Tanzania's Hidden Safari Gem

Mikumi National Park is Tanzania's fourth-largest national park, covering 3,230 km² of diverse ecosystems in the southern highlands. Unlike the famous northern circuit parks, Mikumi remains relatively uncrowded — offering an authentic, intimate safari experience.


What makes Mikumi extraordinary is its remarkable accessibility and biodiversity. The Mkata Flood Plain at the park's core is one of Tanzania's finest wildlife viewing areas, providing open vistas where elephants, lions, zebra, wildebeest, and giraffe can be observed with ease.


The park forms the western boundary of the Selous-Niassa wildlife corridor — one of Africa's most important wildlife migration routes — meaning animal populations are constantly supplemented by wildlife from the vast Selous ecosystem to the south.

3,230
km² park area
45 min
flight from Zanzibar
Mikumi National Park landscape
Mikumi Park Wildlife in Mikumi

The Animals You'll Encounter

Mikumi hosts an astounding variety of wildlife, with Big Five sightings common throughout the year.

African Lion — Mikumi

African Lion

Common sighting
African Elephant

Elephant

Large herds
Leopard in Mikumi

Leopard

Elusive hunter
Cape Buffalo

Cape Buffalo

Large herds
Cheetah

Cheetah

Open plains hunter
Giraffe in Mikumi

Masai Giraffe

Iconic sight
Birds in Mikumi

400+ Bird Species

Birding paradise
Flamingos at Mikumi waterhole

Flamingo & Waders

Seasonal visitors

Also Commonly Spotted

Zebra Hippopotamus Nile Crocodile Giraffe Spotted Hyena Wild Dog Baboon Wildebeest Martial Eagle Lilac-Breasted Roller

Best Time to Visit Mikumi

Mikumi is a year-round destination, but different seasons offer distinct wildlife experiences.

Dry Season

June – October

The absolute best time. Wildlife concentrates around water sources, vegetation is sparse for easy viewing, and game drive conditions are perfect. This is peak safari season.

⭐ Highly Recommended

Short Rains

November – December

Brief afternoon showers make the landscape lush and green. Excellent for birdwatching with migratory species arriving, plus fewer tourists and lower prices.

Good for Birdwatching

Green Season

January – May

Tanzania's long rains bring dramatic skies and newborn animals. Wildlife is still present but more dispersed. Lower rates and truly photogenic, lush landscapes.

Photographic Season

How to Reach Mikumi from Zanzibar

We handle all logistics, but understanding how you'll get there makes the experience even more exciting.

Fly-In Safari (Recommended)

Catch an early morning domestic flight from Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) to Mikumi Airstrip. Flight time: approximately 45 minutes. We arrange all flight bookings as part of your package.

Ferry + Train (2-Day Packages)

Take the ferry from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam, then Tanzania's new SGR speed train to Mikumi. A scenic, affordable option for our 2-day overland packages.

Private Transfer

For groups, we can arrange private road transfers from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi (approx. 4 hours). This option includes a game drive en route.

Tanzania local culture

Park Location

Mikumi National Park is located in the Morogoro Region of Tanzania, approximately 283 km west of Dar es Salaam. It borders the massive Selous Game Reserve to the south, forming one of Africa's greatest conservation areas.

Explore More of Tanzania

Beyond Mikumi, we offer safaris to Tanzania's most spectacular parks and reserves.

Ready to Experience Mikumi?

Browse our safari packages or get in touch for a personalised itinerary and competitive quote.