Mikumi National Park is a vital and accessible wildlife sanctuary in central Tanzania. Established in 1964 and spanning 3,230 square kilometers, it ranks as the country’s fourth-largest national park. It is renowned for its impressive accessibility, lying approximately 300 kilometers west of Dar es Salaam along the major highway, making it a popular choice for shorter safaris and weekend trips.

The park’s landscape is diverse and strikingly scenic. Dominated by the vast, grassy Mkata Floodplain, Mikumi is often called “the little Serengeti” for its open savannah dotted with acacia trees and baobabs. To the south, the terrain rises into the gentle foothills and miombo woodlands of mountain ranges, including the Uluguru and Udzungwa Mountains. The park is also integrated into a much larger, unique ecosystem as it directly borders the immense Selous Game Reserve to the south.

Mikumi is home to a rich concentration of wildlife. It hosts four of the “Big Five”—lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo—with notable populations of tree-climbing lions and a special subspecies of giraffe considered a biological link between Masai and reticulated giraffes. The park is an excellent place to see large herds of zebra and wildebeest on its plains, as well as rarer antelope such as the greater kudu, sable antelope, and the world’s largest antelope, the eland. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded here, including the vibrant lilac-breasted roller.

The best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season from June to October, when animals congregate around water sources like the Mkata River and the park’s hippo pools. Visitors can enjoy game drives across the plains, birdwatching, and walking safaris. With its reliable wildlife sightings and proximity to major cities, Mikumi serves as a perfect introduction to Tanzania’s wilderness and a convenient gateway to the southern safari circuit.