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. The main feature of the park is the Mikumi flood plain, along with the mountain ranges that border the park on two sides. Open grasslands dominate in the flood plain, eventually merging with the miombo woodland covering the lower hills.
Mikumi National Park covers an area of 3,230 sq km, and is rich in wildlife including buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, lion, elephant, impala, hippos, baboon, giraffe, warthog, waterbuck and eland which can be viewed throughout the year. Reptiles including crocodile, monitor lizard and python are also resident in the park. Other animals that can be sighted although rare are the Sable Antelope resident in the southern part of the park bordering the Selous, the Greater Kudu, leopard, and the wild dog also known as the African Hunting Dog. More than 400 bird species have been recorded, including European migrants during the rainy season.
Mikumi National Park is one the most popular visitor points sold from our Dar es Salaam branch office. 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.
Mikumi National Park is home to the Big Five, several species of birds and more. Chances are you’ll see many of these animals, right after entering the park.
Common animals include buffalo, wildebeest, giraffes, elephants, lions, zebras, leopards, crocodiles.
Mikumi National Park is located in the southeastern part of Tanzania. Specifically, it is situated in the Morogoro Region, near the town of Mikumi. The park is approximately 283 kilometers (176 miles) west of Dar es Salaam, which is Tanzania’s largest city and a major entry point for international travelers. The geographical coordinates of Mikumi National Park are approximately between 7.4167° S latitude and 37.9167° E longitude. The park’s location makes it accessible for both domestic and international tourists, contributing to its popularity as a safari destination in Tanzania.
Getting to Mikumi National Park typically involves traveling by road, and the most common starting point is Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania. Here are the general steps on how to get to Mikumi National Park: