Mikumi National Park
Open grassland on the Mkata floodplain, framed by mountains, with elephants, buffalo, zebra, giraffe and lions. Mikumi is one of the easiest parks to reach from Dar es Salaam.
At a glance
- Size
- About 3,230 km²
- Getting there
- The SGR train from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro (about 2 hours), then a drive of up to 2 hours from the Morogoro station. About 1 hour by road from Udzungwa, and about 5 hours from Saadani
- Best for
- A short safari from Dar es Salaam, combining with Udzungwa
- Best time
- June to October
Why go
The Mkata floodplain is open, easy country for game viewing, often compared with the Serengeti on a smaller scale. Elephants, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, eland and impala are common, with lions and hyenas following them. The hippo pools are a favourite stop, and over 400 bird species have been recorded.
Highlights
- Open plains with elephants, giraffe, zebra and buffalo
- Lions on the Mkata floodplain
- The hippo pools
- Over 400 bird species
- Easy to combine with Udzungwa and Nyerere
The conservation story
Mikumi is part of a much larger wild landscape that links with Nyerere to the south. The main highway between Dar es Salaam and Zambia runs through the park, and traffic is a real danger to wildlife, so speed limits and fines apply. Visiting Mikumi helps show that the park’s wildlife is worth more than the land and the road, and brings work to nearby communities.
How your visit helps. The park and conservation fees in your trip price go to the authority that protects this place, paying for rangers, anti-poaching patrols and park upkeep. We hire local guides and staff and use locally owned suppliers wherever we can.
Trips that visit Mikumi
From US$3,300 per person
Private trip
From US$4,950 per person
Private trip
From US$5,043 per person
Private trip
From US$5,443 per person
Private trip
When to go
June to October is best, as the grass is short and animals stay near water. The park is open all year, and the green season from November to May is good for birds.
Where to stay
Lodges and camps we work with here include Camp Bastian Mikumi, Double G Luxury Camp, Tan-Swiss Lodge and Limas Camp Mikumi. We suggest the best fit for your budget and dates in your personal itinerary and quote.
Combine with: Udzungwa Mountains · Nyerere · Ruaha
Ready to plan your visit to Mikumi?
Tell us your dates and how you like to travel, and we will send you a personal itinerary and quote. No obligation to book.
Our partners
Adventure That Gives Back
Private safaris, treks and beach holidays across Tanzania, planned by a Tanzanian team.
Forest Hill, Kihimbwa St, Morogoro, Tanzania
Talk to us
WhatsApp +255 622 191 154
ecolegacy@ecolegacy-africa.com
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