Mikumi National Park

Swirls of opaque mist hide advancing down. The first shafts of sun colour the fluffy grass heads rippling across the plain in a russet halo.

A heard of zebras, confident in their camouflage at this predatory hour, pose like ballerinas, heads aligned and stripes merging in flowing motion.

Size: 3,230 sq km
Location: 238 km west of Dar es Salaam, north of Selous, an en route to Ruaha, Udzungwa and (for the intrepid) Katavi.
Getting there: a good surfaced road connects Mikumi to Dar es Salaam via Morogoro, a roughly 4 hours 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 around.
Accommodation: Lodges, Luxury Tented Camps, Campsites and Guest houses inside the park and in Mikumi town.