Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park – A Mini-Serengeti Experience Near the City

Located just over 300 kilometers west of Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park is the most accessible wildlife park in southern Tanzania and one of the country’s best-kept safari secrets. Spanning over 3,230 square kilometers, Mikumi offers travelers a chance to experience classic East African wildlife encounters without the long travel times required by more remote parks.

The park’s centerpiece is the Mkata Floodplain, a wide open savannah that closely resembles the famous Serengeti in appearance and wildlife density. This area provides excellent opportunities for game viewing and photography, especially during the dry season (June to October), when animals gather around the remaining water sources. Visitors can expect to see elephants, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, buffaloes, impalas, and a variety of antelope species grazing peacefully in the plains.

Lions are regularly seen in Mikumi, often lounging under acacia trees or stalking prey through the grasslands. Leopards, although more elusive, are also present, along with hyenas and the occasional African wild dog. The park’s Hippo Pools near the entrance are a popular stop, where visitors can observe hippos wallowing in the water alongside crocodiles and a variety of birdlife.

Mikumi is also a haven for bird watchers, with over 400 recorded species. From colorful lilac-breasted rollers and bateleurs to fish eagles and hornbills, the park offers vibrant birdlife across different habitats. The landscapes here vary from flat grasslands and acacia woodlands to forested hills in the south, providing a scenic backdrop to your safari adventure.

Because of its convenient location, Mikumi is ideal for short safaris—either as a weekend escape from Dar es Salaam or as part of a southern Tanzania safari circuit that includes Nyerere and Ruaha National Parks. Roads within the park are well-maintained, and game drives can be easily arranged for half-day or full-day experiences.

At Kiriwe Travel and Trekking Safari, we offer customized Mikumi safari packages that cater to solo travelers, couples, and families. Whether you’re planning a quick wildlife getaway or combining Mikumi with other southern parks, we ensure a comfortable, exciting, and memorable experience. With fewer crowds, rich wildlife, and striking scenery, Mikumi National Park delivers a truly rewarding safari without the need for long-distance travel.