Mikumi National Park
Tanzania's most accessible safari — wild, unspoiled, and just hours from Dar es Salaam.
About Mikumi
Mikumi National Park is Tanzania's fourth largest national park and one of its most accessible, sitting just 283 kilometres from Dar es Salaam along the Morogoro highway. Its open floodplains — known as the Mkata Floodplain — closely resemble the Serengeti and offer outstanding year-round wildlife viewing within easy reach of the city.
The park is home to large herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, and hippo pools teeming with activity. Lions, leopards, and wild dogs also roam freely, making Mikumi a genuine Big Five destination that remains far less visited than its northern counterparts.
3,230 km²
Park Size283 km
From Dar es SalaamBig Five
WildlifeYear Round
SafariDestination Highlights
Mkata Floodplain
Mikumi's vast open plains mirror the Serengeti, drawing huge concentrations of wildlife including elephant, zebra, and wildebeest.
Hippo Pools
The park's famous hippo pools offer up-close encounters with large pods of hippos wallowing just metres from the road.
Easy Access from Dar
Just a 4–5 hour drive from Dar es Salaam, Mikumi is the perfect weekend safari escape for city residents and short-stay visitors.
Where To Stay
Accommodation options inside and around the park.
Luxury Lodges
- Vuma Hills Tented Camp
- Stanley's Kopje
- Kikoboga Camp
Safari Lodges
- Mikumi Wildlife Camp
- Tan Swiss Lodge
- Foxes Safari Camp
Budget Camps
- Mikumi Wildlife Lodge
- Genesis Camp
- Angalia Tented Camp
Popular Tours
Day Trip Mikumi Safari
The perfect short break from Dar es Salaam — one days of classic Tanzania wildlife.
Explore Tour
Mikumi Camp Adventure
Three days to fully explore the Mkata Floodplain and discover Mikumi's abundant wildlife.
Explore Tour
Mikumi & Ruaha
Combine Mikumi with the wild and remote Ruaha National Park for a Southern Circuit adventure.
Explore TourFrequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Mikumi?
June to October is the dry season and the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources. The park is accessible year-round, and the green season from November to May brings lush scenery and excellent bird watching.
How far is Mikumi from Dar es Salaam?
Mikumi is approximately 283 kilometres from Dar es Salaam — roughly a 4 to 5 hour drive along the Morogoro highway, making it the closest major national park to the city.
Can I do a day trip to Mikumi?
A day trip is possible but not recommended — the drive is long and you would have very limited time in the park. A 2 to 3 night stay gives a far more rewarding experience.
Can I combine Mikumi with Zanzibar?
Yes — Mikumi pairs well with a Zanzibar beach holiday for a classic Tanzania bush-and-beach combination, with convenient flight connections available from Dar es Salaam.
Ready To Explore Mikumi?
Contact our travel experts and start planning your Tanzania safari today.
Request A Quote