Sharing a common border and ecosystem with Selous Game Reserve to the south, Mikumi National Park is only three to four hours drive from Dar es Salaam, lying astride the main highway to Zambia, and en route to the National Parks of Udzungwa Mountains, Ruaha and Kitulo.

With open plains, abundant wildlife and vast grasslands, the floodplains of Mikumi are often compared to the more famous Serengeti. Mikumi National Park lies between Selous and the Udzungwa mountains and is the most accessible part of the southern circuit. It offers an beautiful authentic and uncrowded wildlife experience. The big game, great bird watching and beautiful sunsets alone makes Mikumi worth visiting.

Mkata River

Tanzania’s fourth-largest national park is easy accessible from Dar es salaam. The road that crosses the park divides it into two areas. The area north-west of the park is highly influenced by the Mkata river basin. Here, the vegetation consists of savannah dotted with acacia, baobab, palm, tamarinds and spectacular rock formations. The surrounding mountain and hills brings fascinating natural beauty with addition to superb light, which make it a wonderful scene for wildlife photographers. The southeast part of the park is less rich in vegetation and wildlife, and less accessible.

Tree climbing lions

The park is rich in wildlife, especially on the wide, grassy floodplains of the Mkata River. This is perhaps the most reliable place in Tanzania for sightings of the powerful eland, the world’s largest antelope, and the legendary tree climbing lions. Other animals in the park are giraffes, elephants, zebras, impala, kudu, black antelope, baboons, crocodiles, baboons, wildebeests, hippos and buffaloes. More than 400 different species of birds also inhabit the park.

Activities:- Walking and driving safaris.
Best time to visit:- Good all year, but the best time to visit Mikumi National Park is June to October, during the dry season.

Mikumi National Park being close to Dar es Salaam on good road, day trips are popular especially for those who have little time to spend an overnight there. But it is recommended to spend at least a night in Mikumi to enjoy a fulfilling game drive in this beautiful park. A number of accommodation facilities are available in Mikumi.  A big attraction are the hippo pools, just northwest of the main entry gate, where you can watch hippos wallowing and snorting at close range, plus do some fine birding.