Mikumi National Park is Tanzania’s 4th largest national park, cover an area of 3,230 km 2 located near Morogoro, it is known as an accessible “mini-Serengeti” just 4-5 hours from Dar es Salaam, offering excellent sightings of lions, elephants, buffalo, and giraffe within the scenic Mkata Floodplain
The park shares the name ‘Mikumi’ with the village just beyond its western boarder of the Dar es Salaam to Iringa high way, which traverse the park for 50km. The small town in turn takes the name from the ( Borassus spp) palm, which ones grew there in profusion but no stem is visible in the village. The park lies in a horseshoe of towering mountains enclosed foot hills, which almost enclose the flood plain of the Mkata river. To the east rise the 2,743 meters massif of the Uluguru ranges while to the southwest are the craggy of the Vidunda mountains.
Mikumi is one most reliable places in Tanzania for animal sightings especially during the dry season. This is the time when wildlife is easier to spot because vegetation is thinner and animals gather around water sources such as Mkata river, hippo pools, Mwanambogo poosl and other waterholes. These waterholes are constantly visited by big herds of buffaloes, elephants as well as other wild animals. We are honored that you have chosen to visit and stay with us and look forward to providing you with unforgettable experience.
Mkata Floodplain
The Mkata Floodplain, often called the “mini-Serengeti” of Mikumi National Park, is a sprawling, open grassland teeming with massive herds of buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, and impala. Located in the heart of the park, it serves as the premier game-viewing area, providing consistent year-round wildlife sightings—including lions on termite mounds.It is accessible year-round, the dry season (June to October) is ideal, as animals congregate around the Mkata River and remaining water sources.
Big Four & Wildlife Variety
The Mikumi National park is a premier wildlife destination known as the “Serengeti of the South,” featuring rich savannahs, the Mkata Floodplain, and four of the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard). It is highly accessible, offering excellent year-round game viewing, particularly of large herds, diverse birdlife, and unique antelope species like the Sable and Greater Kudu.
Unique Bird Species
Mikumi National Park, hosts over 400 bird species, including both residents and migratory birds, driven by diverse ecosystems like the Mkata Floodplain and savannah woodlands. Mkata Floodplain Known as the “Serengeti of Mikumi,” this area is prime for viewing waterbirds and savannah species (unique residents) like the Red-throated Wryneck, Dickinson’s Kestrel, and Boehm’s Bee-eater . From November to April, the park is visited by European migrants, including large flocks of White Storks.
Unique Landscapes & Chizua Waterfalls
The Olduvai Gorge is a 55km-long (34 miles) steep ravine Area, Tanzania, situated between Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Famous for fossil discoveries by Mary and Louis Leakey, it holds the oldest evidence of human evolution (1.7–2 million years ago), including Homo habilis and Zinjanthropus..
Hippo Pools
Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is a premier birdwatching destination, boasting over 500 species, including several endemic to the region. The park’s diverse habitats, such as acacia woodlands and savannahs, are ideal for spotting species like the Kori bustard, grey-breasted spurfowl, and Fischer’s lovebird. Migratory birds are best viewed from November to April.
Hot air balloon safaris
A balloon safari in Mikumi National Park offers a thrilling, high-altitude perspective of Tanzania’s southern wilderness, focusing on the scenic Mkata Floodplain at sunrise. Passengers float over acacia woodlands to spot elephants, giraffes, and lions, typically concluding with a traditional champagne bush breakfast. The experience provides a quiet, panoramic view of the park’s varied wildlife and landscapes
Game Drives
Game drives in Serengeti National Park offer world-class wildlife viewing, primarily featuring the Great Migration, the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), and vast savannahs. Drives are conducted in 4×4 vehicles, with early morning (6 AM) and afternoon sessions being most common for spotting active predators. Prime viewing occurs in the dry season, December to February and June to September.
Cultural Tours
Cultural tours in Serengeti National Park focus primarily on immersive experiences with the Maasai people, offering insights into their traditional nomadic lifestyle, (homesteads) made of dung, and beadwork. Tours often include traditional dances, visits to local bomas, and, in some cases, shared meals, providing a deep look into local customs and social structure.This involves visiting to nearby Maasai villages (Bomas) to learn about traditional Maasai culture, dance, and lifestyles.
