MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK
ACCESSIBLE WILDLIFE AND OPEN PLAINS IN SOUTHERN TANZANIA
Discover one of the most accessible safari destinations from Dar es Salaam.
With its open plains, varied wildlife and different travel options, Mikumi is an excellent choice for both a short safari and a longer journey through Southern Tanzania.
MIKUMI AT A GLANCE
LOCATION
Southern Tanzania
BEST KNOWN FOR
Plains, easy wildlife viewing and short safaris from Dar es Salaam
TRAVEL TIME FROM DAR ES SALAAM
About 6 to 8 hours by road
HOW TO GET THERE
By road, SGR train combined with a road transfer or domestic flight
RECOMMENDED STAY
At least 2 days / 1 night
BEST TIME TO VISIT
All year round
AN ACCESSIBLE SOUTHERN TANZANIA SAFARI
Mikumi National Park is one of the most practical places to experience a safari from Dar es Salaam. The park covers approximately 3,230 square kilometres and forms part of a much larger natural landscape connected to other protected areas in Southern Tanzania.
The main wildlife-viewing area is the Mkata Floodplain. Its open grasslands, scattered acacia trees and water sources make animals relatively easy to observe compared with more densely wooded parks.
Mikumi works particularly well for travellers with limited time, families taking their first safari and anyone who wants to combine wildlife with the mountains, culture or coast of Southern Tanzania.
Although the park is easy to reach, it remains far less visited than Tanzania’s famous northern safari circuit.
LANDSCAPES AND WILDLIFE
The Mkata Floodplain is the best-known landscape in Mikumi National Park. Open grasslands are surrounded by wooded areas, hills and distant mountains, creating a varied setting for wildlife viewing.
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Waterholes such as the Hippo Pool attract animals and birds, particularly during the dry season. Other areas of the park contain miombo woodland and denser vegetation.
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Animals that may be encountered include:
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Elephants
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Giraffes
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Buffaloes
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Lions
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Zebras
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Wildebeest
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Hippos
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Impalas and other antelopes
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Warthogs
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Baboons
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Hyenas
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Crocodiles
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Leopards
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Many different bird species
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Elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes and different antelopes are regularly seen in the main safari area. Lions are also regularly seen, while leopards and other elusive animals are more difficult to locate
Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. The season, vegetation, water availability and route taken all influence what you may encounter.
THINGS TO DO IN MIKUMI
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GAME DRIVES
Game drives are the main activity in Mikumi National Park.
The open Mkata Floodplain offers good visibility and allows you to search for wildlife around grasslands, woodland and water sources. Both half-day and full-day game drives are possible.
A full-day safari gives you more time to explore different parts of the park. Lunch is served as a picnic inside the park so you can continue the game drive without returning to your lodge.
All Kasaka Tours game drives are private. The starting time, pace and route can therefore be adapted to the interests of your group and recent wildlife sightings.
EXPERIENCES OUTSIDE THE PARK
Several cultural and nature activities can be added near Mikumi.
Depending on your interests and available time, you can visit a local village, include a Maasai cultural experience or continue towards the Udzungwa Mountains or Uluguru Mountains for hiking, waterfalls and primate viewing.
These activities make Mikumi a practical starting point for a longer Southern Tanzania itinerary combining wildlife, nature and culture.
HOW TO REACH MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK
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BY ROAD FROM DAR ES SALAAM
The journey from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park normally takes approximately six to eight hours.
The exact travel time depends on traffic, road conditions, your pickup location and stops made along the way. Departure is normally early in the morning so you can arrive in time for an afternoon game drive.
Private road transport is generally the most affordable option, particularly for couples, families and small groups sharing the vehicle costs.
Our driver can collect you from your hotel, home, the airport, the ferry terminal or another agreed location in Dar es Salaam.
BY SGR TRAIN AND ROAD
The SGR train provides an alternative to completing the entire journey by road.
The train from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro takes less than two hours. From Morogoro, you continue to Mikumi by private vehicle, which normally takes approximately two hours.
Different departure times and travel classes may be available. The most suitable option depends on the train schedule and the amount of safari time you want on the arrival and departure days.
We can arrange the train tickets, station transfers and private transport between Morogoro and Mikumi as part of your safari.
FROM ZANZIBAR
Mikumi can be combined with a stay in Zanzibar in several ways.
You can travel from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam by ferry or domestic flight and continue to Mikumi by road. It is also possible to combine the ferry or flight with the SGR train to Morogoro.
Direct fly-in safaris between Zanzibar and Mikumi may be available on selected dates. This is usually the fastest option, but it is considerably more expensive than travelling via Dar es Salaam.
We compare the available routes according to your dates, accommodation location, budget and preferred travel time.
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED?
A two-day safari is the shortest road safari we normally recommend for Mikumi.
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It generally includes:
Day 1: Drive to Mikumi and afternoon game drive
Day 2: Morning game drive and return to Dar es Salaam
This is a compact programme with considerable travel time, but it works well if you only have two days available.
A three-day safari provides a more relaxed experience and includes a full day of game driving.
It generally includes:
Day 1: Drive to Mikumi and afternoon game drive
Day 2: Full-day game drive in Mikumi National Park
Day 3: Morning game drive or relaxed departure and return to Dar es Salaam
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If you have four days available, Mikumi can be combined with a day trip to the Udzungwa or Uluguru Mountains. This gives you time for safari, hiking and a visit to the waterfalls.
WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation is available both inside and outside Mikumi National Park.
Lodges outside the park generally provide the widest range of affordable and mid-range options. Many have swimming pools, gardens, air-conditioned rooms or safari tents and are located a short drive from the park entrance.
