Mikumi National Park Tours & Safari Packages

Mikumi National Park is a true paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Tanzania’s fourth-largest National Park, Mikumi is close to Dar es Salaam and is effectively a northern extension of Nyerere National Park. Its varied landscapes of grassland, mountains, hardwood forests, and baobab trees, coupled with its proximity to Dar es Salaam, make Mikumi a popular East African safari destination for those with little time on their hands.

Where Is Mikumi National Park Located?

Mikumi National Park is approximately 302 km west of Tanzania’s capital city, Dar es Salaam. Guests visiting Mikumi are usually collected at Julius Nyerere International and driven 300 km to Mikumi in around 4 hours. Chartering flights to Mikumi from Ruaha, Selous, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar is also possible.

Activities on Mikumi Safari Tours

Mikumi National Park, at 3,230 km², is Tanzania’s 4th largest national Park. Its expansive plains, rolling hills, and miombo woodlands create a picturesque backdrop that showcases the untamed beauty of Africa. The park is part of the larger Selous ecosystem, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Interestingly, the 80% of Mikumi that lies southeast of the Tanzam Highway, is off-limits to tourists. The Mkata River floodplain, the highlight of Mikumi, is often compared to the plains of the Serengeti.

The open grasslands of Mikumi support an abundance of wildlife, including large herds of zebra, wildebeest, impala, and buffalo. Giraffe and elephant sightings are also good, as well as predators like lions, leopards, crocodiles, spotted hyenas, and endangered wild dogs. Baboons and vervet monkeys are ever present.

Bird watching in Mikumi is excellent as the park supports over 400 species. The iconic bateleur and lilac-breasted rollers are impressive common residents, as well as African spoonbills, and hamerkops. Keep an ear out for the distinctive call of the African fish eagle. From November to April, the European migrants arrive for the rainy season, while the residents are in breeding plumage.