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Mikumi National Park

Southern Safari Circuit

Mikumi National Park

A beautiful southern Tanzania safari destination featuring the Mkata Floodplain, abundant wildlife, and dramatic views of the Uluguru Mountains.

Overview

A landscape without equal

Mikumi National Park covers approximately 3,230 km² (1,250 sq mi) and is one of Tanzania's most accessible wildlife destinations, located along the Tanzania-Zambia highway near Morogoro. Established in 1964, the park forms part of the larger Selous–Mikumi ecosystem and shares an unfenced boundary with Nyerere National Park. The centerpiece of Mikumi is the Mkata River floodplain, a vast open grassland often compared to the Serengeti plains because of its rich wildlife concentrations and scenic landscapes. The park is surrounded by mountain ranges, including the Uluguru Mountains and the Udzungwa Mountains, creating spectacular backdrops for photography. Mikumi is especially popular for short safaris from Dar es Salaam due to its accessibility and excellent year-round game viewing.

Wildlife Highlights

  • African Elephant
  • African Lion
  • African Buffalo
  • Leopard
  • Masai Giraffe
  • Plains Zebra
  • Blue Wildebeest
  • Eland
  • Sable Antelope
  • Greater Kudu
  • Hippo
  • Warthog
  • Impala
  • Waterbuck
  • Baboons
  • Crocodile
  • Spotted Hyena
  • Over 400 bird species

Activities

  • Game drives
  • Wildlife photography
  • Bird watching
  • Guided nature walks (where available)
  • Short safari tours from Dar es Salaam
  • Landscape photography
  • Cultural visits to nearby communities
  • Combined safaris with Udzungwa Mountains or Nyerere National Park
Best Time to Visit
June–October is the best period for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources during the dry season. The park remains open throughout the year, with November–May offering greener scenery, migratory birds, and excellent landscape photography.
Photography
Mikumi offers exceptional photography opportunities across the Mkata Floodplain, including elephant herds crossing open grasslands, giraffes silhouetted against the Uluguru Mountains, lions resting on the plains, colorful birdlife near wetlands, and dramatic sunrise and sunset scenes over the surrounding mountains. The open terrain makes wildlife photography particularly rewarding for first-time safari visitors.

Gallery

Explore Mikumi National Park

A visual journey through the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of Mikumi National Park

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Mikumi National Park — Captivating views from the heart of Africa

Related Journeys

Safari packages featuring Mikumi National Park

3-Day Mikumi National Park Luxury Fly-In Safari – Zanzibar Return
3-Day
5.0
3D / 2NZanzibar Island · Mikumi National Park

3-Day Mikumi National Park Luxury Fly-In Safari – Zanzibar Return

A luxury 3-day fly-in safari from Zanzibar to Mikumi National Park featuring scenic flights, exciting game drives, wilderness accommodation at Lilac Safari Camp, and unforgettable wildlife encounters across Tanzania's southern safari circuit.

View Itinerary
2-Day Mikumi National Park Safari Adventure – Zanzibar Return
2-Day
5.0
2D / 1NZanzibar Island · Mikumi National Park

2-Day Mikumi National Park Safari Adventure – Zanzibar Return

A short luxury 2-day fly-in safari from Zanzibar to Mikumi National Park featuring scenic flights, exciting game drives, comfortable accommodation at Lilac Safari Camp, and unforgettable wildlife encounters in Tanzania's southern safari circuit.

View Itinerary

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