Mikumi National Park

Mikumi NP

Overview

Wildlife

Birds

Best Time To Visit

Weather & Climate

Getting There

Malaria & Safety

Overview

Wildlife

Birds

Best Time

Climate

Getting There

Malaria & Safety

By Fadhili Mlema

Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.

By Fadhili Mlema

Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience .

Mikumi National Park is a breathtaking haven of untamed beauty, where expansive horizons meet a rich tapestry of wildlife. The Mkata Floodplain, often likened to the Serengeti, teems with zebra, wildebeest, impala, and buffalo under ever-changing skies. In the park’s southern reaches, rolling foothills and miombo woodlands provide sanctuary for elephants, lions, leopards, and the elusive sable antelope. These diverse landscapes, from acacia stands to the Mkata River, are home to over 400 bird species. Mikumi offers a truly unforgettable safari, where thrilling wildlife encounters are framed by serene, pristine landscapes.

Best Time To Go

Late June to October, when animals gather at waterholes.

High Season

June to October

Size

3,230km² / 1,247mi²

Altitude

201-1,143m / 659-3,750ft

Wildlife Haven: Discover lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and giraffes in their natural habitat.

Home to rare antelope species like eland, greater kudu, and sable.

Walking Safaris: Experience intimate exploration with guided walks.

Great Value: Comfortable, affordable mid-range lodges for a convenient stay.

Perfect Stopover: Ideally located between Dar es Salaam and Ruaha National Park.

Explore the park's quieter south for a more intimate safari experience with abundant wildlife.

Highway Intrusion: The Tanzam Highway runs through the park.

Wildlife becomes more dispersed during the Wet season, making sightings less predictable.

Some lodges close from March to May, and weekends can attract larger crowds.

Mikumi’s grasslands are alive with herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, and impala, while giraffes graze acacia trees and elephants roam freely. The excitement of spotting lions, leopards, and hyenas adds to the thrill of each game drive. Rare species like eland, greater kudu, sable antelope, and hartebeest enhance the park’s rich biodiversity. Playful baboons and vervet monkeys provide delightful moments, and with rhinos soon to be reintroduced, Mikumi’s status as a top wildlife destination is set to soar.

Mikumi’s main road unveils a breathtaking landscape of open grasslands and acacia woodlands, punctuated by clusters of Borassus palms, black hardwoods, and iconic baobabs, all framed by surrounding mountains. For the adventurous, the park’s untouched southern wilderness—covering 80% of its expanse—promises a journey into Africa’s uncharted and untamed beauty.

Mikumi’s equatorial location ensures steady temperatures year-round. The Dry season (June to October) brings cooler, more comfortable weather, while the Wet season (November to May) is hot and humid, particularly towards the end of the year.

June to October is prime for wildlife viewing as the vegetation thins and animals gather around waterholes, especially in September and October. The Wet season (November to February) offers excellent birding, though wildlife sightings are less frequent.

Mikumi Day Trip Fly-In Safari

Mikumi Classic Mid-Range Drive-In Safari

By Fadhili Mlema

Mikumi’s grassy plains are home to zebra, wildebeest, impala, and buffalo, with lions often seen hunting them. Giraffes browse acacia trees near the Mkata River, where elephants also roam. The park is known for its abundant yellow baboons. While rhinos vanished in the 1990s, plans are underway to reintroduce them, enhancing Mikumi’s wildlife diversity.

Lion

Elephant

Zebra

Giraffe

Wildebeest

Buffalo

Hippo

Leopard

Hyena

Wild Dog

Cheetah

Black Rhino

Mikumi’s waterholes are the heart of wildlife activity, where hippos share space with herds of elephants, buffalo, zebra, and wildebeest. The park’s grasslands are prime territory for spotting eland, the world’s largest antelope, while the miombo-covered hills shelter greater kudu, sable antelope, and the rare Lichtenstein’s hartebeest. Don’t miss the chance to ask about the upcoming rhino reintroduction, a hopeful step for Mikumi’s future.

Late June to October is the ideal time for wildlife encounters in Mikumi. During the Dry season, thinning vegetation makes spotting animals easier as they gather around the Mkata River, hippo pools, and waterholes. These waterholes become a focal point in September and October, attracting large herds and offering exceptional viewing opportunities.

Mikumi Day Trip Fly-In Safari

Mikumi Classic Mid-Range Drive-In Safari

By Fadhili Mlema

With over 400 bird species, Mikumi is a birdwatcher’s haven. From November to April, vibrant residents like the yellow-throated longclaw and bateleur share the skies with Palearctic migrants. The hippo pool and Mwanambogo Dam offer prime viewing for water birds such as the African fish eagle, African spoonbill, and hamerkop. In contrast, African openbills can often be spotted along the Mkata River.

Notable Birds in Mikumi NP

Saddle-billed stork

Common

Marabou Stork

Common

Verreaux's Eagle-Owl

Common

Black-bellied Bustard

Common

Long-tailed fiscal

Common

African spoonbill

African openbill

African hawk-eagle

African grey hornbill

Northern pied babbler

Northern carmine bee-eater

Pale-billed hornbill

Pale batis

Purple-crested turaco

Red-billed oxpecker

Shelley’s sunbird

Southern ground hornbill

Yellow-throated longclaw

Birding is excellent year-round, with peak viewing from November to February when migratory species from Europe and North Africa arrive. Resident birds often display their vibrant breeding plumage during this time. While March and April bring rains that can make birding challenging, wildlife viewing is best from late June to October.

