Mikumi is the easiest of the southern parks to reach, and that is its great strength. It lies on the main road west from Dar es Salaam, roughly four to five hours by car, so you can be watching elephants on the Mkata floodplain on the same day you leave the city. The open grassland here is often compared to the Serengeti on a smaller scale, with long views and wildlife that is relaxed around vehicles. For short trips, families and travellers who prefer the road to small aircraft, it makes a lot of sense.

What you will see

The Mkata floodplain holds herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, impala and eland, with giraffe browsing along the woodland edges. Elephants are common, and lions are seen regularly. A hippo pool gives you a close look at hippos and crocodiles, and the birdlife is varied, with plenty of raptors, storks and brightly coloured rollers. Leopards live here too but are harder to find. The scenery changes through the year, from golden grass in the dry months to bright green after the rains.

When to go

Mikumi is open all year. The dry season, roughly June to October, is the most reliable time, with short grass and animals drawn to water. The green season from November brings fresh grazing, young animals and good birding, though some tracks get muddy. The long rains, about April to May, are the wettest weeks. Our Tanzania weather guide covers what to expect each month.

Getting there

Most guests travel by road from Dar es Salaam with one of our guides, a drive of roughly four to five hours depending on traffic. The main highway runs through part of the park, so you may spot animals before you even reach the gate. Light-aircraft charters are possible if you would rather fly, and the Udzungwa Mountains are close enough to add a day of forest walking on the way.

How it fits your trip

Mikumi suits a short safari of two or three nights, on its own or alongside a beach stay. A common plan is to start in Dar es Salaam, spend a few days in Mikumi, then return to the city and take the ferry or a short flight to Zanzibar. Because there are no flights to pay for, it is also a sensible choice if you want to keep costs down. It can be added after a Kilimanjaro climb if your flight home leaves from Dar es Salaam, and if you want more of the south, we can link it with Ruaha or Nyerere.

Short on time: two nights in Mikumi, then the coast
More of the south: Mikumi by road, then fly on to Ruaha or Nyerere
Summit to sea: Kilimanjaro, a few days in Mikumi, then Zanzibar

Where to stay

There is a range of accommodation inside and just outside the park, from simple lodges to comfortable tented camps. Staying inside the park means early and late game drives with no travel time, while places near the gate can be good value. We will match the choice to the way you like to travel.