Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park is in Southern-Central Tanzania. It is one of Tanzania’s most accessible wildlife destinations and a convenient introduction to the country’s southern safari circuit. The most visited part of the park is the northern Mkata floodplain, where open country, waterholes and a good network of game-drive tracks provide reliable wildlife viewing. Much of southern Mikumi is more wooded, remote and lightly visited. Compared with Nyerere or Ruaha, Mikumi offers shorter travel distances and easier access, although the main highway passing through the park somewhat reduces its sense of isolation.

Mikumi National Park lies about 288 km west of Dar es Salaam, beside the main highway toward Iringa and Mbeya, and covers approximately 3,230 km². Its proximity to Dar es Salaam makes it suitable for a weekend safari, while its position between Nyerere National Park, the Kilombero Valley and the Eastern Arc Mountains makes it part of a much larger interconnected ecosystem.

Mikumi National Park was gazetted in 1964, covering approximately 1,070 km². Its boundaries were enlarged in 1975, bringing the protected area to its present size of roughly 3,230 km². The expansion helped safeguard wildlife habitat and movement routes linking Mikumi with the wider Selous ecosystem, including what is now Nyerere National Park.

The park takes its name from the nearby town of Mikumi. According to TANAPA, the town’s name is associated with the Borassus palm, which was once common in the area. Today, Mikumi forms an important part of Tanzania’s southern tourism circuit alongside Nyerere, Ruaha and Udzungwa Mountains national parks.

The park’s history has also been shaped by the major Dar es Salaam–Iringa highway, which crosses it for approximately 50 km. The road makes Mikumi unusually accessible but also creates challenges involving traffic, animal crossings and the ecological connection between different parts of the park.

Mikumi is best known for its broad, open Mkata floodplain, whose level grasslands and scattered acacias are often compared with the plains of the Serengeti. Seasonal pans, the Mkata River, hippo pools and artificial or natural waterholes attract large concentrations of wildlife, particularly during the dry season. The open horizon and comparatively sparse vegetation make animals easier to locate than in the more densely wooded southern areas.

The floodplain is partly enclosed by mountain ranges. The Uluguru Mountains rise to the east, while the Vidunda and other uplands lie toward the southwest. Hills such as the Vuma Hills break up the otherwise level northern landscape and provide wooded habitats used by antelope, elephants and predators.

Vegetation varies from seasonally flooded grassland and acacia savanna to riverine forest and extensive miombo woodland. The remote Malundwe Mountains support pockets of Afro-montane forest, creating a considerably more varied park than the open northern plains initially suggest.

The park’s vegetation includes open grasslands dotted with acacias, baobabs, tamarinds and palms, together with miombo woodland, riverine vegetation and mountain forest. During the wet season, the floodplain becomes green and lush; during the dry months, thinning vegetation and shrinking water supplies concentrate animals around the Mkata River, Hippo Pools, Mwanambogo Pools and other waterholes.

Commonly encountered mammals include African elephants, buffaloes, plains zebras, blue wildebeest, giraffes, elands, impalas, warthogs and hippopotamuses. Lions are regularly seen on or near the Mkata floodplain, while leopards, cheetahs and spotted hyenas are present but require more patience. Nile crocodiles occur around permanent water.

The wooded areas support several antelope that are less commonly seen in northern Tanzania, including sable antelope, greater kudu and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest. African wild dogs occasionally move through Mikumi as part of the wider Nyerere–Mikumi ecosystem, but their extensive ranges make sightings unpredictable.

More than 400 bird species have been recorded. Common or conspicuous birds include lilac-breasted rollers, bateleur eagles, ground hornbills, marabou storks, yellow-throated longclaws, oxpeckers and guinea fowl. Seasonal pans also attract waterbirds, while miombo specialists occur in the wooded south.

The claim sometimes repeated in older travel material that Mikumi contains genetically distinct “midget elephants” is not supported by TANAPA or established zoological sources. They should be described simply as African elephants; differences in apparent body size or tusk development may reflect age, sex, nutrition or ordinary individual variation rather than a recognized subspecies or proven anti-poaching adaptation.

