Mikumi National Park – Safari Guide, Wildlife & Best Time to Visit

Location, History and Facts about Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park lies to the northwest of the Uluguru Mountains and southwest of the Lumango mountains in Tanzania. Also, it forms the southeastern border region of Tanzania. As always, Tanzania is a famous destination for safari and Mikumi national park is another striking one.

Mikumi National Park is ranked the fourth largest among all the 22 Tanzania National Parks in Africa. It is known to cover an area of about 3233 Km (three thousand, two hundred and thirty square kilometres). Additionally making it a part of a larger Selous ecosystem which shares its border with Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous game reserve) to the southern border.

Like all other national parks in Tanzania, Mikumi differs in numerous aspects, for instance, it was declared a national park in 1964. So, it was due to the numerous tourist attractions that can be found in the perimeters of Mikumi NP along with its wildlife.

Mikumi NP offers Tanzania safari experiences to all that visit, and there’s more to the park than imaginable. In the rest of the article, we will be discussing the factors making Mikumi park the most wonderful place to visit in Tanzania.

Climate and Weather in Mikumi Park

Just like all other national parks in Tanzania, Mikumi National Park experiences a tropical savannah climate. This tropical savannah climate in Mikumi Park is known to be characterised by two distinct wet and dry seasons. So, all these seasons provide different Tanzania things to do and safari experiences to all those that decide to visit.

  • Dry Season: This is usually within the months of (June to October) and also the best time for any kind of safari experience in Mikumi park.
  • Wet Season: This runs from the months of (November to May), these are the short rains and long rains (March to May). So, these are most difficult times to travel to Mikumi national park since Mkata Floodplain circuits become impassable, and wildlife is harder to spot due to the thick vegetation.

Mikumi National Park price for safari activities

There are Mikumi National Park prices to be paid as you plan on exploring this destination in Tanzania. These costs vary depending on the type of Tanzani safari and accommodations chosen. Also, it’s important to note that these Mikumi safari prices can change at any given time depending on the season.

NOTE: Mikumi national park is known to be a budget friendly safari destination for Prices are typically lower than in more famous parks like Serengeti or Ngorongoro.

Worst and Best Time to Visit Mikumi National Park in Tanzania

The worst time to visit Mikumi National Park is in the wet season (November to May). But this is the best time for birdwatching expeditions in this Tanzania National Park.

Know about the best and worst time to visit Mikumi before your safari in Mikumi national park Tanzania.

  • Best Time to visit Mikumi for a safari: When visiting Mikumi np in Tanzania, the best time to visit the park is during the dry season. This season usually runs from June to October. So, during this period you have the chance to marvel at numerous wildlife as they are concentrated around waterholes. However, Mikumi NP remains open year-round.
  • Good Time: January to February this is also best due to the fact that it is known to be with less rain and hence offering great chances of safari adventures to sightseers.
  • Worst Time:  The worst time to visit Tanzania for a safari in Mikumi National Park is in the wet season (November to May). But this is the best time for birdwatching expeditions in this Tanzania National Park. Some Tanzania lodges in Mikumi NP may also close during this period.
An elephant in Tanzania National Park

How to Get To Mikumi National Park in Tanzania

Mikumi’s proximity to Dar es Salaam (186 miles) makes it one of Tanzania’s most accessible national parks. You can reach Mikumi game park in Tanzania by Road, Train and by Air. Here are your travel options to Mikumi Park in Tanzania:

  • By Road; Mikumi is about 300 km (approx.186 miles) from Dar es Salaam, and the drive takes around 5 to 6 hours via the A7 highway. Both private automobiles and public buses, which run on a daily basis, are available to you. In addition to the Udzungwa Mountains, the road travels through a number of other beautiful scenery.
  • By Air: Charter flights departing from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or other parks such as Ruaha are available for your convenience. Because these aircraft land at Mikumi Airstrip also known as Kikoboga, it is a fast and convenient choice for time-concious passengers who are traveling.
  • When traveling by train, a route that originates in Dar es Salaam and travels through Mikumi provides a journey that is slower but more scenic. The TAZARA railway offers a more adventurous, albeit slower, route from Dar es Salaam to nearby towns like Kidatu or Kilosa, with road transfers to the Mikumi park.
    Because of its close vicinity to Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park is frequently visited by people on weekdays for short Tanzania safari tours or weekend excursions.

Mikumi National Park Map

Google Map For Mikumi National Park, Tanzania

Wildlife in Mikumi National Park Tanzania

Mikumi national park is home to a variety of wildlife in Tanzania. Visitors to the destination witness these animals as they are engaged in Mikumi safari game drives. Hence, making this Mikumi National Park just among the best unique places to visit in Tanzania with kids, couples and family. Mikumi National Park is a wildlife haven, hosting four of Africa’s Big Five in Tanzania (lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalos; rhinos are absent). Tanzania wildlife Highlights in Mikumi National Park include:

African Elephants, Lions, Zebras, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Wildebeest, Eland, Kudu, and Hartebeest, Baboons and Vervet Monkeys, Leopards and Hyenas (less commonly seen). And also not forgetting over 400 bird species and these include; yellow-throated longclaw, lilac-breasted roller. Others birds in Mikumi NP include bateleur eagle, and the rare Zanzibar red bishop are often sighted.

