Mikumi National Park: Overview
Mikumi National Park is one of Tanzania’s most accessible and popular wildlife destinations in the south of Tanzania, the park located approximately 300 km west of Dar es Salaam along the Dar es Salaam to Mbeya highway.
Known for its stunning plains and baobab trees, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including rare species like the Sable antelope, African hunting dogs, blue wildebeest, and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest.
The southern part of the park features beautiful rolling foothills and vast miombo woodland savanna, making it a spectacular destination for those travelers who love nature.
Video: Mikumi National Park Highlights
Wildlife at Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is famous for its diverse range of wildlife, offering visitors the opportunity to see some of the Africa “Big Five” like lion, elephant, and buffalo. Among its highlights are the hippos that inhabit a pair of mud pools located 5 km from the main entrance, often accompanied by various waterbirds.
The Mkata Floodplain in Mikumi is an excellent spot for wildlife viewing, where lions can be seen surveying the plains from termite mounds or trees, especially during the rainy season. This area is also frequented by herds of zebra, wildebeest, impala, and buffalo. Giraffes are often found foraging in acacia stands near the Mkata River, where Mikumi’s elephants also roam.
Common Animals in Mikumi National Park:
- Buffalo
- Elephant
- Zebra
- Lion
- Greater kudu
- Wildebeest
- Impala
- Giraffe
- Eland
- Antelope and so on
Birdlife in Mikumi National Park:
Mikumi National Park is home to over 400 bird species, including the Marabou stork, Black-bellied bustard, Francolin, Guinea fowl, Cattle egret, Hornbill, Malachite kingfisher, Red-billed oxpecker, Lilac-breasted roller, and Yellow-throated longclaw.
Best Time to Visit Mikumi National Park
The best time to visit Mikumi and Tanzania as a whole is during the dry season, from July to late March, when the vegetation is thinner, and animals gather around waterholes. September and October are especially good months for seeing large herds of animals at the remaining water sources.
Mikumi Safari Packages
Visitors can explore Mikumi National Park by booking one of our safari packages:
Best Places to Stay in Mikumi National Park
Several accommodations are available near Mikumi National Park, including, here are the best:
- Camp Bastian Mikumi
- Tan Swiss Lodge
- Angalia Tented Camp
- Vuma Hills Tented Camp
- Mikumi Safari Lodge
How to Get to Mikumi National Park
From Dar es Salaam
Mikumi National Park is located approximately 300 km west of Dar es Salaam and you can reach by road or air:
By Road: The drive from Dar es Salaam takes about 4 to 5 hours via the Morogoro Road to Mbeya way. The road is in good condition, making it a popular option for those who prefer to enjoy the scenic landscapes along the way.
By Air: You can also take a charter flight from Dar es Salaam to the small airstrip inside Mikumi National Park. This is a quicker option, with flights taking around 1 hour.
From Zanzibar
If you’re coming from Zanzibar, you can travel to Mikumi by either air or a combination of air, ferry and road:
The fastest way to reach Mikumi from Zanzibar is to take a local charter flight from Zanzibar to Mikumi.
Also, you can take a flight or ferry from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam, after which you can catch a charter flight to Mikumi or drive for 4 to 5 hours.
Travel Tips for Visiting Mikumi National Park
Weather: Mikumi is generally cooler than the weather in Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam, so dress appropriately.
Best Season: The best time to visit during the dry season (July to mid-March) for better accessibility, as the park is challenging to navigate during the wet season (March to mid-June).
Best way to travel: The best and easiest way to reach Mikumi is via a local flight from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar Airport.
Mikumi National Park Location Map
Nearby Attractions to Mikumi National Park
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Udzungwa Mountains is the nearest attraction to Mikumi National Park, is known for its rich and varied ecosystems, which include tropical rainforests, miombo woodlands, grasslands, and mountainous areas.
The park is a haven for over 400 bird species, thousands of plant species, and six primate species. Among these are the rare Iringa red colobus and Sanje crested mangabey, both of which are unique to this region.
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is also nearest to Mikumi National Park, it is about 130 km west of Iringa, is the largest protected area in Tanzania and East Africa, covering 20,226 km². The park is named after the Great Ruaha River, which flows through its southeastern region and draws an array of wildlife to its banks.
The park’s landscape is incredibly diverse, featuring expansive savannahs, riverine areas rich in wildlife, and mountainous regions to the south and west. Ruaha is home to a variety of rare species, including wild dogs, cheetahs, and leopards.
