National Park in Tanzania
The nearest big-game park to Dar es Salaam
Mikumi National Park is the most accessible park in southern Tanzania, about four to five hours by road from Dar es Salaam, and a classic first stop for travellers who want a taste of the bush without a long flight. The Mkata floodplain at its heart is open, flat and easy to scan, and giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and buffalo are visible from the main road.
The park has elephants, lions, hippos and over 400 bird species, and it is surrounded by mountains, including the Udzungwa range with its rare primates and forest hikes. It is a good option for a short safari, a first-time visitor or a family.
Mikumi has elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, impala, eland, warthog and hartebeest on the Mkata plain, with lions often found on the hippos’ pools or in the shade of trees. The park also has leopards, wild dog (rarely) and sable antelope in the hills.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
A wide grass plain is ringed by blue mountains, with baobabs, palms and acacias. The road to the park crosses the plain, so animals are seen even before you reach the gate.
Activities here
Mikumi is hot, with daytime temperatures of 27°C to 32°C and warm nights. The rains fall from November to April, and June to October is dry.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 20 | 140 |
| Feb | 31 | 20 | 130 |
| Mar | 30 | 20 | 170 |
| Apr | 29 | 19 | 200 |
| May | 28 | 17 | 40 |
| Jun | 27 | 15 | 5 |
| Jul | 27 | 14 | 3 |
| Aug | 28 | 15 | 3 |
| Sep | 30 | 16 | 5 |
| Oct | 32 | 18 | 15 |
| Nov | 32 | 20 | 60 |
| Dec | 31 | 20 | 140 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
June to October is dry and clear, and the animals gather near water. The nights are cool, and the days are warm and bright.
The rainy season is hot and humid. The plains turn green, the roads are soft in places, and some camps close in March and April.
June to October is the best time to visit, with the easiest game viewing. The park is open all year, and the green season is quiet and lovely for birds.
Best time to visit May to Oct
The park is about 283 kilometres from Dar es Salaam, a drive of four to five hours on a mostly good road, and can be reached by scheduled flight to the park’s airstrip. It lies on the way to Udzungwa and Ruaha.
Park fees are included in our safaris. Most visitors need a Tanzania visa, applied for online before travel or bought on arrival, and a passport valid for at least six months.
Mikumi is hot, so bring sun protection and water. Take advice on malaria before you travel.
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“Our take”
Mikumi is ideal when you have only two or three days and want real game viewing without a flight.
Safaris from
US$846 per person
Plan your time in Mikumi
Every safari we run is private and built around you. Tell us your dates and what you hope to see, and we will shape the route, the lodges and the permits.
Made to measure
Tell us how you like to travel and we will build a private journey around it: the right lodges, the right pace and the permits already in hand.
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