Mikumi National Park, the fourth largest national park in Tanzania, offers a convenient safari experience primarily accessible from Dar es Salaam. This park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, providing almost guaranteed sightings and making it an ideal destination for travelers with limited time for a safari adventure.

Nestled between the majestic Uluguru Mountains and the Lumango range, Mikumi is home to a diverse array of wildlife that can be easily spotted during exhilarating game drives. Many visitors flock to Mikumi in search of the famed “Big Five” (cheetah, lion, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), and they rarely leave disappointed. The park’s hippo pools offer intimate encounters with these mud-loving giants, while the waterways provide a unique opportunity for exceptional bird-watching. Mikumi shares borders with the Selous Game Reserve and Udzungwa Mountains National Park, forming a spectacular safari circuit that captivates travelers.

The vast expanse of the Mkata Floodplain, adorned with open horizons and teeming with wildlife, serves as the centerpiece of Mikumi. This remarkable landscape garners frequent attention, rivaling the renowned Serengeti Plains in allure. The meticulously designed network of game-viewing roads within the Mkata Floodplain ensures an exceptional safari experience, with high chances of spotting the magnificent eland—the world’s largest antelope. Additionally, the foothills covered in miombo vegetation provide a captivating backdrop for observing the equally impressive greater kudu and sable antelope.

Mikumi National Park boasts a remarkable bird population, with over 400 recorded species. Visitors can expect to encounter common residents such as the vibrant lilac-breasted roller, the melodious yellow-throated longclaw, and the majestic bateleur eagle. Furthermore, during the rainy season, numerous European migrant birds join the park’s avian inhabitants. The pair of pools located 5 kilometers north of the main entrance gate serves as a prime attraction, hosting an enchanting gathering of hippos and ever-changing flocks of water birds.

Mikumi National Park offers an immersive wildlife experience, combining the thrill of game drives with the splendor of diverse birdlife and stunning natural landscapes.