Mikumi National Park

Highlights

Mikumi National Park, situated in southern Tanzania, is a diverse and easily accessible safari destination covering around 3,230 square kilometers. As part of the greater Selous ecosystem, it offers visitors a snapshot of Tanzania’s rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. The park features a mix of rolling hills, expansive grasslands, and miombo woodlands, which together create ideal habitats for a wide range of wildlife. Among the commonly spotted animals are elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, and impalas. While predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas also roam the area, they tend to be more difficult to spot.

Explore Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park is favored for its easy reach from Dar es Salaam, making it a top choice for both short day excursions and extended safari adventures. Visitors can enjoy game drives on well-maintained roads, guided by experts who help identify animals and share fascinating insights about the park’s ecology.

What to Know Before Visiting Mikumi National Park

Location and Accessibility:

• Nestled in southern Tanzania, Mikumi lies about 283 kilometers west of Dar es Salaam.

• It’s conveniently accessible by road, with the drive taking around 4 to 5 hours, or by air travel to nearby airstrips.

Wildlife and Safari Highlights:

• Mikumi boasts a rich array of wildlife, including large herds of elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, and antelope species like impalas and elands.

• Carnivores such as lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas also roam the park, though sightings can depend on time of day and a bit of luck.

• Bird enthusiasts can spot over 400 species, ranging from majestic birds of prey and aquatic birds to vibrantly colored songbirds.

Safari Activities:

• Game Drives: Embark on exciting game drives in open-roof or 4×4 vehicles, guided by knowledgeable locals who know where to find elusive wildlife and explain the surrounding ecosystem.

• Walking Safaris: Some accommodations on the park’s outskirts offer guided nature walks, allowing visitors to explore the bush on foot and observe nature from a new perspective.

Time to visit Mikumi National Park

The dry season, running from June to October, is ideal for spotting wildlife. During these months, animals tend to gather around the few remaining water sources, and the thinner vegetation makes them easier to observe.

For bird lovers, the wet season from November to May is especially rewarding. This is when migratory bird species arrive, adding to the park’s already rich birdlife and bringing color and activity to the lush green landscapes.

Jan-Feb
Mar– May
Jun-Oct
Jan-Feb

Mar– May

Jun-Oct