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Mikumi National Park

Übersicht

Der unterschätzte Mikumi-Nationalpark ist bekannt für seine weiten Horizonte und seine reiche Tierwelt, insbesondere in der Serengeti-ähnlichen Mkata-Flussauenlandschaft. Der Hippo Pool und das Millennium-Gebiet sind aus gutem Grund besonders beliebt. Die Straße von Dar es Salaam nach Ruaha teilt Mikumi in zwei Hälften und kann während der Trockenzeit stark befahren sein. Um den Menschenmassen zu entkommen, bietet der Süden des Parks eine wilde Naturlandschaft und ist bekannt für seine Elefanten und Löwen.

Aktivitäten

Game Drives

Experience morning, afternoon, or full-day game drives across the Mkata floodplain, where wildlife is easy to spot. Common sightings include elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, wildebeest, and hippos.

Bird Watching

With over 400 bird species, Mikumi is a paradise for birders. Spot species like the lilac-breasted roller, Bateleur eagle, yellow-throated longclaw, marabou stork, and various waterfowl near wetlands.

Visit Local Villages & Cultural Tours

Engage with nearby Maasai or local communities to learn about traditional lifestyles, food, dance, and crafts. Some lodges can arrange cultural excursions.

Walking Safaris (With Guides)

While limited compared to larger reserves, some areas near the park allow guided nature walks, offering a closer look at the flora, tracks, and smaller wildlife.

Wildlife Photography

The park’s open plains and abundance of animals make it ideal for photography. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best natural light and wildlife activity.

Scenic Drives to Vuma Hills or Surrounding Highlands

Explore scenic viewpoints like Vuma Hills, offering panoramic views of the plains, sunsets, and peaceful picnic spots.

Stay in Safari Lodges or Tented Camps

Enjoy bush experiences at lodges and camps within or near the park, many of which offer night game drives, campfires, and wildlife viewing from your room.

Combine with Nearby Parks

Mikumi can be a starting point for longer itineraries that include Udzungwa Mountains, Ruaha National Park, or Selous/Nyerere National Park, making it a flexible addition to southern Tanzania safaris.

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Wildtiere & Tiere

Mikumi National Park offers an authentic safari experience with rich biodiversity and easy wildlife viewing, especially in the Mkata floodplain, often compared to the Serengeti. The park is home to large herds of elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest, often seen grazing together. Predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas roam the plains, while hippos and crocodiles thrive in the park’s watering holes. Mikumi is also known for the rare and beautiful greater kudu, eland, sable antelope, and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest. With over 400 bird species, the park attracts both resident and migratory birds, making it a haven for birdwatchers. The open landscape and variety of ecosystems—from savannah to woodland—support an incredible array of wildlife, offering one of the most accessible and rewarding safari experiences in southern Tanzania.

Elephant

Giraffe

Hippo

Buffalo

Zebra

Wildebeest

White Rhino

Black Rhino

Lion

Leopard

Cheetah

Hyena

Wild Dog

Gorilla

Chimpanzee

Vögel & Vogelbeobachtung

Mikumi National Park is an excellent destination for birdwatching, with over 400 bird species recorded. From November to April, colorful resident birds, such as the yellow-throated longclaw and the bateleur, are joined by various Palearctic migratory species. The hippo pool and Mwanambogo Dam are ideal locations for observing waterbirds like the African fish eagle, African spoonbill, and hamerkop. Additionally, African openbills are frequently spotted fishing along the Mkata River.

Best Time for Bird Watching

Birdwatching is enjoyable year-round, but the best time to observe birds is from November to February. During this period, migratory birds from Europe and North Africa arrive in November and remain until April. However, birdwatching may become more challenging in March and April due to increased rainfall. Throughout the migratory season, resident birds can also be seen in their breeding plumage. For general wildlife viewing, the best time is from late June to October.

Birds in Mikumi National Park

Saddle billed stork

marabou stork

Common

long tailed fiscal

black bellied bustard

Common

Namaqua Dove

Common

Beste Reisezeit

The best time to visit Mikumi National Park is during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife viewing is at its peak. During these months, vegetation is sparse and animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot on game drives—especially along the Mkata floodplain. The weather is sunny and pleasant, ideal for safaris and photography. Birdwatchers may prefer the wet season (November to May) when migratory species arrive and the landscape turns lush and green. However, heavy rains in March and April can make some roads challenging to navigate. Mikumi’s accessibility from Dar es Salaam makes it a great year-round destination, but for the best game viewing and comfort, the dry months offer the ultimate experience. Whether you’re stopping over or planning a full southern circuit safari, Mikumi’s wildlife and scenery are most impressive in the dry season.

