Mikumi National Park Safari
Mikumi National Park is the most accessible safari park in southern Tanzania. It is about five hours by road from Dar es Salaam, or a short flight from Zanzibar, and offers open floodplains with elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo and lions in one of the least crowded parks in the country.
Mikumi National Park is the most accessible safari park in southern Tanzania. It is about five hours by road from Dar es Salaam, or a short flight from Zanzibar, and offers open floodplains with elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo and lions in one of the least crowded parks in the country.
Our Mikumi safaris start from USD 500 per person, including one-day fly-in trips and two-day safaris from Zanzibar.
What you can see in Mikumi
The park covers about 3,230 square kilometres and is crossed by the Dar es Salaam to Zambia highway. The Mkata floodplain in the north has the best game viewing, with hippo pools, herds of buffalo and zebras, elephants, giraffes, impala and eland. Lions are seen regularly, often resting on termite mounds, and the park has more than 400 bird species. Mikumi borders Nyerere National Park to the south, and the Udzungwa Mountains lie nearby.
Mikumi from Zanzibar
The simplest way to add a safari to a Zanzibar holiday is a one-day or two-day fly-in trip to Mikumi. A morning flight lands at the park airstrip, your guide meets you for a full-day game drive, and you fly back that evening or the next day. Our fly-in packages include the flights and park fees.
Mikumi by road from Dar es Salaam
The drive from Dar es Salaam is about 280 kilometres and takes four to five hours, with a stop at Morogoro. Many travellers go to Mikumi for a weekend, or combine it with Nyerere National Park, the Udzungwa Mountains and a beach stay.
Best time to visit
The dry season from June to October has the best viewing, with animals clustering at the waterholes. The green season from November to May is beautiful and good for birds, though some tracks can be wet.
Wildlife highlights of Mikumi
The Mkata floodplain is the centre of the park, where you may see large herds of buffalo, zebras, wildebeest and impala. Giraffes feed on the acacias, hippos wallow in the pool, and elephants cross the plain in family groups. Lions are the main predator, and they are often easy to find. The park is also good for birds, with bee-eaters, rollers and eagles.
Mikumi as a short safari
Because it is close to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, Mikumi is the best choice for a one or two day safari. It is also an easy stop on the way to the Udzungwa Mountains or Nyerere National Park. For travellers with a longer trip, it makes a good first stop on a southern circuit.
Combine Mikumi with other places
- Mikumi and Udzungwa Mountains: forest walks and waterfalls after the savannah
- Mikumi and Nyerere National Park: boat safaris and walking on the Rufiji River
- Mikumi and Zanzibar: a short fly-in safari from the beach
- Mikumi and Dar es Salaam: a weekend trip by road from the city
Staying in or near Mikumi
Lodges and camps lie inside the park and along the main road. Staying inside gives you the evening and morning game drives. Several camps offer night drives on the park’s edges. Tell us about your budget and we will suggest the right place.
Mikumi safari packages
- 1 Day Fly In & Fly Out Mikumi National Park Safari from Zanzibar (1 Day, from USD 500 per person) An affordable joining safari: fly from Zanzibar to Mikumi National Park, enjoy a full day game drive and fly back the same evening.
- 2 Day Fly In, Fly Out Zanzibar to Mikumi National Park Safari (2 Days / 1 Night, from USD 1,220 per person) A private 2 day fly-in, fly-out Mikumi safari from Zanzibar with an overnight stay at Double G Safari Camp.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Mikumi from Dar es Salaam?
About 280 kilometres, or four to five hours by road.
Can I visit Mikumi in one day from Zanzibar?
Yes, with a fly-in, fly-out day trip.
What animals are in Mikumi?
Elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, lions, hippos and many birds.
What are the Mikumi park fees?
Fees are set by Tanzania National Parks and change from time to time. They are included in our packages.
Is Mikumi crowded?
No. It is one of the quietest parks in Tanzania, and you may share a sighting with only one or two other vehicles.
Is the highway through Mikumi dangerous for animals?
The main road crosses the park, so speed limits apply. Guides drive carefully and respect the rules.