Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park stands as one of Tanzania's most underrated yet spectacular wildlife destinations, often compared to the world-famous Serengeti despite receiving only a fraction of its visitor numbers. Spanning vast floodplains and grasslands, the park offers exceptional opportunities to witness abundant wildlife in their natural habitat. The park's landscape is characterized by open plains dotted with acacia trees, particularly along the Mkata River, creating a picturesque setting for safari experiences. Mikumi is particularly renowned for its diverse wildlife populations, including large herds of buffalo, elephant, zebra, wildebeest, and impala that congregate around waterholes, especially during the dry season. The park's ecosystem supports predators such as lions and occasional leopards, making it an excellent destination for observing the full spectrum of African wildlife. Mikumi is also famous for its well-studied yellow baboon population, which is plentiful throughout the park. The park's accessibility from Dar es Salaam, combined with its rich biodiversity and relatively uncrowded conditions, makes it an ideal southern Tanzanian safari destination for both first-time and experienced safari enthusiasts.

Mikumi features expansive grassland plains interspersed with miombo woodland in elevated areas. The Mkata River valley dominates the landscape with acacia-fringed riverbanks. Open floodplains provide excellent visibility for wildlife viewing.

Mikumi is located in southern Tanzania with local Tanzanian communities in surrounding areas. Cultural village visits can be arranged. Maasai communities are present in the region.

Best photography during early morning and late afternoon when wildlife is most active and light is optimal. Bring telephoto lenses for distant wildlife. The open plains provide excellent visibility for photography. Dry season offers clearer skies and better visibility.