Mikumi
The most accessible park in the south: open floodplain under the Udzungwa mountains, a day's drive from Dar es Salaam.
What makes it different
Mikumi is the southern park you can reach by road. It lies about five hours from Dar es Salaam on the main highway west, which makes it the natural safari for travellers already on the coast, or anyone who would rather not fly.
At its heart is the Mkata floodplain, open grassland ringed by hills, with the Udzungwa mountains to the south. It is far smaller than Nyerere or Ruaha, and easy to cover in a couple of days.
What lives here
- Zebra, wildebeest, buffalo and giraffe on the open floodplain.
- Elephant, mostly in the woodland around its edges.
- Hippo in the pools near the park's centre.
- Lion are present, though they are not what Mikumi is best for.
When to come
June to October is the dry season, with short grass and the best game viewing. The green months from November to May are quieter and very lush, with heavier rain from March to May.
How long to stay
One or two nights. Mikumi works as a short safari from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, combined with forest walks in the Udzungwa mountains next door, or with Nyerere for a longer southern trip.
Questions travellers actually ask
By road from Dar es Salaam, about five hours, or by light aircraft from Arusha. The road is the usual way, and the reason most people choose Mikumi.
The open grassland of the Mkata floodplain is sometimes compared to it, but Mikumi is far smaller and has no great migration. It is a good, easy safari, not a substitute for the north.
The main road west from Dar es Salaam crosses the park, and you will hear and see trucks near it. Most game drives head away from the road, and the camps sit well back from it.
We arrange the south on request, around your dates and the camps that are open. Tell us what you have in mind and we will come back with a proper plan and one all-in price.
Ask us about the south
Send us a few details and a person on the team will reply personally, not a template.
The rest of the south, and the north for comparison.
