- About Us
- Contact Us
- Call Our Experts
Mikumi National Park
Tanzania’s Hidden Safari Gem
Located just a few hours from Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park is one of Tanzania’s most accessible and underrated safari destinations. Often referred to as the “little Serengeti,” Mikumi boasts golden grasslands, scenic baobab-studded landscapes, and an impressive range of wildlife. Perfect for short trips or as a stop on the Southern Safari Circuit, it offers authentic game viewing without the crowds.
Attractions Found in Mikumi National Park
Mikumi is a wildlife-rich park offering dramatic natural beauty and excellent sightings:
Open Floodplains
The Mkata Floodplain is the park’s centerpiece, resembling the Serengeti and attracting large herds of herbivores and predators.
Big Cats & Elephants
Lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas are frequently seen alongside elephants and buffaloes.
Giraffes, Zebras & Wildebeests
Common sightings in the open plains, often forming picturesque herds across the savannah.
Hippo Pools
Watch pods of hippos cooling off in waterholes, surrounded by crocodiles and water birds.
Birdlife
Over 400 species including bateleurs, ground hornbills, lilac-breasted rollers, and fishing eagles.
Things to Do in Mikumi National Park
Mikumi offers an authentic, affordable safari experience with diverse activities:
Game Drives
Morning and evening drives offer fantastic chances to see lions on the hunt, elephants bathing, and plains game grazing.
Birdwatching
Explore woodland, wetland, and grassland habitats that support a vast array of birdlife.
Picnic Safaris
Enjoy bush meals at scenic spots inside the park, especially around the Hippo Pools or with views of the plains.
Cultural Extensions
Combine your safari with visits to nearby towns or villages for a taste of local Swahili and tribal culture.
Photography
With less safari traffic, Mikumi offers excellent wildlife photography opportunities with unobstructed views.
Weather and Climate in Mikumi National Park
Mikumi has a warm, tropical savannah climate, making it ideal for year-round visits:
Best for game viewing as animals gather around waterholes and the vegetation is thinner. Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
The park becomes lush and vibrant, with great birdwatching and fewer tourists.
- Short Rains – November to December: Light showers that refresh the landscape.
- Long Rains – March to May: Heavier rains, especially in April, but with dramatic scenery and lower accommodation prices.
How to Get to Mikumi National Park
Mikumi is one of the easiest national parks to reach in Tanzania, especially from the coast:
By Air
Charter flights are available from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar to Mikumi Airstrip, offering quick and scenic access to the park.
By Road
A 4- to 5-hour drive (around 300 km) from Dar es Salaam on a paved highway. It's an ideal weekend escape or a gateway to the Southern Circuit.
Southern Safari Circuit
Mikumi is commonly combined with Ruaha, Udzungwa Mountains, or Selous (Nyerere National Park) for a complete southern Tanzania adventure.
RELATED DESTINATIONS PACKAGES
Arusha National Park
Ruaha National Park
Serengeti National Park
What our client say about Us
Wonderful tripWe (6 people from Austria, Poland and Greece) booked a 10 day private safari with Tanzania Experience, visiting Tarangire, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Arusha and Arusha National park, and the Kilimanjaro. Thanks especially to our excellent guide, it was a wonderful journey filled with exciting adventures. Our Guide was extremely helpful, constantly trying to find the most exciting spots, solving any problem that occurred, including getting the car that was stuck in the mud out again. If you plan a trip to see the wildlife in Tanzania, then we can unconditionally recommend this travel agency and especially our guide, they will make your trip an unforgettable one.
Join/Follow us on
Quick Links
