Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park, sharing a border and ecosystem with the Selous Game Reserve to the south, is just a three to four-hour drive from Dar es Salaam. Situated along the main highway to Zambia, it also serves as a gateway to the Udzungwa Mountains, Ruaha, and Kitulo National Parks. The park's standout feature is the expansive Mikumi floodplain, flanked by mountain ranges on two sides. The floodplain's open grasslands gradually transition into the miombo woodland that covers the lower hills. Covering an area of 3,230 square kilometers, Mikumi is teeming with wildlife, including buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, lion, elephant, impala, hippos, baboons, giraffe, warthog, waterbuck, and eland, all of which can be seen throughout the year. The park is also home to reptiles like crocodiles, monitor lizards, and pythons. Though less commonly spotted, you might encounter the Sable Antelope in the southern part of the park, as well as Greater Kudu, leopards, and the elusive African Wild Dog. With over 400 bird species recorded, including European migrants during the rainy season, Mikumi offers a rich and diverse wildlife experience.