Anreise

Safaris to Mikumi National Park usually start from Dar es Salaam, and your point of entry for the country will generally be Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR). In most cases, your tour operator will pick you up from the airport and handle all further ground operations or domestic flights.

Flying to one of Mikumi’s airstrips is possible from Nyerere (formerly Selous Game Reserve) and Ruaha National Parks, as well as from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. Charter flights might also be possible from some of Tanzania’s Northern circuit parks.

Mikumi is a 6-hour* drive from Dar es Salaam (300km/186mi to the east) and is sometimes visited as a weekend getaway by residents. Many travelers who visit Mikumi do so en route to the popular Ruaha National Park.

If driving from Ruaha, the distance is about 320km/200mi, and the drive takes roughly 6 hours*.

Mikumi lies 795km/494mi south of Arusha by road.

Safari-Touren nach Mikumi National Park

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Unterkünfte in Mikumi National Park

Marafiki Beach Hotel

Nimali Mara

Olmorijo Migration Camp (Kogatende)

Serengeti Sound of Silence Tented Camp

Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge

Karatu Tented Lodge

Tarangire Safari Haven Camp

Lake Burunge Tented Lodge

Die Lake Burunge Tented Lodge liegt in spektakulärer Lage direkt am Ufer des Burunge

La Luna Suite Apartments

Mwezi Boutique Resort

FAQ Über Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park is renowned for:

Accessibility: It’s one of Tanzania’s most easily accessible national parks, just a few hours’ drive from Dar es Salaam.
Mkata Floodplain: This vast, open grassland resembling the Serengeti offers excellent opportunities for spotting a wide variety of wildlife.
Big Game Viewing: Mikumi National Park is home to four of the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, and leopard), making it a rewarding destination for classic safari experiences. Rhino are currently absent but there are plans for reintroduction.
Baobab Trees: The landscape is dotted with majestic baobab trees, creating a picturesque setting.
Birdlife: With over 400 bird species, Mikumi National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers.

Mikumi National Park offers a diverse range of wildlife, making it a fulfilling safari destination:

Large Mammals: Expect to see significant populations of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and impalas.
Predators: Lions are common, often seen on the Mkata Floodplain or even resting in trees. Leopards and spotted hyenas are also present, though generally more elusive. African wild dogs are sometimes spotted, representing a rare sighting.
Antelopes: Unique species like the eland (the world’s largest antelope), greater kudu (especially in the Miombo woodlands), sable antelope, and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest can be found in Mikumi National Park.
Primates: Yellow baboons and vervet monkeys are frequently seen throughout the park.
Hippos and Crocodiles: The Hippo Pools, just a few kilometers from the main gate, are a popular spot to see hippos and various waterbirds.
Birdlife: The park boasts over 400 bird species, including the striking lilac-breasted roller, yellow-throated longclaw, bateleur eagle, and various storks and raptors.

The best time to visit Mikumi National Park for optimal wildlife viewing is during the dry season, from June to October.

Dry Season (June to October): During these months, the vegetation is thinner, and animals tend to congregate around the dwindling water sources, such as the Mkata River and the Hippo Pools, making them easier to spot. The weather is generally sunny and warm, ideal for game drives. This period also increases the chances of witnessing predator-prey interactions.
Wet Season (November to May): While roads can be more challenging due to mud, the park is lush and green, offering beautiful scenery and fantastic opportunities for birdwatching as migratory species arrive. There are also fewer tourists during this period, providing a more private experience within Mikumi National Park.

Mikumi National Park is perfect for a day trip or a 1-night/2-day safari from Dar es Salaam, making it ideal for those with limited time. If you combine it with nearby parks like Udzungwa Mountains or a quick flight to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous), you might extend your stay.

Mikumi National Park is highly accessible:

By Road: The most common way to reach Mikumi National Park is by road from Dar es Salaam. It’s approximately a 4-5 hour drive (around 288 km) along a good tarmac highway (the A7 or Tanzam Highway), which actually traverses a section of the park. This makes it a popular choice for self-drivers or those on overland tours.
By Air: For a quicker journey, you can take a domestic flight from Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) to the Mikumi Airstrip, located within Mikumi National Park. Flights typically take less than an hour.