Mikumi National Park Main Gate (Northern Entrance)

There are majorly just two entrances to Mikumi national park.

  1. Mikumi main gate is the major and most used gate for those on wildlife safari in Mikumi park. Also, this is approximately 7 km east of Mikumi town just next to the Kata floodplain. Hence, provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including some Tanzania big 5 like lions, elephants, and a variety of bird species.
  2. Udzungwa Gate (Southern Entrance): Situated right near the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, approximately 10 km from Mangula town. Udzungwa gate tends to offer access to the southern sections of Mikumi NP. So, sightseers using this gate get to marvel at lush landscapes and Udzungwa Mountains.

Operating Hours of these Mikumi Entrance gates: Typically, open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

African lion on a tree in Tanzania
buffalo-herds-in-Tanzania
A buffalo in Mikumi National park, Tanzania looks right into the camera

Tourist Attractions in Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park is often called “Little Serengeti” for its sweeping savannahs, dotted with acacias. Also with baobabs, and tamarinds, resembling the famous Serengeti National Park. Key tourist attractions in Mikumi National Park include:

  1. Mkata Floodplain: This is usually measured to the great Serengeti Tanzania Plains, for this is termed as the heart of the park. Mkata flood plain is best known as a spot for Mikumi National Park safari game viewing in Tanzania.
  2. Hippo Pools: Mikumi Park is as well home to the selected hippo pools which are located near the park entrance. Those who visit these unique tourist attractions in Mikumi NP called Hippo Pools have chances to witness hippos and crocodiles up close.
  3. Vuma Hills and Malundwe Mountains: These tourist attractions in Tanzania’s Mikumi are known to provide thrilling hikes to all sightseers. Witness stunning panoramic views and a different perspective on the park’s diverse terrain.
  4. Baobab Trees and Scenic Landscapes: Mikumi national park is as well home to various baobab trees and scenic landscapes. These Mikumi attractions are excellent to hike through as you witness the park up close.
  5. Bird Watching Points: Mikumi is known to have various bird watching points and also is home to over 400 bird species. Hence making Mikumi NP a perfect paradise for bird lovers, especially around the wetlands and floodplains.

5 best Things to Do in Mikumi National Park

The Maasai People of Tanzania
Tanzania cultural Tours
View from a safari vehicle as it trails a group of majestic elephants traversing the verdant landscape of a Tanzanian national park.

While on a trip to Mikumi National Park, sightseers have a chance to engage in numerous Tanzania safari holiday activities. Also, these Tanzania things to do in Mikumi National Park are led by well-trained safari guides taking sightseers through the park. Mikumi National Park offers a variety of safari activities to do to suit every traveller’s interest:

  1. Game Drives in Mikumi National Park: Safari game drives are the most famous things to do in Tanzania’s Mikumi park. These game drives usually take place in the morning, afternoon, or full-day. So, they provide the best opportunities to view wildlife within Mikumi national park.
  2. Walking Safaris: This park is offers the most thrilling walking safaris and sightseers are taken through various trails of Mikumi. So, they explore the bush on foot with a park ranger for a more intimate experience with nature.
  3. Bird Watching tours in Mikumi: As earlier mentioned that the Mikumi park is home to over 400 bird species. So, this implies that the park is a haven for ornithologists, especially in the wet season. Hence, they get to witness numerous birds in the Mikumi NP and about them as well.
  4. Mikumi Photography Safaris: Sightseers can as well get to be part of Tanzania photographic safaris within Mikumi park. Capture breath-taking landscapes and animal portraits within this park during your safari.
  5. Cultural Tours in Mikumi: There is an open chance of experiencing the tradition of the local people in this park. So, this can be through visiting the nearby Maasai villages or the town of Morogoro near Mikumi NP. Learn about local life and traditions making the adventures even more thrilling.

Where To Stay in Mikumi Park in Tanzania

Vuma Hills Tented Camp

Mikumi offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences, all designed to enhance your safari experience in Tanzania. There are various Mikumi NP accommodations where sightseers can opt to stay at as they are on their adventure at the park. These are in different budgets ranging from cheap, mid-range then luxury Mikumi lodges in Tanzania.

  • Luxury Lodges: Vuma Hills Tented Camp, Mikumi Wildlife Camp
  • Mid-range Lodges: Camp Bastian Mikumi, Tan-Swiss Lodge
  • Budget Options: Mikumi Adventure Lodge, guesthouses in Mikumi town
  • Camping: Basic public campsites inside or near the park.

These are some of the accommodations available at Mikumi national park. However, sightseers should not that these usually get fully booked most especially during the high season. Hence, it’s best to book earlier on.

Mikumi National Park Affordable Luxury safari packages

We offer affordable luxury Mikumi safari packages in Tanzania to fit any budget. Contact us for your inclusive or exclusive trips to Mikumi National Park.