Mikumi National park abuts the northern border of Africa’s biggest game reserve, the Selous, and is transected by the surfaced road between Dar es Salam and Iringa.  It is thus the most accessible part of the 47,000 square mile tract of wilderness that stretches east almost as far as the Indian Ocean.

The open horizons and abundant wildlife of the Mikumi Floodplain, the popular centerpiece of Mikumi, draw frequent comparisons to the more famous Serengeti Plain.  Lions survey their grassy kingdom, and the zebra, wildebeest, impala and buffalo herds that migrate across it, from the flattened tops of termite mounds, or sometimes, during the rains, from perches high in the trees.  Giraffe’s forage in the isolated acacia stands that fringe the Mikata River, islets of shade favored also by Mikumi’s elephants.

It is criss- crossed by good game roads; it is the best place in Tanzania for sightings of the powerful elands, the world largest antelope.  The greater Kudu and sable antelope haunt the foothills of the mountains.  More than 400 species of birds have been recorded, with such colorful common residents as the lilac breasted roller, yellow throated longclaw; all are here during the rainy season.  Hippos are the star attraction lounging in the pools situated just 5 km north of the main entrance gate.

The park is 1250 square miles in size. The fourth largest park in Tanzania, its location is 175 west of Dar es Salam, north of Selous, and en route to Ruaha, Udzungwa and Katavi.

How to get there, a good surfaced road connect to Mikumi to Dar es Salam via Morogoro a four hour drive plus or minus.  Also road connections to Udzungwa and Ruaha (dry season only) Selous, charter flights from Dar es Salam, Arusha, or Selous.  Local buses run from Dar es Salam to park headquarters where game drives can be arranged.

What to do game drives and guided walks, or visit nearby towns.

You can go any time of the year.

Accommodations are, two lodges, three luxury tented camps, three campsites, there is a guest house in Mikumi Town on the park border.  One lodge is proposed at Mahondo and one permanent tented camp at Lumaaga.