Entry fees for Mikumi National Park are set by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) and are subject to change. As of July 2025, the approximate fees (excluding 18% VAT, which is usually added) are:

Non-resident Adults (16+ years): Approximately $30 USD per person per 24 hours.
Non-resident Children (5-15 years): Approximately $10 USD per person per 24 hours.
Children under 5: Free.
Vehicle Entry Fee: Around $20 USD per vehicle per day (for locally registered cars).
Concession Fees: If staying at a lodge inside Mikumi National Park, there’s an additional concession fee (around $25 USD per adult per night) excluding VAT.
Activity Fees:
- Walking safaris: Around $20 USD per person (adult non-resident).
- Night game drives: Around $50 USD per person (adult non-resident).

It’s always best to check the latest official TANAPA tariffs or consult your tour operator for the most current and accurate pricing for your visit to Mikumi National Park.

Yes, Mikumi National Park is generally considered very safe for tourists. As with any safari destination, it’s crucial to adhere to park rules and listen to your guide’s instructions, especially concerning wildlife. Petty crime is rare within the park itself, but standard precautions should be taken in urban areas like Dar es Salaam. Regarding health, malaria is a risk in Tanzania, so consult your doctor about antimalarial medication and use insect repellent, especially during dusk and dawn.

Mikumi National Park offers a range of classic safari activities:

Game Drives: The primary activity, exploring the Mkata Floodplain and other areas in a safari vehicle to observe the diverse wildlife of Mikumi National Park.
Walking Safaris: Guided walking safaris are available in designated areas, allowing you to experience the bush on foot, focusing on smaller creatures, tracks, and flora.
Night Game Drives: Some lodges offer night game drives, providing a chance to spot nocturnal animals like civets, genets, and perhaps even leopards on the hunt, adding a different dimension to your Mikumi National Park experience.
Birdwatching: With its rich avian diversity, Mikumi National Park is excellent for birding.
Cultural Tourism: Opportunities exist to visit nearby villages outside the park to learn about local culture and daily life.

Accommodation options for Mikumi National Park range from public campsites and basic bandas (huts) inside the park to mid-range lodges and tented camps located both inside and just outside the park gates. Many lodges offer comfortable amenities and excellent views, providing a great base for your Mikumi National Park safari.

Weguide African Safari on Trip Advisor

Hier sind einige Erfahrungsberichte unserer Reisenden über ihre Erlebnisse mit WeGuide African Safaris

      Excellent rating  
 Based on 16 reviews 
    
  
 
 
       Hiked Kilimanjaro (6 days) and went on a Safari (5 days Kilimanjaro Hike was amazing! Our guide (Mollel) and porters were all excellent. They were each knowledgable, encouraging and friendly. They took time to get to know us and understand our needs. They helped us feel comfortable with the challenge and enabled us to enjoy our trek from start to finish!Our Safari was equally outstanding! Again, we had terrific guides (Sam & Tembo). They, too, were knowledgable, accommodating and made each day a super fun adventure for all of us! They were incredible at tracking down all of the Big 5! They even found the black rhinos!The Value for the Money was unreal, as well. I would 100% recommend Soul of Tanzania to anyone who is looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Tanzanian experience!
     
   Shairanking F 
 
 
 
 
 
     Unforgettable Safari and experience at its best Journey to Africa My friend and I did a 8 day Safari, starting in Tarangire NP, Serengeti central and South (Ndutu) with big Migration, Ngorongoro crater and Lake Tanganyika. All planning including our wishes and suggestions from Weguide Safari what is best for the time we were traveling were done with WhatsApp. The communication was very easy with very quick respondSo we had an excellent Safari with weguide africa safaris with nice, safe and quite large accommodations and tented camps, including good food.I think our guide Mollel will be the best guide you can find. He has a very good knowledge about animals and their behavior, wildlife and Tanzania culture. Besides he is helpful, friendly and a very good and save driver.We have seen all Big 5 and a great number of other animals living there.He even could find animals hidden under bushes or in trees in a great distance and getting closer we could watch them very, very nearby.My brother with family did the Safari before us with Guide Kennedy. and we all together have the same opinion that this Safari couldn't be topped.It was my best Safari I've done until now and I couldn't imagine getting something better. So much wildlife!!!!I would it recommend to 100%
     
   GreengatePeter 
 
 
 
 
 
