Mikumi National Park is among the most underrated Tanzania safari destinations. It is located in southeastern Tanzania, about a 4-hour drive from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest Coastal city. The park was established in 1964 and covers a land area of 3,230 square kilometers making it the fourth largest in Tanzania.
Mikumi National Park has a rich and diverse ecosystem with open savanna grasslands, dense bushes, and wetlands. These are among the best-preserved Tanzania ecosystems and home to several wildlife, including endemics.
Mikumi National Park is the most accessible southern Tanzania safari destination. This makes it a perfect Discovery Journeys getaway for those seeking safari adventures from Dar es Salaam. It can be visited on a day excursion or longer safaris.
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Discovery Journeys To Mikumi National Park
Wildlife in Mikumi National Park
The park’s diverse ecosystem is a haven for several wildlife species. It is renowned for its large elephant herds, zebras, giraffes, and buffaloes. Big Cat predators like lions and leopards are also present in the park.
Lions often rest on rock outcrops and acacia trees, closely monitoring their prey movements. Mikumi is, therefore, a superb spot to see predator action like hunting and pride interaction.
Elands, Impalas and hartebeests are notable antelope species in Mikumi National Park. The rare sable antelope is also present in the Park, making it one of the best places to see antelopes. Hippos, crocodiles, baboons, and vervet monkeys are other animal species you can see in the park.
Mikumi has a rich bird life with over 400 bird species. The saddle-billed stork, Black-bellied bustard, and long-tailed fiscal are notable birds you can see on a birding safari to the park.
Activities in Mikumi National Park
Game Drives
Game drives are the most effective means to explore Mikumi National Parks’ vast ecosystem. The park’s high wildlife density makes viewing easy as you closely encounter savannas’ most sought-after wildlife. Early morning game drives are recommended to catch up with early risers and sunrise golden hour moments. Evening game drives are equally rewarding and the best way to end the day.
The Mkata Floodplain is the park’s most popular game drive area, where you can easily spot elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes. Night game drives are doable in the park and ideal for exploring the nocturnal wildlife species.
Guided Nature Walks
Guided nature walks are an up-close and intimate way to explore Mikumi. They are done on foot accompanied by armed rangers knowledgeable about the park’s ecosystem. Nature walks enable you to get close to small animal species like insects and amphibians you miss on game drives.
Birding Safaris
Mikumis’ rich bird life makes it a perfect birding safari destination. Birding is doable throughout the year but best experienced from November to April. During these months resident birds are in full plumage and migratory birds from Europe and North Africa are also present.
Udzungwa Mountains Excursions
The Udzungwa Mountains are near Mikumi National Park, offering a perfect escape. They are covered with a tropical rainforest home to primates including the Iringa Red Colobus endemic to the forest.
Discovery Journeys to the forest include a hike to the waterfalls and the impressive scenery of the unique vegetation. Visiting the Udzungwa Mountains brings diversity to your Mikumi safari adventures.
Where to stay
Mikumi National Park has several accommodation options that range from budget to high-end luxury facilities. These are strategically located where you can easily access the park for your safari tours.
Vuma Hills Tented Camp is among the impressive eco-friendly camps you can check out. It is situated on the foothills of the Vuma Mountains, with uninterrupted views of the park. It has spacious tents whose interior design was inspired by African Art and a mixture of modernity.
Stanley’s Kopje is perched on a rocky kopje overlooking the open wilderness. The lodge is exclusive and intimate, perfect for honeymooners and travelers seeking privacy. Stanley’s Kopje’s elevated location makes it an ideal spot for wildlife viewing in the comfort of your tent.
Mikumi Wildlife Camp, and Tan-Swiss Lodge are other outstanding properties you can opt for.
How to get to Mikumi National Park
The park is best accessed from Dar es Salaam. Road transfers take 4 to 6 hours, depending on your lodge destination. You can also directly fly to one of the park’s airstrips on scheduled and charter flights.
Connecting to the park from other Southern Tanzania destinations like Nyerere and Ruaha National Park is possible by road and flight. You can also add a visit to the famous northern Tanzania tourism circuit featuring a visit to Serengeti for the Wildebeest Migration Safari.
Best time to Visit
Tanzania Safaris in Mikumi National Park are doable any time of the year. The best experiences are however enjoyed in the dry season. This ranges from June to September and from mid-December to early March.
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