Fact 01
Size
About 3,230 km².
Mikumi National Park Facts
Local Expert
By the Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris team
Our Arusha-based guides and safari planners know Mikumi National Park first-hand, and write this guide from experience on the ground.
Mikumi National Park is one of Tanzania’s most accessible parks, about 283 kilometres from Dar es Salaam. Covering around 3,230 square kilometres, its open Mkata floodplain is often called the “Little Serengeti” for its grassland game, including lion, giraffe, zebra, elephant and buffalo. Established in 1964, it forms part of a wider wildlife corridor linking southern Tanzania’s protected areas.
Mikumi at a glance
Mikumi National Park: Key Facts
The essentials for planning a private, tailor-made visit.
Fact 02
Established
1964, managed by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA).
Fact 03
Distance
About 283 km from Dar es Salaam, a 4–5 hour drive.
Fact 04
Nickname
“Little Serengeti” for its open Mkata floodplain.
Fact 05
Key wildlife
Lion, giraffe, zebra, elephant, buffalo and sable antelope.
Fact 06
Ecosystem
Part of a wider southern Tanzania wildlife corridor.
Fact 07
Highlights
Hippo pools, open plains and the Mkata floodplain.
Fact 08
Ideal stay
1–2 nights, or as part of a southern circuit.
Best Mikumi Safari Packages by Season
Hand-picked southern circuit itineraries featuring Mikumi National Park, tailored privately by Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris.
6-Day Tanzania Southern Circuit Safari
A six-day fly-in safari linking Nyerere's Rufiji River boat safaris with Ruaha's vast wilderness.
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11-Day Best Of Southern Tanzania Safari
An eleven-day journey through Nyerere, Mikumi, Udzungwa, and Ruaha's finest southern-circuit wildlife.
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7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari
A seven-day circuit through Nyerere, Mikumi, and the Udzungwa Mountains' rainforest and wildlife.
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7-Day Tanzania off the Beaten Track Safari
A seven-day safari exploring quieter parks away from the crowds.
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8-Day Authentic Tanzania Safari Tours
An authentic eight-day safari experience across classic Tanzania destinations.
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8-Day Remarkable Tanzania Safari
An eight-day journey across Tanzania's most remarkable wildlife areas.
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7-Day Tanzania Budget Camping Safari
A budget-friendly seven-day camping safari without compromising on wildlife.
View Package →11-Day Tanzania Safari for solo travelers
An eleven-day itinerary designed specifically for solo safari travelers.
View Package →Mikumi National Park Planning Guides
Mikumi National Park Facts: Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Mikumi National Park?
Mikumi National Park covers about 3,230 square kilometres in south-central Tanzania. Its open Mkata floodplain makes wildlife easy to spot, and it borders other protected areas, forming part of a wider wildlife corridor in southern Tanzania.
Why is Mikumi called the Little Serengeti?
Mikumi’s Mkata floodplain is a wide, open grassland that resembles the Serengeti plains. It supports zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, buffalo, elephant and lion, so visitors enjoy classic savanna game viewing in a much more accessible park.
How far is Mikumi from Dar es Salaam?
Mikumi is about 283 kilometres from Dar es Salaam, usually a four- to five-hour drive on a paved highway. This makes it one of the easiest parks to reach from the coast, and light-aircraft charters are also possible.
Is Mikumi good for a short safari?
Yes. Mikumi is ideal for a short one- or two-night safari from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. It also combines well with Udzungwa Mountains for hiking or with Ruaha and Nyerere on a longer private southern circuit.
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