Safari Activities to do in Mikumi National Park in 2025

Safari Activities to do in Mikumi National Park in 2025 : Mikumi National Park is situated in southeastern Tanzania and is known for being one of the most accessible and lively national parks in the country. It covers an area of approximately 3,230 square kilometers, making its the fourth largest national park in Tanzania. Located just a few hours from the busy city of Dar-es-salaam, it attracts many visitors, both local and international. The Park shares a common border and ecosystem with Selous Game Reserve in the south thus making animals migrate to and from the northern part of the reserve. Mikumi is located between the Uluguru Mountains and the Lumango range. Established in 1994, the park was created to protect the unique plants and animals in the area. This park is covered with a mix of open savannah grassland dotted with Baobab Trees, woodlands, Riverine Forests, Lowland Forests, Bushland and Thicket, and acacia trees.

Mikumi National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife species such as Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Elephants, Zebras, Sable antelope, African hunting dog, blue wildebeest, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Impalas, Elands, Greater Kudu, Warthogs. Primates like Yellow Baboon, Vervet Monkeys, Colobus Monkeys also call Mikumi home. Amphibians and reptiles like Nile Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Pythons, Cobras, Tortoises and Turtles can also be found in the park. The park also hosts more than 400 bird species and some of these include; Lilac-breasted Rollers, Secretary Birds, African Fish Eagles, Open-Billed Storks, Yellow-Billed Storks, Hornbills, Ground Hornbills, Kingfishers, Bee-Eaters, Vultures and Raptors.  However, this article details some of the unique activities to do in Mikumi National Park. They include;

Game drives

One of the best things to do in Mikumi National Park is game drives. Mikumi National Park offers morning game drives, day game drives and even night game drives, which allow them to see different animals, including those that come out after dark. These drives are conducted on 4×4 safari vehicles, guided by knowledgeable safari guides who help everyone spot animals in their natural surroundings. Game drives in Mikumi National Park are mainly take place in the Mkata floodplains, an ideal spot for spotting lions and leopards. During your game drive safaris, you’ll have the chance to spot different wildlife roaming in their natural habitat such as Elephants, Buffaloes, leopards, lions, Zebras, Wildebeest, Hyenas, Sable Antelopes, Great Kudu, Hartebeest Impalas, Baboons, Giraffe, Warthogs, Waterbucks, Gazelle and Elands. Another point that should not be missed out during the game drive is the Hippo Pool where you watch the hippos wallowing and snorting at a close range.

 Birding

Mikumi National Park is one of the best birding destinations in Tanzania. The park is home to is over 400 bird species both the migratory and the resident birds dwelling in the park habitats such as woodlands grasslands, and wetlands. Birding in this stunning national park can be done during the game drives and nature walks. While on your birding excursion, you’ll have an opportunity to spot different colorful birds such as Zanzibar red bishop, purple breasted roller, hornbills, malachite kingfisher, bateleurs eagle, martial eagle, yellow-throated longclaw, open billed stork, marabou stork. Sacred Ibis, Hadada Ibis, African spoonbill, Red-billed Duck, Pygmy Goose, Egyptian Goose and Knob-billed Duck among others.  Birding in Mikumi National Park is best done during the months November and April.

Cultural visit

Mikumi National Park is home to distinct cultures that come together under Chilunga cultural tourism. Visitors can explore nearby villages, where they can join in on cultural dance performances and taste traditional dishes. Additionally, there are local market visits and tours of the villages available for tourists.

Nature walks

If you want to get closer with nature, nature walks tours can provide an exciting adventure. These safaris are guided by skilled park rangers, who lead you through the park on foot.  Nature walks in the park are conducted in the designated walking trails and takes 3-4 trolling through the park such as Kikoboga, Vuma Hills, and the Mikumi wildlife resort trail. While on you guided nature walks, you’ll discover the parks hidden treasures and learn about the small details of the ecosystem they you might miss when driving around in a vehicle. These guided nature walks also gives you a chance to see wildlife in their natural surrounding and gain knowledge about tracking animals, recognizing different plants and delicate balance of the environment.

Camping and Picnics

Mikumi National Park is a great spot for both camping and picnicking, letting visitors really connect with nature. If you’re into camping, the northern area of the park is where you’ll want to go, especially if you love being outdoors. There are two types od campsites available such as a public one and a private one. Basic amenities like water, toilets, bathrooms and a kitchen are provided. If you want to stay at a private campsite, its best to book in advance to avoid any issues. On the other hand, the park also offers stunning views and landscape, making t a fantastic place for safari picnic. You can enjoy a variety of activities, including food, games, at popular picnic spots like Mwanambogo, Mbuyuni and Millenium.

Best time to go to Mikumi National Park

You can visit Mikumi National Park anytime throughout the year, but the chance to see wildlife is during the dry season during the months of June through October. During this time, the vegetation are less dense, making it easier to spot animals gathering near the Mkata River for water.

Accommodation in Mikumi National Park

Makimi National Park has several lodging places where travelers can stay and these vary in class from luxury to mid-range to budget safari lodges and camps. You can choose to stay in any of these accommodation facilities such as; Mikumi resort, Mikumi safari lodge, Ritungu camp Mikumi, Mantis lodge & camping site, Mikumi safari lodge and Mikumi adventure lodge among others

How to access Mikumi National Park

You can reach Mikumi National Park by road or air, depending on the traveler’s choice. By road the park can be accessed using different routes. For instance, the park can be accessed from Dar-es-Salaam and the journey takes 4 to 5 hours to reach the park. If you’re travelling from Dodoma or Ruaha National Park the journey takes approximately 6 hours.  Alternatively, you can fly, as their flights are organized by safari Air link connecting to other parts like Selous, Zanzibar, Ruaha and Dar es Salaam.