Mikumi National Park
Why Visit: See classic African wildlife in an accessible park that’s close enough for even a short safari from Dar es Salaam.
Mikumi National Park lies in the north of the Selous–Nyerere ecosystem, in Tanzania’s Morogoro region. It shares its wildlife corridors with the Selous Game Reserve and the Kilombero Game Controlled Area, making it part of one of Africa’s richest ecosystems. The Uluguru Mountains rise to the north, while the Rubeho Mountains fringe the southeast. At the park’s heart lies the Mkata River Flood Plain, a prime wildlife-viewing area.
Wildlife
Covering 3,230 km², Mikumi is home to a wide variety of animals. Elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, eland, kudu, and antelope roam the plains, while predators such as tree-climbing lions, leopards, wild dogs, and black-backed jackals keep the balance of nature in check.
Birdlife
With over 400 recorded species, Mikumi is a birdwatcher’s paradise. On the plains you might spot red-billed oxpeckers, marabou storks, and lilac-breasted rollers, while the Miombo Woodlands shelter more exotic residents like Shelley’s double-collared sunbird, the pale-billed hornbill, and the violet-crested turaco.
Scenery and Photography
Mikumi’s wide flood plains, mountain backdrops, and soft evening light make it a favourite with wildlife photographers. Along the Tanzania–Zambia Highway, elephants, giraffes, and lions are often seen at dusk or even crossing the road at night. Leopard sightings, once rare, have become more common in recent years.
Plan Your Visit
Mikumi is easily accessible from Dar es Salaam, making it an ideal destination for both short safaris and longer adventures. Based in Dar es Salaam, Daigle Tours is perfectly placed to get you there quickly and comfortably — so you spend more time exploring and less time travelling.
6 Days Nyerere (Selous), Mikumi, Udzungwa Safari Circuit
STARTING FROM $1,030 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Three Ecosystems in One Compact Safari Nyerere National Park Rufiji River Boat Safari Experience River Wildlife: Hippos, Crocodiles & Birdlife Mikumi National Park Open Savannah Game Viewing High-Visibility Wildlife on Mkata Floodplain Udzungwa Mountains National Park Waterfalls & Rainforest Trekking Sanje Waterfalls Hiking & Natural Pools Scenic Southern Circuit from Dar es Salaam
5 Days Mikumi. Nyerere (Selous), Ruaha National Park Safari Circuit
STARTING FROM $870 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Scenic road safari from Dar es Salaam through Tanzania’s southern wilderness corridor Wildlife-rich game drives in Mikumi’s open savannah plains Boat safari along the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park (Selous) Big game encounters including elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, and wild dogs Immersive full-day safari experience in one of Africa’s largest protected ecosystems Remote wilderness exploration in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s predator capital Dramatic landscapes from floodplains and rivers to baobab-studded savannahs Authentic bush experience with picnic lunches and sunset game drives Perfect short southern circuit combining three iconic national parks in one journey
5 Days Zanzibar, Nyerere (Selous), Mikumi, Zanzibar Safari Circuit
STARTING FROM $1,287 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Perfect mix of river safari, open plains, and Zanzibar relaxation
4 Days Road Safari: Dar es Salaam, Mikumi, Udzungwa, Nyerere (Selous)
STARTING FROM $664 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Southern Tanzania circuit combining Selous (Nyerere National Park), Mikumi National Park, and Udzungwa Mountains National Park
4 Days Fly-In Safari: Dar es Salaam, Nyerere (Selous), Mikumi
STARTING FROM $1,134 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
A relaxed Southern Tanzania safari through Nyerere National Park, Mikumi National Park, and Udzungwa Mountains National Park, combining fly-in access, scenic transfers, and slow-paced game drives across rivers and open plains.
4 Days Road Safari: Dar es Salaam, Nyerere (Selous), Mikumi
STARTING FROM $631 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Relaxed road journey through Southern Tanzania combining sunset boat safari on the Rufiji River, classic game drives with elephants, lions, giraffes, and buffalo, and wide-open savannah wildlife viewing across the Mkata floodplain, an easy, scenic short safari packed with diverse landscapes and rich wildlife encounters.
