Southern Circuit, Tanzania
Mikumi National Park
Mikumi covers 3,230 square kilometres and borders Nyerere National Park. Open Mkata floodplain, elephant, buffalo and over 400 bird species.
- Region
- Morogoro region, southern Tanzania
- Size
- 3,230 square kilometres
- Nearest airport
- Mikumi airstrip, or Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam
- Suggested stay
- Two to three days
Mikumi covers 3,230 square kilometres and is the fourth largest protected area in Tanzania. It borders the former Selous Game Reserve, now Nyerere National Park, to the south, and the two form a single ecosystem.
The park is best known for the Mkata floodplain in its north west, an open alluvial plain framed by the Uluguru and Lumango mountains. The terrain is open enough that comparisons with the Serengeti are common, though on a smaller scale.
Mikumi is reached by road from Dar es Salaam and is the most accessible of the southern parks, which makes it a practical option for shorter trips and for travellers combining a safari with Zanzibar.
Why visit Mikumi National Park
Access. Mikumi is reachable by road from Dar es Salaam, which makes a southern safari possible without a long flight or a long transfer.
Open country. The Mkata floodplain gives clear, wide views and reliable game viewing over short distances.
It combines well with Zanzibar and with Nyerere National Park, which shares its ecosystem.
Wildlife you see here
Elephant, buffalo, zebra, impala, eland, kudu, sable antelope, wildebeest and baboon are all present. Hippo occupy pools in the north of the park.
The giraffe here are of interest to specialists, described as a link between the Masai and reticulated forms.
Lion are resident on the floodplain. More than 400 bird species have been recorded.
Best time to visit
June to October is the dry season, with thinner vegetation, easier driving and animals concentrated near water.
The green season from November to May brings migrant birds and a fuller landscape. Some tracks become difficult after heavy rain.
How to get there
By road from Dar es Salaam on the paved Tanzam highway, which passes through the park. This is the usual approach and takes roughly five hours.
By air, Mikumi has an airstrip served by light aircraft, which shortens the journey considerably.
Where to stay
Lodges, tented camps and public campsites operate inside the park and along the highway near the main gate.
Because the highway runs through the park, road noise reaches some accommodation. Ask where a camp sits relative to it if quiet matters to you.
Travel tips
The Tanzam highway crosses the park and carries heavy traffic. Wildlife crosses it. Speed limits through the park exist for that reason and are enforced.
Malaria prophylaxis is advisable for the southern parks. Take medical advice before travelling.
Mikumi pairs naturally with Nyerere. Ask for the two together rather than treating Mikumi as a standalone destination if you have the days.
Things to do
- Game drives on the Mkata floodplain
- Hippo pool viewing in the north of the park
- Birdwatching, with over 400 recorded species
- Guided walking safaris in designated areas
- Combined itineraries with Nyerere National Park
Trips visiting Mikumi National Park
We build trips to Mikumi National Park to order. Tell us your dates and we will send an itinerary.
Common questions
How far is Mikumi from Dar es Salaam?
Roughly five hours by road on the paved Tanzam highway, which is why Mikumi is the most accessible of the southern parks.
Is Mikumi good for a short safari?
Yes. Two to three days covers the Mkata floodplain properly, and the road access means less of your time is spent in transit.
What is the difference between Mikumi and Nyerere?
They share one ecosystem. Mikumi is smaller, more open and easier to reach. Nyerere is far larger, includes the Rufiji River, and offers boat safaris.
Can you combine Mikumi with Zanzibar?
Yes. Both are reached through Dar es Salaam, which makes a safari and beach combination straightforward.