Accommodation inside the park offers a more immersive safari experience. You remain surrounded by the park environment and can sometimes make better use of the permitted time inside the park.
The location of your accommodation also affects the required park fees and the structure of your game drives. We clearly include the necessary park entries in your personalised quotation.
We work with affordable, mid-range and luxury accommodation in and around Mikumi. Our regularly used options include Chambo Villas, Camp Lilac, Camp Bastian, Camp Atupele, Mikumi Resort, Mikumi Cottages, Mikumi Wildlife Lodge, Vuma Hills and Stanley’s Kopje.
The best choice depends on your budget, preferred comfort level, room configuration and whether you want to stay inside or outside the national park.
WHEN TO VISIT MIKUMI
JUNE TO OCTOBER
The dry season is the most popular time for visiting Mikumi National Park.
Vegetation becomes less dense and wildlife is increasingly drawn towards remaining water sources. Roads are usually easier to navigate and conditions are generally good for game drives.
September and October can become hot and dry, particularly towards the end of the season.
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NOVEMBER TO FEBRUARY
These months bring warmer temperatures, greener landscapes and occasional rainfall.
The park is often especially beautiful during this period. Migratory birds may be present, and the combination of fresh vegetation and dramatic skies is attractive for photography.
Rainfall is often intermittent, although weather conditions remain unpredictable. Game drives are usually possible, but the route may be adapted according to local road conditions.
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MARCH TO MAY
The long rains usually occur between March and May.
Mikumi remains more accessible than some other parks in Southern Tanzania, although heavy rainfall can affect roads and make certain areas more difficult to reach.
The landscape is green and visitor numbers are generally lower. We check current road conditions, accommodation availability and park access before confirming a safari during this period.
COMBINING MIKUMI WITH OTHER DESTINATIONS
DAR ES SALAAM
A night or city tour in Dar es Salaam can be added before or after the safari. This is particularly useful when connecting with a ferry, domestic flight or international flight.
NYERERE NATIONAL PARK
Mikumi and Nyerere can be included in a longer Southern Tanzania itinerary. The drive between the parks takes most of the day, so this combination works best when enough travel time is available.
UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS
Mikumi and Udzungwa make an excellent wildlife-and-hiking combination. The journey between Mikumi and the Udzungwa area normally takes approximately two hours.
Udzungwa offers rainforest walks, waterfalls, mountain scenery and opportunities to search for primates and other forest wildlife.
RUAHA NATIONAL PARK
Mikumi can be combined with Ruaha National Park as part of a longer overland safari. An overnight stay in Iringa can be included to divide the journey and add cultural or historical experiences.
ULUGURU MOUNTAINS
Morogoro is a convenient stop between Dar es Salaam and Mikumi. You can explore the city, relax at your hotel or include a guided hike in the Uluguru Mountains.
ZANZIBAR, PEMBA AND MAFIA
Mikumi and the islands make an excellent safari-and-beach combination. You can travel between them via Dar es Salaam or take a domestic flight.
IS MIKUMI RIGHT FOR YOU?
Mikumi is a particularly good choice if you:
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Want a short safari from Dar es Salaam
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Are looking for an affordable private safari
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Prefer open landscapes where wildlife is relatively easy to observe
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Are travelling with children or taking your first safari
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Want to combine wildlife with Udzungwa or the Uluguru Mountains
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Would like to travel by SGR train for part of the journey
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Want to add a safari to a holiday in Zanzibar
If you want to combine game drives with a boat safari, Nyerere may suit you better.
​If you prefer a more remote safari with vast wilderness areas and several full days of game driving, consider Ruaha.
We can compare the different parks and recommend the itinerary that best matches your available time, budget and interests.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Mikumi worth visiting?
Yes. Mikumi offers varied wildlife, open landscapes and relatively easy access from Dar es Salaam. It is particularly suitable for short safaris, families and travellers visiting Southern Tanzania for the first time.
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Is a two-day Mikumi safari long enough?
A two-day safari gives you two half-day game drives and is a good option when your time is limited. However, the programme includes considerable driving. We recommend three days if you want a full day inside the national park and a more relaxed experience.
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Can I travel to Mikumi by train?
Yes. You can take the SGR train from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro and continue to Mikumi by private vehicle. We can arrange the tickets and transfers and adapt the safari programme to the available train schedule.
Can I visit Mikumi from Zanzibar?
Yes. You can take a ferry or domestic flight to Dar es Salaam and continue by road or SGR train. Direct fly-in safaris may also be available, although they are usually more expensive.
Is Mikumi suitable for children?
Yes. Mikumi is a good option for families because wildlife can often be seen in the open areas and different safari durations are available. Send us the ages of all children so we can recommend suitable accommodation and room arrangements.
Should I stay inside or outside the park?
Staying outside the park is generally more affordable and provides a wider choice of accommodation. Staying inside offers a more immersive safari setting and may allow you to use your permitted park time differently. The best option depends on your itinerary and budget.
Are the game drives private?
Yes. All Kasaka Tours game drives are private for your booking group. You will not share the safari vehicle with travellers from another booking.
Can I visit Mikumi during the rainy season?
Yes, but game-drive routes can be affected by heavy rainfall. The landscape is greener and there are usually fewer visitors. We check local conditions before confirming the safari.
Can Mikumi be combined with Udzungwa?
Yes. Mikumi and Udzungwa are one of the most practical safari-and-hiking combinations in Southern Tanzania. Our four-day itinerary includes game drives in Mikumi and a guided hike to the Sanje Waterfalls.
Can Mikumi be included in a longer holiday?
Yes. Mikumi can be combined with Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, the Uluguru Mountains, Udzungwa, Iringa, Ruaha, Nyerere or Zanzibar. We plan the route according to the distances involved and your preferred pace.
