Size: 3,230 sq km (1,250 sq miles)
Location: 283 km (175 miles) West from Dar es Salaam, North of the Selous Game Reserve and en route to Udzungwa and Ruaha.

Mikumi National Park is the fourth-largest park in Tanzania, and part of a much larger ecosystem centred on the vast Selous Game Reserve. It's located in the northern border of Africa's biggest game reserve, the Selous, and is transected by the surfaced road between Dar es Salaam (Dar) and Iringa. Mikumi is thus the most accessible part of a 75,000 square kilometre (47,000 square mile) tract of wilderness that stretches east almost as far as the Indian Ocean. The park is also bordered by Uluguru Mountains in the north and Rubeho Mountains to the south-east.

During a safari in Mikumi the main feature is the Mkata River Flood Plain. The open horizons and abundant wildlife of the Mkata Floodplain, the popular centrepiece of Mikum, draw frequent comparisons to the more famous Serengeti Plains. Mikumi was extended to the border with Selous in 1975. It was gazetted in 1964 during the construction of Morogoro- Iringa highway. Mikumi shares the eco-system with the Selous Game Reserve and Kilombero Game Controlled Area. With 3,230 square kilometers coverage Mikumi safaris are a well-known wildlife destination.

Wildlife
The Mkata River is reliable for sightings of powerful crocodiles and hippos in the floodplains during the rain season. The greater kudu and sable antelope haunt the miombo-covered foothills of the mountains that rise from the park's borders. Wildlife safaris to Mikumi are well-known for the population of elephants, giraffes buffaloes, zebras, elands and wildebeest. Predators include, leopards, wild hunting dogs and black-backed jackal. Mikumi also has more than 400 bird species such as colourful common residents like the lilac-breasted roller, yellow-throated longclaw and bateleur eagle.

How To Get There
A good surfaced road connects Mikumi to Dar es Salaam via Morogoro, a roughly 4 hour drive. Also road connections to Udzungwa Mountains and Ruaha National Parks and (dry season only) the Selous. Charter a flight from Dar, Arusha, or the Selous. Local buses run from Dar to the park headquarters, where game drives can be arranged.

What To Do
Mikunin game drives and guided walks. Visit nearby the Udzungwa Mountains, Ruaha and the Selous .

When To Go
Accessible year round.

Accommodation
Two safari lodges, two luxury tented safari camps, three campsites. Guest houses in Mikumi town on the park border.