Mikumi National Park is often referred to as the Serengeti of the south, it has the same sprawling floodplains and abundance of game. Often overlooked, Mikumi is located just 5 hours from Dar es Salaam, making it a great destination for an affordable safari for those short on time or cash.
Fast Facts
Where
Located 5 hours west of Dar es Salaam, most tours begin and end in Dar. There is the option to pick up tours in Morogoro, the nearest major town.
Group Size
Standard safari size is a maximum of 6 people.
Budget
With the right operator a Mikumi safari can be done for around $135 a day for a 2 day safari and even less for longer trips.
Duration
2 or 3 days
Pro's
Easily accessible from Dar es Salaam
Accessible year round meaning this is a great option during the rainy season
Camping in the park is included in most itineraries meaning you can spend the night listening to the sounds of the bush
Con's
Landscape not as varied or photogenic as some other Tanzanian National Parks
Concentration of game not as high as in some other national parks. Often longer drives between sightings.
Helpful advice
Bring all your standard safari gear, insect repellent, camera, spare batteries, hat and binoculars if you have them. For people looking to do their first self drive safari, Mikumi is one of the best options. Roads are clearly marked and campsites are easily accessible within the park. Maps.me is a great app for navigating when you have no mobile signal. For group tours Mikumi is a great option for a budget safari, many people consider it one of the most underrated parks in Tanzania. If you are really pinching pennies then consider taking the bus to Morogoro and picking up a safari operator there. Likely you will save money by allowing a local operator to step in who doesn't need to complete the return trip to Dar.
How to book
Get in touch with the team at The Slow Leopard and we will work to find a group that matches up with your travel plans. Simply follow the link below, fill out the form and we will do the rest!
Sample Itinerary