Sharing a common border and ecosystem with Selous Game Reserve to the south, Mikumi National Park is only three to four hours drive from Dar es Salaam, lying astride the main highway to Zambia, and en route to the National Parks of Udzungwa Mountains, Ruaha and Kitulo. The grassy plains of Mikumi, encircled by mountain ranges, are like a colourful bowl shimmering in a play of ever-changing skies and light.
The floor of this bowl has a prolific wildlife, in which the huge herds of animals, the elephants and the roaring of the lions are only some of the many highlights. The flood plain provides a habitat for a diverse bird fauna, with both resident species and number of migrants that fly here to escape from the Eurasian winter.
The gentle foothills and vast miombo woodland savanna that spread out in the northern parts of the park are quite another world. Covering an area of 3,230 sq km, Mikumi National Park is rich in wildlife including buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, lion, elephant, impala, hippos, baboon, giraffe, warthog, waterbuck and eland which can be viewed throughout the year. Reptiles including crocodile, monitor lizard and python are also resident in the park. Other animals that can be sighted although rare are the Sable Antelope resident in the southern part of the park bordering the Selous, the Greater Kudu, leopard, and the wild dog also known as the African Hunting Dog. More than 400 bird species have been recorded, including European migrants during the rainy season.
Mikumi National Park is one the most popular visitor points sold from Dar es Salaam. Being close to Dar es Salaam on good road, day trips are popular especially for those who have little time to spend an overnight there. But it is recommended to spend at least a night in Mikumi to enjoy a fulfilling game drive in this beautiful park. A number of accommodation facilities are available in Mikumi.
Getting there:
The Park is easily accessible by road, Train or air. By Road 300km drive from Dar es Salaam to the kikobogo main gate. Good Tarmac road all the way, speed limits 70 km/h by day and 50 km/h at night for the last 35 km (Within the park boundaries). Total driving time 4 h. By train; regular service between Dar es salaam and the village of Mikumi Village, 15 km from the kikoboga main gate. By air: Scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam to an airstrip at kikoboga. Private flights are organized by our safari companies as well.
