Where to stay in Mikumi National Park
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Overview
Mikumi National Park covers about 3,230 km² in south-central Tanzania, about four hours west of Dar es Salaam. It was established in 1964 and borders the Nyerere National Park to the south, forming part of one of Africa’s largest wild areas.
The heart of the park is the Mkata floodplain, an open grassland surrounded by the Uluguru and Rubeho mountains. The main road between Dar es Salaam and Zambia runs through the park.
Because it’s so close to Dar es Salaam and has good roads, Mikumi is a popular short safari. It’s also often combined with Nyerere, Ruaha or Udzungwa.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Plains game
Zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffe, eland, impala and elephant graze the Mkata floodplain.
Predators
Lions are often seen, sometimes climbing trees. Leopard and wild dogs are also present.
Hippos and birds
Hippos wallow in the pools at Mwanambogo, and more than 400 bird species have been recorded.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: June to October, in the dry season, when wildlife gathers near water and roads are easiest.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Jun – Oct | Dry season | The best game viewing. |
| Nov – Dec | Short rains | Green, with some showers. |
| Jan – Feb | Short dry spell | Warm. Good birding. |
| Mar – May | Long rains | Very wet. Some roads become difficult. |
Drive carefully on the highway through the park, where speed limits are enforced.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Julius Nyerere International (DAR), Dar es Salaam | International arrivals | About 4 to 5 hours by road. |
By road
From Dar es Salaam, drive west on the A7 via Morogoro. The main gate and headquarters are on the highway.
Entrance & Fees
Tanzania National Parks charges a conservation fee per person for each 24 hours in the park, paid electronically before or at the gate. From 2026/27 the tariff is quoted in Tanzanian shillings.
| Visitor | Adult | Child (5–15) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-resident | TZS 76,650 | TZS 25,550 |
| Expatriate / resident foreigner | TZS 38,325 | TZS 12,775 |
| Tanzanian citizen | TZS 5,000 | TZS 2,000 |
Children under five enter free. Vehicle, camping and activity fees are extra, and VAT may be added, so confirm the total when you book.
Fees last checked October 2026 against the Tanzania National Parks tariff system (2026/27).