STARTING FROM $1,178 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Fly-in safari combining classic savannah game drives in Mikumi with excellent wildlife visibility on the Mkata floodplain, followed by a rainforest experience in Udzungwa with a guided walk to Sanje Waterfalls, featuring swimming spots, panoramic views, and rich biodiversity.
STARTING FROM $460 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Road safari combining classic game drives in Mikumi with excellent wildlife visibility across the Mkata floodplain, followed by a rainforest experience in Udzungwa with a guided hike to Sanje Waterfalls, featuring swimming spots, panoramic valley views, and rich biodiversity.
STARTING FROM $808 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Fly-in safari combining classic savannah game drives in Mikumi with high wildlife visibility on the Mkata floodplain, and a full wilderness experience in Nyerere featuring the Rufiji River boat safari, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife including elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, and wild dogs.
STARTING FROM $492 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Road safari combining classic savannah game drives in Mikumi with high wildlife visibility on the Mkata floodplain, and a full wilderness experience in Nyerere featuring the Rufiji River boat safari, vast untouched landscapes, and rich wildlife including elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, and wild dogs.
STARTING FROM $1,130 pp (USD)
Highlights
Seamless fly-in safari from Zanzibar to mainland Tanzania wildlife Scenic aerial views of coastline, forests, and savannah landscapes Classic game drives in Mikumi National Park with high wildlife density Excellent chances of seeing elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and wildebeest Exploration of the famous Mkata floodplain, often called a “mini Serengeti” Full-day safari experience across diverse habitats: grasslands, woodlands, and waterholes Comfortable lodge stay surrounded by natural bush sounds Early morning game drives for active predator sightings Perfect combination of beach relaxation and wildlife adventure Ideal short escape for travelers wanting a quick but rich Tanzania safari experience
STARTING FROM $981 pp (USD)
Highlights
Fast and seamless fly-in safari from Zanzibar to mainland wildlife adventure Scenic flight over the Indian Ocean coastline and inland landscapes Classic game drives in Mikumi National Park with high wildlife density Excellent chances of seeing elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and buffalo Exploration of the famous Mkata floodplain, often called a “mini Serengeti” Sunrise and afternoon game drives for optimal wildlife activity Compact safari experience designed for limited time travelers Comfortable lodge or tented camp stay inside or near the park Perfect combination of Zanzibar beach holiday and quick safari escape Ideal short wildlife adventure for couples, solo travelers, and photographers
9 Day Safari Zanzibar -Ruaha – Mikumi – Selous to Zanzibar
STARTING FROM $2,207 pp (USD)
Highlights
From the beaches of Zanzibar to the wild heart of Ruaha National Park, Mikumi National Park, and Nyerere National Park, with an exclusive extension to Katavi National Park, a rare journey blending coast, classic safari, and untouched wilderness.
8 Days Dar es Salaam – Nyerere (Selous) – Ruaha – Mikumi – Zanzibar Safari Circuit
STARTING FROM $1,719 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Journey from Dar es Salaam through the wild landscapes of Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, and Mikumi National Park, ending with relaxation on the beaches of Zanzibar, a perfect blend of safari and coastal escape.
8 Days Mikumi – Udzungwa Mountains – Ruaha National Park Safari Circuit
STARTING FROM $2,038 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Discover wildlife in Mikumi National Park, hike to waterfalls in Udzungwa Mountains National Park, and explore the wild beauty of Ruaha National Park, a perfect mix of safari and adventure.
9 Days Selous (Nyerere), Ruaha, Katavi Wilderness Safari Circuit
STARTING FROM $2,018 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Explore Tanzania’s ultimate wilderness safari circuit through the remote beauty of Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, and Katavi National Park, home to untouched landscapes, massive wildlife populations, and authentic safari experiences.
