Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park is one of Tanzania’s most accessible national parks, located just 283 km from Dar es Salaam along the main highway to Iringa. Its proximity to the coast makes it ideal for short safaris or as a stop on the Southern Circuit.

The park’s dominant feature is the vast Mkata floodplain, which stretches for miles and is often compared to the Serengeti’s open plains. This open landscape makes wildlife easy to spot, with animals clearly visible against the golden grass.

Mikumi is home to healthy populations of lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest. With the backdrop of the Uluguru Mountains to the east and the Rubeho Mountains to the west, the scenery is as beautiful as the game viewing.

Well-developed infrastructure and reliable sightings make Mikumi perfect for first-time safari-goers or those with limited time. Let our Moshi-based team craft a tailored Southern Circuit itinerary for you.

Mikumi National Park covers 3,230 km² and is part of the larger Selous–Mikumi ecosystem. Its most striking feature is the Mkata floodplain, a wide, open grassland that dominates the park’s centre.

The floodplain is fed by seasonal rivers and surrounded by acacia woodland, miombo thickets and riverine forest along the Mkata River. To the east rise the Uluguru Mountains, while the Rubeho Mountains form a rugged backdrop to the west.

This mix of open plains and woodland creates diverse habitats that attract a wide range of wildlife and make game drives exceptionally rewarding, especially in the dry season.

Mikumi is home to over 400 bird species and a solid population of large mammals. The open Mkata floodplain is perfect for spotting predators, with lions regularly seen in prides across the grasslands.

Elephants, Cape buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impala and greater kudu are all common. Leopard and hyena are present but more elusive, while hippos can be seen in pools along the Mkata River.

Birdlife is excellent, with species ranging from ostriches and secretary birds on the plains to hornbills, rollers and raptors in the woodlands — making Mikumi rewarding for both mammal and bird enthusiasts.

Mikumi offers classic game drives along well-maintained tracks that criss-cross the Mkata floodplain and wind through the surrounding woodland. The open terrain means sightings are frequent and often close enough for excellent photography.

Sunrise and late afternoon drives are particularly rewarding, when predators are active and the light is golden. The park’s compact size and accessibility allow for flexible itineraries, from day trips to multi-night stays.

With the mountains as a backdrop and the vast plains stretching to the horizon, Mikumi delivers a quintessential Tanzanian safari experience without the long travel times of more remote parks.

Mikumi National Park lies within the Selous–Mikumi ecosystem, one of Tanzania’s largest and most ecologically important wildlife areas. Its position along wildlife corridors helps connect populations between Mikumi and the wider Selous ecosystem.

Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, anti-poaching and community-based initiatives around the park’s boundaries. Tourism plays a vital role in supporting these efforts while providing income for nearby communities.

As a popular and accessible park, Mikumi helps introduce many travellers to Tanzania’s wildlife, creating awareness and support for broader conservation goals across the Southern Circuit.