     SOLO TRIP TO TANZANIA SAFARI WITH WEGUIDE AFRICA SAFARIS ( 100% I RECCOMENDED WEGUID FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS) Tanzania as a safari destination has it all: if this is your first safari and your driving ambition is to get some amazing sightings and to rack up the big 5 as soon as possible then Ngorongoro Conservation Area is probably the best place in the world. Head for the Serengeti, however, if you have time for a longer safari and your goal is to take time to roam – moving as a nomad with the vast herds, or simply skitting across the savannah between the rock outcrops that are the lookout posts of the Serengeti prides. The Serengeti remains for me (alongside Botswana’s Kalahari) as one of the very best places in the world to experience the awe-inspiring vastness of the African wilderness. There is no feeling like being in the middle of the incomparable immensity of the savannah with no other vehicle in sight and a herd of wildebeest stretching as far as the eye can see towards the horizon.
     
   GoPlaces65996083400 
 
 
 
 
 
     Tanzanian Romantic Safari for Couple Unforgettable honeymoon - safari & beach holidayOverall, great experience with WeGuide Celia has been extremely helpful in tailoring the itinerary for the safari and has assisted us all along the process.Our guide, Sam, and was always on time and truly did his best to show us all the possible animals within the visited parks. We've had nice lunches (with juice and wine) during the 5 days of Safari and the car was always sparkling clean in the morning when our guide was picking us up :) We would've appreciated our guide to be a bit more involved in the conversation (the answers we got to our questions about birds/animals weren't really detailed and we would've enjoyed talking/getting to know our guide a bit more, especially during our common lunches) but of course this didn't ruin our experience.Our safari was followed by a beach holiday in Zanzibar : Ceci has arranged a pick-up at the airport for us. The hotel (Z hotel in Nungwi) was also great and the honeymoon package made our holiday unforgettable.I can only recommend Soul of Tanzania and Tanzania in general. The safari is a magical experience everyone should have in a lifetime.
     
   phillip 
 
 
 
 
 
     Viajero solo en la vida silvestre de Tanzania y safaris de experiencia en Zanzíbar Planeamos nuestro viaje a Tanzania junto con Cecie en weguide Safari. Le hemos dicho aproximadamente lo que queríamos hacer (lago Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti y Zanzibar) y ella sugirió el itinerario y el alojamiento que discutimos y adaptamos juntos. El Serengeti fue probablemente el más impresionante de los parques y tal vez si el tiempo hubiera sido un problema, me habría saltado el lago Manyara para ir directamente al Ngorongoro. (Aunque el alojamiento en el lago Manyara fue increíble, Escarpment Luxury Lodge). Todos los alojamientos tenían algo especial y terminar con un par de días de relax en Zanzíbar fue simplemente perfecto.
     
   Marion 
 
 
 
 
 
     Great experience at Mara River (Serengeti) So nice to see and read about sam maasai guide. He was my guide when I visited Tanzania. I also had great game driving experiences, and yes, being patient definitely paid off time after time. We experienced elephants crossing the Mara River, and Sam explained how the matriarch makes the decision to cross and how the elephants would not all cross at once, rather cross in small groups of adults, babies, and elders. We stayed and saw group after group cross and come up the bak of the river directly beside our vehicle,. We also saw a group in the river stop and surround each other and then there was trumpeting by the herd on both sides of the river. Sam explained that they must have sensed danger like crockerdiles, and that they would reteat back; that’s exactly what happened and the trumpeting continued on both sides of the river for a while. When we returned to the Mara River Camp that evening, everyone was envious of our experience and commented how much they loved to have heard the elephants communicating. Like you and your son, we had great experiences every day. Love your photos and descriptions. It’s truly the trip of a lifetime
     
   Whistler 
 
 
 
 
 
     Mikumi National park and Zanzibar island The Mikumi National Park is located in eastern Tanzania, some 100 kms south of Morogoro and 280 km west of Dar Es Salaam. It is next to the Selous Reserve and a few kilometers from the Udzungwa Mountains National Park. The wildlife includes monkeys, lions, leopards, panthers, elephants, giraffes zebras, hipos, etc. Approximately 360 different species of birds have been spotted. The park is very popular and is easily accessible from Dar Es Salaam. It is specially equipped for bird watching. Greenery includes the miombo forest which is dominated by Brachystegia spp. The Combretum-Terminalia forest is common between the hills and the plains along the river.In this lower part dominated by Acacia spp, Adansonia digitata baobab and Sterculia appendiculata and the top of gallery forest and riparian dense scrub along rivers Mgoda, Kikobogo and Mkata. The ebony Dalbergia melanoxylon, Sclerocarya caffra, Cassia abbreviata flabellifer and Hyphaene Borassus Ventricosa, Balanites aegyptiaca and Ficus spp are all very close to each other. They are common and important to elephants and baboona. A truly unforgettable experience. with weguide afrkca safaris
     
