Mikumi National Park: Safari Guide
Mikumi National Park is the closest national park to Dar es Salaam and about an hour's flight from Zanzibar. Its open Mkata floodplain, ringed by mountains, makes it one of the easiest places in southern Tanzania to see elephants, giraffes, zebras and buffalo, even on a day trip.
Mikumi at a glance
| Size | About 3,230 km², a national park since 1964 |
| From Zanzibar | About an hour by light aircraft |
| From Dar es Salaam | About 300 km by road, or the SGR train to Morogoro and then about 1½ to 2 hours by road |
| Best time | June to October, the dry season |
| Park fees | Included in our tours |
| Known for | The open Mkata floodplain, elephants, giraffes, buffalo and hippo pools |
The Mkata floodplain
The heart of Mikumi is the Mkata floodplain, a wide, open grassland ringed by mountains, including the Uluguru, Rubeho and Udzungwa ranges. Because the land is so open, animals are easy to spot, which is one reason Mikumi works well for a short safari. The main road from Dar es Salaam to Zambia crosses the park, so from some parts of the plains you may see traffic in the distance.
Wildlife you can expect
- Elephants, giraffes, zebras and buffalo: common on the floodplain and around the waterholes.
- Impalas, wildebeest and other antelopes: on the open grassland.
- Hippos: in the hippo pools, often close enough for good photos.
- Lions: seen often; leopards more rarely.
- Birds: a rich birdlife, with migrant species from about October to April.
Park fees
Park fees are set by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA). The 2026 figures published by different sources disagree, so we do not list them here: they are included in the price of all our tours, and we confirm the current official figures when you book.
Getting there
- From Zanzibar: a light aircraft to the airstrip in the park takes about an hour, so a day trip is possible.
- From Dar es Salaam by train: the SGR express train reaches Morogoro in under two hours; from there it is about 1½ to 2 hours by road to the park.
- From Dar es Salaam by road: about 300 km, five hours or more depending on traffic.
When to go
- June to October: the dry season, with short grass and animals near the water. The best months for game drives.
- November to May: the rains. The park is green and quieter; heavy rain can make some roads difficult.
Practical tips
- Stay at least one night if you can: early mornings and late afternoons are the best times on the plains.
- On a day trip, bring a light jacket for the early start and sun protection for the middle of the day.
- Light aircraft usually allow about 15 kg of luggage per person in a soft bag.
Questions travellers ask
How do I get to Mikumi from Zanzibar?
By light aircraft: the flight to the airstrip in the park takes about an hour. Our day trip and our 3-day fly-in safari both start and end at your Zanzibar hotel.
Can I visit Mikumi in a day?
Yes. From Zanzibar by air, or from Dar es Salaam by the early SGR train to Morogoro and then by road. Both are full days; staying overnight gives you the early morning and late afternoon, the best times for game drives.
Are there lions in Mikumi?
Yes. Lions are seen often on the Mkata floodplain, leopards more rarely, but wild animals move freely and no sighting can be guaranteed.
How much is the Mikumi park fee?
The fee is set by TANAPA and charged per person for every 24 hours. The 2026 figures published by different sources disagree, so we confirm the official figure when you book. Park fees are included in the price of all our Mikumi tours.
When is the best time to visit Mikumi?
June to October, the dry season, when the grass is short and animals gather near water. From November to May the park is green and quieter, but some roads can be difficult after heavy rain.
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