Nestled between the Rift Valley slopes to the southwest and the Uluguru Mountains to the east, Mikumi National Park is Tanzania’s most accessible safari destination from Dar es Salaam.
Covering 1,247 square miles (3,230 square kilometers), this compact yet wildlife-rich park shares a border with Nyerere National Park, allowing animals to move freely between the two reserves. As a result, Mikumi boasts an impressive variety of wildlife, making it an ideal safari destination for those seeking both convenience and an authentic safari experience.
A landscape reminiscent of the Serengeti
Mikumi’s diverse landscapes bear a striking resemblance to the Serengeti, with vast savannas, open alluvial plains, and towering baobab and acacia trees.
The park is also home to rare palm trees and offers stunning views of the Uluguru and Rubeho Mountains, where dramatic rock formations create a spectacular backdrop for wildlife viewing.
Abundant wildlife & birdlife
Mikumi supports a thriving population of big game, including lions, zebras, elephants, giraffes (a unique subspecies found only in this region), baboons, hippos, impalas, and wildebeests. The park is also home to the powerful eland, the world’s largest antelope, along with black antelope, kudu, and Cape buffalo.
For bird enthusiasts, Mikumi offers over 400 recorded bird species, including the yellow-throated longclaw, bateleur eagle, and lilac-breasted roller.
During the rainy season, the park becomes a temporary home to migratory birds from Europe, adding to its already rich avian diversity.
A convenient safari escape
With its easy accessibility from Dar es Salaam, breathtaking landscapes, and abundant wildlife, Mikumi National Park is a perfect safari destination for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