Mikumi has a generally warm to hot tropical climate, with relatively modest temperature variation over the year. The hottest, most humid conditions usually occur during the wetter months, while June through August brings cooler mornings, evenings and daytime conditions. TANAPA gives an average annual temperature of approximately 25.5°C.

Rainfall is seasonal but unpredictable. Short rains may begin around October or November, followed by a longer wet period that can continue into May, although a relatively dry interval often occurs during January and February. Rain commonly falls in heavy afternoon showers rather than lasting all day. Average annual rainfall is around 700 mm.

The broadly defined dry season from June to October offers the easiest road conditions and usually the most concentrated wildlife viewing, as vegetation thins and animals gather around rivers, pools and waterholes. The wet season brings green scenery, dramatic skies, migrant birds and newborn animals, although some minor tracks may become muddy. The accessible northern section can normally be visited throughout the year.

Mikumi National Park website

Mikumi National Park is about 250 km west of Dar es Salaam. Driving there takes about 4 hours due to the poor conditions of the road.

Travel agents and tour companies can arrange transportation to Mikumi and through the park. You must ensure the vehicle used is a reliable 4x4, e.g. Land Cruiser and Range Rover. No Rav4 or CRVs. Although it's possible to navigate most of the main roads with a sedan, you will not get the best sightseeing experience.

All such issues should be addressed, clarified and agreed to with the tour company before giving a deposit. Ask for pictures of the vehicles, ensure they have A/C. You may want to inspect the vehicles tires before leaving to ensure they are in good condition.

Taking the bus is also quite convenient. Good bus companies are Abood and Kimbinyiko . In Dar es Salaam the ticket must be bought at Magufuli Bus Terminal or visit the online booking platforms for specific bus. It is recommended to buy the ticket one day before departure.

The two nearest towns are Morogoro and Iringa. There are no scheduled flights from Dar to Iringa, Morogoro or Mikumi.

A visitor's permit costs US$20 per person and is valid for 24 hours from time of purchase. Non-residents are expected to pay the park entry fee in US dollars, not Tanzanian shillings. Visitors must enter before 4PM and exit before 7PM. Those staying in one of the park's lodging facilities must be back at camp by 7PM.

You require a 4x4 vehicle to travel on the unpaved roads inside the park during wet season. Regular road vehicles are always allowed into the park, but the risk of getting stuck on muddy roads is very high during wet season. During dry season the risk is low. The village of Mikumi is at the western entrance to the park, 15 km from the park gate.

The Mkata Floodplain is the park’s principal wildlife-viewing area. Its open grasslands, scattered acacias and seasonal pans make animals comparatively easy to spot, particularly during the dry season. Elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and impalas are frequently seen, while lions may be found resting in the grass or near concentrations of prey.

The Hippo Pools are among Mikumi’s most reliable stops. Hippopotamuses can often be watched in the water, while crocodiles, waterbirds and other animals gather around the pools. The surrounding tracks may also produce sightings of elephants, giraffes and predators.

The park’s seasonal pans and acacia woodland support abundant birdlife. Look for rollers, bee-eaters, hornbills, eagles, vultures and seasonal waterbirds. More than 400 bird species have been recorded, making Mikumi rewarding even when larger mammals are resting or concealed.

The Vuma Hills and the distant Uluguru, Vidunda and other mountain ranges provide a scenic backdrop to the northern plains. Wooded and hilly sections support animals such as sable antelope and greater kudu, although wildlife is generally more difficult to see there than on the open floodplain.

Safaris If you have your own 4x4 vehicle, just ask your lodge for a map of the trails. There aren't many trails in the park and most secondary roads are closed during the rainy season. The hippo pool is always a good spot to see animals. If you spend two days driving in the park you should expect to see lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, boars, wildebeests, impalas, and copious numbers of birds. When entering the park, ask the guards at the gate which areas are best for viewing that day and if they've seen any lions around. Also, look for circling vultures, which indicates a dead animal, there may also be some lions around snacking on the remains.

