Mikumi National Park

Mikumi is an open savanna park in Tanzania where you can see elephants, giraffes and lions on a drive from the coast.

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Mikumi National Park is a savanna park in Tanzania's Morogoro region, in the east of the country. The main highway between Dar es Salaam and Zambia runs through the park, which makes it a practical stop for travelers driving from the coast.

The park is known for open grassland and the Mkata floodplain, where visitors often see animals from the road. Elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo and lions are among the animals most visitors look for, though sightings depend on the day and the season. Mikumi suits travelers who want a shorter trip than the northern circuit. The dry season, roughly June to October, is the strongest time for game viewing, because animals gather around water. Plan at least one full day, or two days if you want a second drive or a night in the park.

Mikumi National Park in five

Pay park fees through TANAPAMikumi is run by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), which sets the daily park fees. Check the current rates and payment methods on the TANAPA website before you travel, because they change.
Get your visa before you flyVisa rules depend on your passport. Check your nationality and the e-visa process before you book flights.Visas and entry
Book a car and driver from Dar es SalaamMost visitors reach the park by road from Dar es Salaam, a long drive of several hours. Compare hiring a car with a driver against joining a tour before you commit.Getting around
Carry shillings for tips and small shopsDrivers and guides expect tips in cash. Bring small Tanzanian shilling notes so you can pay without needing change.Money and costs
Set up offline maps before the parkPlan for patchy mobile signal inside the park. Download offline maps and your booking confirmations before you leave Dar es Salaam or Morogoro.Phones and eSIM

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to Mikumi National ParkPut the places you like in Mikumi National Park on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Currency: Tanzanian shilling (TZS)
Entry: Visa for many passports; apply through the e-visa portal before you fly Read more
Emergency: 112 police; ask your lodge for an ambulance
Tipping: Expected for guides and drivers, in cash
Time: UTC+3, no daylight saving

Weather by month

Best
Good
Mixed
Poor

JanuaryHot, green
FebruaryHot, green
MarchLong rains
AprilLong rains
MayRains ending
JuneDry season starts
JulyAnimals at water
AugustDry, dusty roads
SeptemberDry, quieter
OctoberHot, dry
NovemberShort rains
DecemberShort rains

Right now in Mikumi National Park

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 25°
Humidity: 61%
Wind: 12 km/h
Chance of rain: 90%

Mikumi National Park

11:37 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT+3

Today32°22°90%Monday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 90%.
Tue33°23°67%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 33°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 67%.
Wed32°23°72%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 72%.
Thu33°22°61%Thursday: Drizzle. High 33°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 61%.
Fri33°21°9%Friday: Drizzle. High 33°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 9%.
Sat34°22°6%Saturday: Drizzle. High 34°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 6%.
Sun34°22°14%Sunday: Drizzle. High 34°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 14%.

Updated 08:24 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 2,635 TZS

Amount

Converted to

TZS · Tanzanian Shilling

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Before you go to Mikumi National Park

Car and driver from Dar es SalaamThe highway runs through the parkRead the guide

eSIM for TanzaniaSave offline maps before the parkRead the guide

Insurance for a safari tripMedical cover far from hospitalsRead the guide

Lodges and camps near MikumiBook early in the dry seasonRead the guide

Rules for Mikumi National Park, checked

Stay on the marked roads; off-road driving in Tanzanian national parks is not allowed.Source
Leave the park before the gates close each evening; night driving in the park is not permitted.Source
Drones need prior permission from TANAPA before you fly one inside the park.

Plan around Mikumi National Park

All of Tanzania

Entry rules, parks, money and the wider route

Read the guide All of Africa

Other safari parks and routes across the continent

Read the guide Getting around Tanzania

The highway from Dar es Salaam, car hire and flights

Read the guide Where to stay

Lodges and camps for a park stay near Mikumi

Read the guide Money and costs

Shillings, tipping and cash for drivers and guides

Read the guide Visas and entry

Visa rules by passport and the steps to enter

Read the guide

Mikumi National Park FAQ

How do I get to Mikumi National Park?

Most visitors drive from Dar es Salaam or Morogoro on the main highway, which runs through the park. Hire a car with a driver or join a tour, and set off early to reach the park before the gates close.

How many days do I need in Mikumi?

Two nights covers a morning and an afternoon drive on the park roads. Three nights gives you time to repeat the loops and see different animals at different times of day.

When is the best time to visit Mikumi?

The dry season from June to October is the best time, when animals gather near the water and the grass is short. The green season from March to May brings heavy rain and poor road conditions.

What animals can I see in Mikumi?

Elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, lions and many antelope species live in the park. Sightings are easiest on the main roads in the dry season.

Can I see animals from the highway?

Yes, the highway crosses the park, and animals sometimes come close to the road. Game drives on the park loops show more of the park and a wider range of animals.

Do I need a guide in Mikumi?

You do not need a guide to drive your own car on the park roads. A licensed driver-guide is required for walking safaris.