Mikumi National Park

Tanzania’s Southern Wildlife Jewel

Introduction

Mikumi National Park is one of Tanzania’s most accessible and underrated safari destinations, located in the southern part of Tanzania near the town of Morogoro. Often described as a “mini-Serengeti,” Mikumi offers abundant wildlife in a compact area, making it ideal for travelers with limited time.

The park’s landscape features open savannahs, rolling hills, and riverine forests, providing excellent game viewing and photography opportunities.

Why Visit Mikumi National Park?

Mikumi is perfect for travelers seeking affordable, convenient, and wildlife-rich safaris.

Top Reasons to Visit

Compact park ideal for short safaris
High concentration of wildlife including lions, elephants, and giraffes
Less crowded than northern parks like Serengeti
Accessible from Dar es Salaam or Morogoro
Scenic landscapes with baobab trees and savannah plains

Wildlife in Mikumi National Park

Despite its smaller size, Mikumi hosts an impressive array of wildlife.

Animals You Can See

Predators: Lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas
Elephants: Large herds in riverine areas
Herbivores: Zebras, wildebeest, impalas, giraffes
Birds: Over 400 species including ostriches, vultures, and hornbills

Mikumi’s small size ensures that wildlife is concentrated and easier to spot, offering a rewarding safari experience.

Safari Experiences in Mikumi National Park

Mikumi offers a variety of safari activities for different travelers.

Game Drives

Early morning and late afternoon drives
Open 4×4 vehicles with expert guides
Focus on lions and large herbivore sightings

Walking Safaris

Guided walks along safe areas near rivers
Learn about flora, smaller wildlife, and animal tracking

Photography Safaris

Flat savannah plains ideal for sunrise and sunset photography
Baobabs and termite mounds provide iconic African scenery

Best Time to Visit Mikumi National Park

Dry Season (June – October)

Wildlife concentrated near water sources
Ideal for game viewing and photography

Wet Season (November – May)

Park becomes lush and green
Birdwatching season peaks
Some roads may be less accessible

Accommodation in Mikumi National Park

Mikumi offers a range of accommodations suitable for all budgets.

Options Include

Luxury lodges with safari packages
Mid-range tented camps with meals included
Budget-friendly campsites for adventurous travelers

Most accommodations provide guided game drives as part of the stay.

How to Get to Mikumi National Park

Approximately 4–5 hours by road from Dar es Salaam
2–3 hours from Morogoro
Accessible via 4×4 vehicles recommended for park roads

Mikumi vs Other Parks

Mikumi National Park: Compact, easy-access, big wildlife concentrations
Selous Game Reserve: Larger and more remote, excellent for boat safaris
Ruaha National Park: Remote, untamed wilderness with large elephant herds
Serengeti National Park: Iconic for the Great Migration

Mikumi is perfect for short safaris or as a stop on a southern Tanzania circuit.

Travel Tips for Mikumi National Park

Go on early morning drives for best wildlife sightings
Bring sun protection, water, and binoculars
Wear neutral colors for game drives
Use mosquito repellent during wet season
Ideal for 1–2 day safaris or stopover en route to southern parks

Plan Your Mikumi Safari Today

Plan your personalised safari with our experienced travel experts!

Hear It from Travelers

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      Verified Highly Recommend Across Tanzania Expeditions Team
Across Tanzania Expeditions is the most reliable company in Tanzania. I have not been disappointed traveling with them. Because they are friendly with their customers and treat them like family. Their devotion, reliability, responsibility, respect for others attracted me deeply. I strongly recommend Across Tanzania Expeditions Company. I Highly Recommend 100%. Especially Thanks To Mr. Hezron
  
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   Luis Rico 
 4 March 2025
 
 
 
     Verified Best Experience
Luxurious travel experience with Across Tanzania Expeditions. The most popular destination of our trip was Serengeti National park one of the most famous Parks and visit to the Ngorongoro Crater. It was our first safari, and it was the best experience. We are very happy and impressed to travel with them
  
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   Salvi Dona 
 15 February 2025
 
 
 
     Verified Our haneymoon was really Amazing!!
Across Tanzania Expeditions made our honeymoon trip truly magical! We wanted a romantic and adventurous experience, and they delivered. The private dinners under, the luxurious accommodations, and the unforgettable wildlife encounters all contributed to making this a trip of a lifetime. Thank you, Across Tanzania Expeditions, for creating memories we will cherish forever!" Remember to: Across Tanzania Expeditions!! Dream Safari!, Unforgettable wildlife, Amazing guides, perfect planning, Highly Recommended Across Tanzania Expeditions Team!
  
