Mikumi National Park

Easily accessible from Dar es Salaam, Mikumi offers classic safari experiences with open plains reminiscent of the Serengeti. It's home to lions,...

Mikumi National Park at a Glance

Location
Southern Tanzania Wilderness, Tanzania, East Africa
Coordinates
-7.370179, 37.237670
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
High
Best Time to Visit
June to October (dry season) for best game viewing. January to March for wildebeest calving in the Serengeti.

Getting to Mikumi National Park

Nearest airport: Mikumi Airport (HTMK), 14 km away.

Big Five in Mikumi National Park

3 of the Big Five can be found here: Lion, African Buffalo, Leopard.

Weather & Climate in Mikumi National Park

The warmest temperatures in Mikumi National Park occur in November, averaging 24.9°C (up to 30.8°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 20.7°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in June with average rainfall of 17.6mm. Average humidity: 68.9%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 24.3°C (rainfall: 167.2mm)
  • February: 24.6°C (rainfall: 120.7mm)
  • March: 24.1°C (rainfall: 160.2mm)
  • April: 22.5°C (rainfall: 230.3mm)
  • May: 21.9°C (rainfall: 49.1mm)
  • June: 21.2°C (rainfall: 17.6mm)
  • July: 20.7°C (rainfall: 32.3mm)
  • August: 21.6°C (rainfall: 23.4mm)
  • September: 23.1°C (rainfall: 19.3mm)
  • October: 24.4°C (rainfall: 46.6mm)
  • November: 24.9°C (rainfall: 100.8mm)
  • December: 24.6°C (rainfall: 164.9mm)

Best Time to Visit Mikumi National Park

The best months to visit Mikumi National Park are May, June, July, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 24.34°C, rainfall 167.2mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 79.6%
  • February: Good, temperature 24.6°C, rainfall 120.7mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 79.3%
  • March: Good, temperature 24.14°C, rainfall 160.2mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 81%
  • April: Good, temperature 22.5°C, rainfall 230.3mm, sunshine 8.5 hrs, humidity 87.4%
  • May: Great, temperature 21.85°C, rainfall 49.1mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 76.6%
  • June: Great, temperature 21.17°C, rainfall 17.6mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 68.9%
  • July: Great, temperature 20.69°C, rainfall 32.3mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 68.5%
  • August: Great, temperature 21.58°C, rainfall 23.4mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 68.6%
  • September: Great, temperature 23.05°C, rainfall 19.3mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 65.1%
  • October: Great, temperature 24.44°C, rainfall 46.6mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 64.9%
  • November: Great, temperature 24.94°C, rainfall 100.8mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 70.3%
  • December: Good, temperature 24.63°C, rainfall 164.9mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 76.1%

Wildlife in Mikumi National Park

Home to 62 recorded species including 20 iconic birds, 13 birds of prey, 9 waterbirds, 5 tropical birds, 4 big herbivores, 4 big five.

Recommended Packing List for Mikumi National Park

Based on average temperature of 23.2°C, typical conditions, humidity 74%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 23°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Mikumi National Park

15 safari lodges available.

luxury

Other

Similar Parks in Southern Tanzania Wilderness

Visitor Tips - Mikumi National Park

We love Mikumi for its incredible accessibility and the sheer diversity of wildlife concentrated on the Mkata Floodplain, especially during the dry season from June to October. The sunsets are sensational, painting the sky in fiery hues over the plains, and with fewer crowds than some of the larger parks, it offers a wonderfully intimate safari experience. It's a truly rewarding stop for any Tanzanian itinerary.

Gate Times

Mikumi National Park generally operates from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. We always advise confirming current times locally, as slight variations can occur. Park entry fees are typically paid via a TANAPA smart card, which you can purchase and load at the main gates or through your tour operator. Pre-booking isn't usually required for entry, but it's wise to have your payment method ready and sufficient funds on your smart card.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated in Tanzania. For your safari guide, who is your lifeline to the bush, we recommend $20-30 per person per day. For general camp staff, a communal tip of $5-10 per person per day is appropriate, usually placed in a central box. If you participate in a walking safari with a dedicated ranger, $10-15 is a thoughtful gesture. Always tip in local currency (Tanzanian Shillings) or USD, and discreetly.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Tanzania

Travel advisory for Tanzania

Mikumi National Park FAQs

What is the prime season for a safari in Mikumi National Park, and what specific wildlife viewing experiences can I expect there?

The dry season, typically June to October, offers the best wildlife viewing as animals gather at shrinking waterholes, making sightings more predictable. Mikumi is particularly known for its large herds of elephants and buffalo, often seen near the Mkata Floodplain, alongside resident lions and the unique tree-climbing lions in certain areas.

What are the typical costs associated with a safari in Mikumi National Park, including entry fees?

Mikumi National Park's entry fees for non-resident adults are approximately $30 per person per 24 hours, plus a vehicle entry fee. A typical 2-3 day safari package from Dar es Salaam, including transport, accommodation, and game drives, can range from $400 to $800 per person, depending on the lodge standard.

Besides game drives, what other activities are available in Mikumi, and what unique landscape features should I look out for?

While game drives are primary, Mikumi also offers walking safaris with armed rangers, providing a different perspective on the bush. The park's landscape is dominated by the vast Mkata Floodplain, which attracts large concentrations of animals, and features distinctive baobab trees and rocky outcrops like the Malundwe Mountains.

Given the high malaria risk, what specific precautions should I take for a safe safari in Mikumi, and are there other safety considerations?

Beyond consulting your doctor for anti-malarial medication, it's crucial to use insect repellent with DEET, wear long sleeves and trousers at dusk and dawn, and sleep under mosquito nets. General safari safety includes staying inside your vehicle during game drives unless instructed by your guide and following all ranger instructions.

How easily accessible is Mikumi National Park from Dar es Salaam, and what are the recommended transportation options for getting there?

Mikumi is highly accessible, located approximately 4-5 hours by road from Dar es Salaam, making it one of Tanzania's closest major safari parks to the city. The most common and recommended transportation is by private safari vehicle or a chartered flight to the Mikumi airstrip for a quicker, albeit more expensive, option.

Recommended Books

  • Stuarts' Field Guide to National Parks & Game Reserves of East Africa by Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Park-by-park guide with maps, species lists, and practical information. Perfect for planning which parks to visit and what to expect.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Bradt Guide: Northern Tanzania by Philip Briggs - The best single-country safari guide - covers Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara in extraordinary detail with expert local knowledge.
  • Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson & John Fanshawe - Covers Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi - 1,388 species illustrated with range maps. The essential birding companion for East African safaris.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Lonely Planet East Africa by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive travel guide covering Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and beyond. Practical information on visas, transport, accommodation, and detailed park guides.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Tanzania by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive guide covering Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, and beyond. Practical transport, accommodation, and itinerary advice for independent and guided safari travellers.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa by Stephen Spawls, Kim Howell, Harald Hinkel & Michele Menegon - Comprehensive coverage of snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodilians found across East Africa. A niche but appreciated guide for the thorough naturalist.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guide) by Martin B. Withers & David Hosking - Compact pocket guide covering mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. 500+ colour photographs. The best quick-reference guide to carry on game drives.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.