Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park in southern Tanzania is easily accessible from Dar es Salaam and offers a semi-arid climate, abundant wildlife, and diverse activities. It is known for its resemblance to the Serengeti ecosystem and is popular for game drives, birdwatching, walking safaris, and camping. The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to October for optimal wildlife viewing.

Accessibility

The park is easily accessible by road from Dar es Salaam, with a travel time of approximately 4-5 hours.

Climate

Mikumi National Park experiences a semi-arid climate, with hot and dry conditions during the dry season and occasional rainfall during the wet season.

Popular for

The park is known for its abundant wildlife, including large herds of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, lions, leopards, and various antelope species. It is often referred to as a mini-Serengeti due to its resemblance to the Serengeti ecosystem.

Size

The park covers an area of approximately 3,230 square kilometers.

Activities

Visitors can enjoy game drives, birdwatching (the park is home to over 400 bird species), walking safaris, and camping experiences. The Mkata Floodplain is a popular area for wildlife viewing.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season, from June to October, is considered the best time to visit Mikumi National Park for optimal wildlife viewing, as animals concentrate around water sources. However, the wet season (November to May) offers lush green landscapes and birdwatching opportunities.