Bush Meals
Bush meals in Serengeti National Park offer an immersive dining experience, featuring breakfast, lunch, or romantic dinners served in the wilderness
Walking Safaris
Walking safaris in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, offer an intimate, guided experience of the savannah on foot, focusing on flora, fauna, and ecology, often conducted in designated wilderness areas. These treks generally occur in the early morning to avoid the heat, often lasting 1–4 hours to several days, starting around 6:30 am. Walking, often with armed rangers, allows for tracking animals and enjoying wildlife at a close, safe distance without vehicle noise.
The Great Migration Tracking
The Great Migration is a year-round, clockwise movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, covering 1,800 km in the Serengeti Ecosystem. Tracking involves following the herd from Southern Serengeti calving (Jan-March) to Western Corridor crossings (May-June), the dramatic Mara River crossings (July-October), and their return south (Nov-Dec)
Photography and Birdwatching
Serengeti National Park offers world-class bird-watching and photography, boasting over 500 bird species—including five endemic to the region—amidst iconic wildlife. The best time for birding is November to April, when migratory birds arrive and residents breed, providing vibrant photography opportunities, especially around the Seronera and Grumeti regions.
Accomodations in Mikumi National Park
The Serengeti National Park offers an exceptional range of accommodation options designed to suit every style of traveler—from ultra-luxury lodges to intimate tented camps that bring you closer to nature. Whether you seek indulgence, adventure, or a blend of both, your stay in the Serengeti becomes an integral part of the safari experience.
At Travel Finest, we carefully select and recommend accommodations that combine comfort, prime wildlife locations, and authentic African hospitality.
Luxury Lodges
Luxury Lodges
Experience world-class comfort in the heart of the wilderness. Luxury lodges in the Serengeti provide elegant suites, fine dining, infinity pools, and uninterrupted views of the savannah
Features include:
1. Spacious en-suite rooms with private decks
2. Gourmet dining and personalized service
3. Spa and wellness facilities
4. Prime locations for year-round wildlife viewing .
Tented Camps
Tented Camps
Tented camps offer a perfect balance between comfort and authenticity. Designed to immerse you in nature without compromising on luxury, these camps allow you to experience the sounds and sights of the Serengeti up close.
Features include:
1. Fully furnished tents with en-suite bathrooms
2. Intimate and eco-friendly settings
3. Close proximity to wildlife and migration routes
4. Personalized safari experiences
Mobile Camps
Mobile Camps
For those wanting to witness the Great Migration at its best, mobile camps move seasonally to follow the herds across the Serengeti.
Features include:
1. Strategic locations aligned with migration patterns
2. Exclusive and uncrowded wildlife viewing
3. Comfortable yet adventurous accommodation
Mid-Range Lodges & Camps
Mid-Range Lodges & Camps
These accommodations provide excellent comfort and service at a more accessible price point, without compromising the safari experience.
Features include:
1. Comfortable rooms or tents with modern amenities
2. Scenic locations within the park
3. Professional guiding and dining services
Budget Campsites
Budget Campsites
For travelers seeking a more adventurous and cost-effective experience, public and private campsites are available within the Serengeti.
Features include:
1. Basic facilities in designated camping areas
2. Close-to-nature experience
3. Ideal for overland and group safaris
Experience the African Wildness
5 Days
Premium Serengeti Safari + Zanzibar
Experience the perfect balance of adventure, unforgettable journey through Tanzania. Begin your safari in the iconic Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, and incredible wildlife encounters await. Then, unwind on the pristine white sand beaches of Zanzibar,
Read More →
6 Days
The Great Migration Safari
Witness one of the most incredible wildlife events on Earth — the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park. Depending on the season, experience the dramatic wildebeest river crossings, calving herds, and predator action in the Ndutu or northern Serengeti region.
Read More →
3 Days
Tarangire + Ngorongoro + Manyara
Discover the beauty of Tanzania on this short yet rewarding safari, perfect for travelers who want an authentic wildlife experience on a budget. Explore three of the Northern Circuit’s most diverse parks — Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.
Read More →