Mikumi Day Trip Fly-In Safari

Mikumi Classic Mid-Range Drive-In Safari

Bird Species

400+

Migratory Birds

Nov to Apr

By Fadhili Mlema

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Mikumi offers outstanding wildlife experiences year-round, but the prime time is from late June to October. During this Dry season, thinning vegetation makes it easier to spot animals, especially around waterholes, where large herds gather in September and October. For bird enthusiasts, the best period is from November to February.

Best Time

Late June to October, when animals gather at the waterholes.

High Season

June to October, offering prime wildlife viewing without the crowds.

Low Season

April and May, with potential discounts available.

Best Weather

June to October, with clear skies and minimal rainfall.

Worst Weather

March and April are the height of the wet season.

Wildlife Sightings: Thinning vegetation reveals more wildlife as animals gather around waterholes and rivers.

Sunny Days: Expect abundant sunshine with minimal rainfall.

Lower Malaria Risk: Fewer mosquitoes mean a reduced risk of malaria.

Comfortable Climate: Low humidity makes the heat more bearable.

Reduced Visibility: Dust in the dry air can sometimes affect visibility.

Crowded Spots: The hippo pool and northern trails may experience vehicle congestion.

Lush Landscapes: The scenery is vibrant and green.

Lower Prices: Enjoy potential discounts, especially in April and May, with fewer visitors.

Peak Birding: Migratory birds arrive in November, offering prime birdwatching through April.

Challenging Roads: Some roads may become impassable due to heavy rains.

Difficult Wildlife Viewing: Animals are more challenging to spot than the Dry season.

Peak Wet Season: The wet season is most intense from March to April.

Limited Accommodation: Some lodges close from March to May.

Hot and Humid: Expect higher humidity and temperatures.

Mikumi Day Trip Fly-In Safari

Mikumi Classic Mid-Range Drive-In Safari

By Fadhili Mlema

Mikumi National Park experiences a warm to hot and humid climate year-round, with minimal temperature fluctuations. The hottest months are October to March, while June to August brings cooler temperatures. The Wet season spans November to May, with brief, almost daily afternoon rains. The Dry season, from June to October, offers drier, cooler conditions.

Afternoon temperatures hover around 28°C (82°F), with clear, bright days.

June to September: Rain is almost non-existent, and these are the coolest months, with nighttime lows around 17°C (63°F).
October: The rains may start late in the month, but until then, expect hot, dry days with rising humidity.

The Wet season is hot and humid, with afternoon temperatures around 31°C (88°F) and nights cooling to 20°C (68°F).

November & December: The Wet season begins unpredictably, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. It’s rare for rain to last all day.
January & February: Rain becomes more frequent, but all-day downpours are uncommon. Afternoon showers are the norm.
March, April & May: April is the height of the Wet season, bringing regular rain and cloud cover, though rarely all day. Daytime highs average 30°C (86°F), with nights around 20°C (68°F).

Mikumi Day Trip Fly-In Safari

Mikumi Classic Mid-Range Drive-In Safari

By Fadhili Mlema

Safaris to Mikumi typically begin in Dar es Salaam, with entry through Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) or Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar. From there, ground transfers or domestic flights can be arranged.

Flights to Mikumi’s airstrips are available from Nyerere (formerly Selous Game Reserve), Ruaha National Park, Dar es Salaam, or Zanzibar. Charter flights may also be possible from parks in Tanzania’s Northern circuit.

By road, Mikumi is about a 6-hour drive from Dar es Salaam (300km/186 mi to the east) and is a favoured weekend escape for locals. Many travellers stop at Mikumi on their way to Ruaha National Park, with the drive from Ruaha covering roughly 320km/200 mi and also taking about 6 hours.

For those travelling from Arusha, Mikumi lies 795km/494 mi to the south.

Note: Driving times are estimates and may vary due to potential delays.

Explore a world of possibilities with Skyscanner. Discover the best airlines and unbeatable fares to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). Start your journey now.

The quickest way to reach Mikumi National Park is via scheduled or charter flights from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, landing directly at the park’s sole airstrip. We arrange these flights as part of your journey, ensuring a seamless transition into Mikumi’s wilderness. Safari Air Link provides the only scheduled flights to Mikumi, offering convenient connections to Ruaha National Park, Nyerere National Park, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar. Travellers from the Northern circuit can easily reach Mikumi through flights from Arusha, providing a direct gateway to Tanzania’s stunning landscapes.

Please refer to our FAQ—Tanzania page for detailed information regarding passport, visa, vaccination, and other entry requirements.

Mikumi Day Trip Fly-In Safari

Mikumi Classic Mid-Range Drive-In Safari

By Fadhili Mlema

Mikumi National Park is a secure and peaceful destination where crime is almost unheard of within Tanzania’s parks and reserves. Safety concerns are typically limited to urban areas, where standard precautions are recommended. Please refer to the ‘Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions’ section below for more detailed guidance. When participating in an organised tour, your guide will prioritise your safety, enabling you to enjoy the safari experience fully.

Consider taking antimalarial medication as a precaution for a safe trip to Mikumi National Park. Boost your protection by using a DEET-based mosquito repellent and wearing long trousers and closed shoes during the evenings. Before your journey, consult your healthcare provider or visit a travel clinic to ensure you have all the necessary vaccinations.

Wildlife viewing is a safe and awe-inspiring experience when you follow the park’s guidelines and your guide’s expert advice. For added peace of mind, explore our ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ below, crafted to ensure your adventure is as secure as it is unforgettable.

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