Mikumi National Park is sequestered between the Udzungwa Mountains National Park and Selous Game Reserve and lies 283km southwest of Dar es Salaam. It is the fourth largest park in Tanzania, covering an area of 3230sq km (1250sq mi). The park is named after the Borassus palm trees found in the area. The main features of the park are the river flood plains with swamps, forests, and grassland that shelters diverse wildlife.
There’s a diverse population of birds and other animals, best seen from June to October. The elephants, buffaloes, and hippos congregate along the rivers in quest of the limited reserves of water. Lions, giraffes, plains zebras, wildebeests, elands, and impalas abound in the plains or in the Miombo woodlands. Yellow baboons, vervet monkeys, and blue monkeys dwell in the forest canopies or gather under the trees below preening and socializing.
Mikumi is one of the few parks where hunting dogs can be seen but sightings are rare.
How to get there
A well-surfaced road connects Mikumi to Dar es Salaam via Morogoro, a roughly 4-hour drive. Also road connections to Udzungwa, Ruaha, and (dry season only) Selous.
Charter flight from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Selous. Local buses run from Dar to park HQ where game drives can be arranged.
What to do
Game drives and guided walks. Visit nearby Udzungwa or travel on to Selous or Ruaha.
When to go
Accessible year-round.
Accommodation
Two lodges, three luxury tented camps, and three campsites.
Guest houses in Mikumi town on the park border. One lodge is proposed at Mahondo and one permanent tented camp at Lumaaga