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   Roger.Lacy 
 31 January 2025
 
 
 
     Verified Superb experience in Tanzania.
The team Across Tanzania Expeditions was incredibly professional, responsive, and attentive to our preferences. They took the time to understand what we wanted and tailored the itinerary perfectly to meet our expectations. Our guide & driver was not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the culture, wildlife, and landscapes of Tanzania. They shared fascinating insights about the animals, plants, and local traditions, making every moment enriching. Across Tanzania Expeditions Owner were super professional very helpful and knowledgeable. They are very good and helpful in everything. We are very happy with their amazing customer service!!!. We already looking forward to planning our next trip with them!
  
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   Gwaniri Z 
 31 December 2024
 
 
 
     Verified Great experience of across tanzania expeditions.
Our journey began with a safari in the Serengeti, and we were instantly awed by the sheer beauty of the park. The abundance of wildlife was incredible. We saw the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, along with countless giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests. The expert guide knew exactly where to find the animals and provided us with fascinating insights into their behavior and the ecosystem. The picnic lunch by the was one of the highlights of our trip. Zanzibar The island’s blend of history, culture, and natural beauty was the perfect way to , our Tanzania expedition.Tanzania is a place of unparalleled beauty, and our trip was a dream come true. The combination of wildlife, landscapes, and rich cultural experiences made this an unforgettable adventure. We are already planning our next trip. I would wholeheartedly recommend Across tanzania expeditions Tours to anyone looking for an authentic and unforgettable Across tanzania expeditions travel experience.
  
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   John Mac 
 12 December 2024
 
 
 
     Verified Thanks Across team.
We started our adventure in Serengeti National Park with Across Tanzania Expeditions, where we were awed by the vast incredible wildlife. Witnessing the Great Migration together was like watching a live nature documentary the sheer number of wildebeests and zebras was mesmerizing. We visited the Ngorongoro Crater, a place that felt almost mythical. The lush greenery, serene lakes, and diverse wildlife atmosphere. We trip concluded on the serene beaches of Zanzibar.Tanzania gave us more than we could have imagined. It wasn’t just a trip it was a shared adventure, and a reminder of the beauty of the world. Thanks Across team for providing a great experience.
  
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   Harley 
 4 December 2024
 
 
 
     Verified A truly memorable experience with Across Tanzania Expeditions.
Our 5 days safari with Across Tanzania Expeditions was nothing short of spectacular! Upon arrival in Tanzania, we were greeted by our wonderful guide, Fazo, who quickly made us feel at home. His expertise and enthusiasm for wildlife were infectious. Faoz's ability to spot animals was astounding – he could point out a leopard lounging in a tree from what felt like a mile away! His extensive knowledge about the ecosystems, animal behaviors, and local cultures enriched our experience beyond just the sights. The itinerary was perfectly crafted, allowing us to explore the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. Each park offered unique landscapes and wildlife encounters. They go above and beyond to ensure that your time in Tanzania is as enriching and unforgettable as possible. We will definitely be back for another adventure!
  
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   Castiel 
 20 November 2024
 
 
 
     Verified Highly recommend this company!
We had a wonderful time with Across Tanzania Expeditions. Our guides Fazo were friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience enjoyable and educational. The breathtaking sceneries and well-organized tours made this an unforgettable journey. Across Tanzania Expeditions provided an incredible balance of wildlife adventure and cultural immersion. This trip will stay with our lifetime.
  
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   Polanco 
 16 November 2024
 
 
 
     Verified Across Tanzania Expeditions was absolutely exceptional.
From the moment we arrived, the team made us feel welcomed and well taken care of. The pre-trip communication was excellent, with clear information on what to expect and a personalized itinerary that met all our interests. Our guide was knowledgeable and passionate about Tanzania’s wildlife, ensuring we saw all the major animals we were hoping for lions, elephants, giraffes, and more! The meals and lodges were also fantastic, with stunning views and top-notch service. We can wholeheartedly recommend Across Tanzania Expeditions. They made our trip not just a vacation, but an experience of our a lifetime. Our experience with Across Tanzania Expeditions was absolutely exceptional.
  
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   Pearce 
 11 November 2024
 
 
 
     Verified Outstanding tour: well planned and well run. Can’t say enough good things!
Our 9 day Safari was outstanding!!! The owner Hezron and his team were very conscientious, helpful, committed to their people having an amazing trip. Hezron contacted me daily when there to make sure all was going well. Hussein does a lot of the planning and booking and did a great job, we loved all of our lodging. Fazo our guide was a walking encyclopedia of all animals we encountered in the 5 National Parks we went to. We saw the Big 5 and more! The vehicle was clean and reliable. Fazo was a very safe and conscious driver with an instinct for where animals would be. The food at all of our lodgings were great. I am celiac and the team at Across Tanzania contacted each place before we got there to make sure they knew what to expect for my dietary needs. The trip was well planned, well run, and thoroughly enjoyable. Would highly recommend a private tour (we saw groups all packed in and they would only get to see out of their window) we had full movement in the 6 seat Land Cruiser to get the photos and views we had been dying to see.
  
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   JodyMCanada 
 26 October 2024