
- Sable antelope
- Impala
- Hartebeest
- Warthog
- Hippopotamus
- Nile crocodile
- African wild dog
- Baboons
- Monkeys
- More than 400 bird species
Activities
- Game drives
- Wildlife viewing
- Guided walking safari
- Birdwatching
- Wildlife photography
- Landscape photography
- Hippo pool viewing
- Predator tracking
- Mkata Floodplain safari
- Picnic experiences
- Scenic viewpoints
- Nature interpretation
- Family safari
- Weekend safari from Dar es Salaam
- Private Southern Tanzania safari
- Combination safari with Udzungwa Mountains
- Combination safari with Nyerere National Park
- Combination safari with Ruaha National Park
Getting there
Mikumi National Park is located in Morogoro Region and is one of Tanzania's most accessible safari destinations. By road, the park lies along the A7 highway and can normally be reached from Dar es Salaam in approximately three to five hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Morogoro is much closer, making Mikumi convenient for travelers already exploring central or eastern Tanzania. Scheduled and charter flights also operate to Mikumi Airstrip, with onward transfers arranged by lodges and safari operators. For a private TanzaLux safari, a 4x4 vehicle allows travelers to combine Mikumi with Udzungwa Mountains, Nyerere National Park, Ruaha or other Southern Tanzania destinations.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Where is Mikumi National Park?
Mikumi National Park is located in Morogoro Region in eastern Tanzania and forms part of Tanzania's Southern Safari Circuit.
What is Mikumi National Park famous for?
Mikumi is famous for the Mkata Floodplain, easy wildlife viewing, elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos and more than 400 bird species.
How big is Mikumi National Park?
TANAPA currently gives Mikumi National Park an area of approximately 3,230 square kilometres.
How far is Mikumi from Dar es Salaam?
TANAPA estimates approximately three to five hours by road from Dar es Salaam, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Is Mikumi worth visiting?
Wildlife can include elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, eland, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas and many other species.
What animals can I see in Mikumi?
Yes. Lions occur in Mikumi and are regularly seen on the open plains and around suitable hunting habitats.
Are there lions in Mikumi?
Yes. Lions occur in Mikumi and are regularly seen on the open plains and around suitable hunting habitats.
Are there elephants in Mikumi?
Yes. Elephants are among Mikumi's most frequently observed large mammals.
Can I see leopards in Mikumi?
Leopards occur in Mikumi, particularly around woodland and riverine habitats, but they are elusive and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Can I see the Big Five in Mikumi?
Mikumi provides excellent big-game viewing, especially elephant, lion and buffalo. It should not be marketed as a guaranteed Big Five destination because some species are uncommon or difficult to see.
Is Mikumi good for birdwatching?
Yes. TANAPA reports more than 400 bird species across Mikumi's grasslands, wetlands and woodlands.
What is the Mkata Floodplain?
The Mkata Floodplain is Mikumi's main open-grassland wildlife area and one of the best locations in the park for observing large mammals.
Can I visit Mikumi from Dar es Salaam?
Yes. Mikumi is one of the easiest major national parks to reach by road from Dar es Salaam.
Can I fly to Mikumi?
Yes. Scheduled and charter flights operate to Mikumi Airstrip.
Can I walk in Mikumi National Park?
Guided walking safaris are available in designated areas and must be arranged according to TANAPA rules.
What is the best time to visit Mikumi?
Yes. Scheduled and charter flights operate to Mikumi Airstrip.
How many days do I need in Mikumi?
One to two days can provide a good introduction, while two or three nights allow a more relaxed safari with additional activities and photography.
Can Mikumi be combined with Udzungwa?
Yes. Mikumi and Udzungwa create an excellent combined wildlife-and-hiking itinerary in Southern Tanzania.
Can Mikumi be combined with Nyerere or Ruaha?
Yes. Mikumi is a natural gateway to longer Southern Tanzania itineraries including Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park.
Why visit Mikumi with TanzaLux Safaris?
TanzaLux Safaris can organize a private Mikumi safari from Dar es Salaam or incorporate Mikumi into a longer Southern Tanzania itinerary with Udzungwa, Nyerere and Ruaha.
Traveller stories
The proof should come from people who went.
Dagmar P2 months ago
Private Safari 6 days
I can only highly recommend the young company Tanzalux for organizing a private safari.
Read moreSylvanus T10 months ago
An unforgettable vegetarian journey with Tanzalux Safaris
I highly recommend Tanzalux for anyone wanting a special, personalized safari.
Read moreLucas G3 months ago
Our 3-day camping safari with Tanzalux was simply fantastic! Everything was perfectly organized.
Read moreVictoria Goodluck4 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on GoogleBack in April, I joined a day trip to Tarangire National Park with Tanzalux Safaris, and it was truly one of the best experiences I have ever had…
Read moreDanai Vicha6 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on GoogleI've had an amazing experience with Tanzalux Safaris, would 1000% recommend! Thank you for making my trip so special🫶
Read moreikigo simbila6 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on GoogleI recently visited Meru Waterfalls in Arusha and got to do some of the activities there, honestly it was such a great experience and I really enjoyed it.
Read moreHadija Shebe6 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on GoogleOur guide Dullah Mr Rastaman had the best vibe. I would like to recommend other people not to miss it, Tarangire is the best national park.
Read moreTumain Hope5 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on GoogleOur tour guide Nasri was very friendly and welcoming from the first day we met him. He knows Tarangire very well and explained many things during the safari.
Read moreLinnah Kimaro5 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on GoogleAs a grandmother in the group, I would like to share my happiness with Tanzalux Safaris. Me, my daughters, and my grandson went on a short trip to Tarangire National Park…
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