   ASHLEY P 
 
 
 
 
 
     "Zanzibar family trip excursion" "This was our first trip with WeGuide Africa Safari - I believe it's no coincidence that the Bradt Africa guides are simply the best ones on the market and that WeGuide Africa are extraordinary in the depth of their knowledge of the situation on the ground and in their capacity to coordinate and synchronise everything to make it an excellent trip for a family with young children In Zanzibar excursion .We stayed Luxury property at Zuri hotel in Zanzibar .I saw some of the most amazing sights and things in Africa, which I would not have found without the guidance of WeGuide Africa Safari . And for the unforseeable and unavoidable occasional hick ups, the team is there to help where they can.I hope WeGuide Africa Safari stays a well kept secret
     
   Wilton Backer 
 
 
 
 
 
     conquérir le Kilimandjaro" super 7 jours via machame route Bonjour mes amis de TripAdvisor.Je m'appelle Xavier.Je viens de rentrer d'une randonnée INCROYABLE sur le mont Kilimandjaro avec weguide Africa Safaris. J'y suis allé avec Erick le guide et il était IMPRESSIONNANT. Erick m'a tellement aidé à me sentir à l'aise tout au long du voyage et il m'a fait me sentir plus fort simplement en étant en sa présence.Tout d'abord, weguide Africa Safaris m'a aidé à chaque étape du processus de courrier électronique pour planifier le voyage. Ils sont tellement professionnels et organisés et m'ont fait me sentir vraiment très à l'aise et bienvenu pour voyager dans un pays étranger. (je viens de la FR)Je savais que c'était la bonne entreprise pour moi juste par la manière organisée et professionnelle de leurs e-mails. Ils vous guident à chaque étape.Si vous essayez de décider avec quelle compagnie escalader le Kilimandjaro ou avec quelle compagnie partir en safari, C'EST LA SEULE. WEGUIDE AFRICA SAFARIS est vraiment incroyable avec de très bons prix aussi.J'ai escaladé le mont Kilimandjaro avec Erick The Guide et il était un professeur tellement spectaculaire avec qui partager le voyage. Il avait tellement de connaissances sur la montagne et il a un VRAI amour pour la nature et l'exploration. . Erick The Guide et tout l'équipage qui nous a accompagnés étaient géniaux. L'équipage de porteurs que nous avions avec nous était tellement sympathique et accueillant. Ils m'ont vraiment fait me sentir chez moi pendant tout le voyage.Je sais que beaucoup de gens ont peur de voyager à cause de COVID. Mais je ne pense pas que cela devrait vous empêcher de venir en Afrique.Si quoi que ce soit, je pense que c'est le moment le plus courageux et le plus spontané pour parcourir le monde.J'ai passé un très bon moment avec WEGUIDE AFRICA SAFARIS et je pense que c'est le moment idéal pour explorer le monde. Allez saisir cette chance et VOYAGEZ. Cela pourrait juste changer votre vie.Erick The Guide et weuide Africa Safaris - vous étiez tous les meilleurs et je vous remercie de m'avoir donné l'opportunité d'escalader le mont Kilimandjaro.Quiconque lit ces mots - weguide Africa Safaris est super sympa, super professionnel et super organisé et ils ont des prix imbattables. N'ayez pas peur de suivre votre cœur. Le monde est fait pour être exploré.Merci Erick et toute l'équipe de weguide Africa Safaris qui ont facilité mon voyage. Je suis très reconnaissant de vous avoir trouvé.
     
   XAVIER 
 
 
 
 
 
     Tanzania wildlife familiy safari with weguide africa safaris great company in Tanzania The trip was definitely a wonderful experience. The guide was very good, and that is one of the most important parts of a trip like this.Ngorongoro and Serengeti are two fantastic places, and we had the rare privilege of visiting with very little tourism, really feeling and breathing the place.With my current experience, I will change the first part of the trip avoiding lake Manyara and the long transfer of the first day, and planning at least two safaris in the crater
     
   witness A