Experience the Dawn on the Mkata Floodplain
Swirls of mist hide the approaching dawn as the first shafts of sunlight illuminate the russet grass heads rippling across Mikumi National Park. Zebras move gracefully, their stripes blending into a living ballet across the plains, perfectly camouflaged in this predatory hour.
Mikumi National Park, covering 3,230 sq km (1,250 sq miles), lies at the northern edge of Africa’s largest game reserve, the Selous. Just 283 km (175 miles) west of Dar es Salaam, the park is easily accessible via a surfaced road through Morogoro. It also connects to Udzungwa, Ruaha, and Selous (dry season only) and offers charter flight options from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Selous.
Wildlife and Scenic Highlights
Mikumi’s open horizons and rich biodiversity draw comparisons to the Serengeti Plains. The Mkata Floodplain, the park’s centerpiece, is home to zebras, wildebeest, impala, buffalo, and majestic lions surveying their kingdom from termite mounds or tree perches during the rainy season. Giraffes forage among isolated acacia trees, while elephants wander the shaded riverbanks of the Mkata River.
The park is also renowned for antelope sightings, including the powerful eland, greater kudu, and sable antelope roaming the miombo-wooded foothills. Mikumi offers excellent birdwatching with over 400 species recorded, including lilac-breasted rollers, yellow-throated longclaws, bateleur eagles, and seasonal European migrants. Hippos in the pools north of the main gate attract a variety of waterbirds, completing the park’s scenic wildlife tableau.
Activities and Adventures
- Game drives across the Mkata Floodplain
- Guided walking safaris
- Birdwatching and photography
- Day trips to Udzungwa Mountains or Selous Game Reserve
Why Visit Mikumi National Park?
- Easily accessible from Dar es Salaam
- Comparable wildlife experiences to the Serengeti without the crowds
- Spectacular plains, riverbanks, and floodplains perfect for photography
- Rich diversity of mammals and over 400 bird species
Best Time to Visit
Mikumi National Park is accessible year-round, with the rainy season providing lush landscapes and abundant migratory birds.