Southern Circuit · National Park

Mikumi National Park

Open floodplains and outstanding birdlife on the road to the south.

June–October (dry season); November–April for birding
approx. 3,230 km²

Mikumi National Park

Type: National Park
Region: Southern Circuit
Area: approx. 3,230 km²
Established: 1964
Best time: June–October (dry season); November–April for birding
Access: Approx. 4–5 h by road from Dar es Salaam

Overview

The Mkata floodplain of Mikumi offers easy, rewarding game viewing and over 400 bird species, just a few hours from Dar es Salaam.

Mikumi is often compared to the Serengeti for its open plains, yet it lies on the doorstep of Tanzania’s southern circuit. The Mkata floodplain supports giraffe, elephant, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and lion, while hippos crowd the pools.

It is among the best parks in Tanzania for bird watching, with more than 400 species recorded — from the black-bellied bustard and bateleur eagle to the secretary bird.