Mikumi National Park
About the Park
Mikumi National Park, often called the “gateway to the southern circuit,” lies between the Uluguru Mountains and the Lumango range, covering about 3,230 sq. km. Its wide, open plains resemble the Serengeti and offer excellent game-viewing opportunities with fewer crowds.
Easily accessible from Dar es Salaam, Mikumi is perfect for both short safaris and longer southern circuit explorations. The park is home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife, making it one of Tanzania’s hidden gems.
Attractions Found
in mikumi national Park
Mikumi’s main attraction is its abundance of wildlife, including elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, buffaloes, and hippos. The Mkata Floodplain is the heart of the park, where herds of grazers roam against a backdrop of baobab trees and acacia woodlands.
Birdlife is also rich, with over 400 species recorded, from colorful lilac-breasted rollers to majestic bateleur eagles. The hippo pools provide excellent viewing, especially for families of hippos and crocodiles.
Tour Activities in the park
Safari Game Drives
Game drives are the most popular activity in Mikumi, giving visitors the chance to see animals up close across its vast plains. With its open landscapes, wildlife viewing is easy and rewarding, often compared to the Serengeti in miniature.
Morning drives are best for spotting predators like lions and hyenas, while evening drives bring opportunities to witness herds of elephants and buffalo moving across the savanna. Night game drives may also be available, allowing you to see nocturnal species such as civets, genets, and bush babies.
Walking Safaris
A walking safari in Mikumi is an unforgettable way to connect with nature. Guided by armed rangers, you’ll explore the bush at a slower pace, learning how to read tracks, identify plants, and understand animal behavior.
Walking through the plains offers a new perspective — spotting giraffes at eye level, hearing the calls of birds up close, and experiencing the raw sounds and scents of the wilderness. It’s a thrilling yet safe way to see the park from a more intimate angle.
Bird Watching
For bird lovers, Mikumi is a true paradise. The park’s varied habitats — grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands — host more than 400 bird species. You can expect to see colorful species such as lilac-breasted rollers, yellow-throated longclaws, and fish eagles.
Migratory birds arrive between November and April, making this season particularly rich for birdwatching. Whether you are a seasoned birder or a casual observer, the diversity of Mikumi’s birdlife is sure to impress.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mikumi is during the dry season (June to October) when wildlife gathers around water sources and the grass is short, making animals easier to spot.
Weather Condition
Mikumi enjoys a warm climate year-round, with average daytime temperatures between 25–30°C. The long rains occur from March to May, while short rains fall between November and December, when the park is green and scenic.