Shopping inside Mikumi National Park is very limited. Purchase food, drinking water, medicines, toiletries, fuel and other important supplies before entering. Mikumi town is the nearest practical place for basic groceries and everyday necessities, while Morogoro has supermarkets, banks, pharmacies and a broader range of goods.

Some lodges and camps may sell postcards, wildlife books, safari clothing, carved animals or other Tanzanian handicrafts, but selection and opening hours vary. Bring Tanzanian shillings for small purchases, although established accommodations may accept cards or mobile payments.

Avoid purchasing ivory, skins, horns or other wildlife products. Even when offered as antiques or souvenirs, such items may be illegal to possess or export.

A basic restaurant operated by the park has traditionally been described as an affordable dining option. The existing Wikivoyage article quotes full meals from TSh 5,000, but that figure is old and should not be treated as a current price; check the menu before ordering.

Lodges and tented camps inside or near the park serve meals primarily to their guests. Food normally includes simple Tanzanian and international dishes such as rice, ugali, beans, vegetables, grilled meat, chicken, soups and fresh fruit. Non-guests should contact the accommodation beforehand to ask whether meals are available.

Safari operators can arrange packed lunches for full-day game drives. Self-catering visitors should buy provisions before entering the park and store food securely so that baboons, monkeys and other wildlife cannot reach it.

Carry plenty of safe drinking water during every game drive, especially if exploring remote tracks or visiting during the hotter months. Vehicle problems or muddy roads can create unexpected delays, so keep extra water in reserve.

Water, soft drinks, tea and coffee are normally available at the park restaurant and accommodation facilities. Lodge bars may also serve Tanzanian beers, wine and basic spirits, although selection and prices vary.

Do not drink untreated tap, river or pool water. Use sealed bottled water or water that has been properly boiled, filtered or disinfected. Alcohol should be saved until all driving and wildlife activities have finished for the day.

The park offers accommodations at three different price levels. Prices are according to the price list set by the government. As of August 2020, the prices for "hostel" cost US$20 per night per person, and for guest rooms $30 single, or $45 double per night. Rest houses (bungalows) cost US$50 single, or $75 double per night.

Apart from these, there are three privately run places to stay in the park. Two are owned by Foxes Safari and the other is Kikoboga. Foxes Safari Camp is the first tented camp site when you enter the park from Dar es Salaam. This camp is almost in the center of the park and offers a great view from the top of the hill where the restaurant and pool are. The staff is very friendly and the food is good, although not exceptional, especially given the price. At night you can hear animals walking around and under the elevated tents. The other Foxes-owned lodging is Vuma Hills which is about 6 km from the main gate. Very nice accommodation and excellent food, and animals are rare at night, which is a cool feature of the previous spot. The huts look nice and there is a watering hole near by which attracts many animals especially during the dry season.

In the city of Mikumi are several accommodations. Among them are cheap ones, which are used by African truckers, and more expensive hotels as well. A nice place is the Tan-Swiss lodge partly owned by a Swiss. They also organize half-day and full-day safaris to the Mikumi National Park and the Udzungwa Mountains National Park.

The park provides a camping ground inside the park.

If you plan on hiring a car in Tanzania and driving yourself to Mikumi be prepared in the event of a breakdown or accident. (See the Tanzania main page on the recommendations for driving in developing countries.)

Do not enter a national park without a full tank of petrol. You should also have an emergency jerry can with at least 20 liters of fuel and a full-sized spare tire in case you damage your tire in a remote area and need to drive through difficult terrain.

Other equipment to bring includes a tow rope, shovel, machete, torch (flashlight), first aid kit and extra drinking water for unexpected delays.

Although it's very unlikely you will have any difficulties if you must change a flat tire in the park, be careful: lions and cheetahs are ambush hunters. Don't stray too far from the vehicle and keep the children inside at all times.

Tsetse flies: They are very abundant in Mikumi. They are somewhat similar to houseflies but sting. In more densely forested parts of the park, keep your windows closed. If one does get in, kill it immediately as they are quick to bite. Tsetse fly bites can potentially be harmful to humans as they are carriers of the sleeping sickness virus.