Mikumi National Park, part of the greater Selous ecosystem in southern Tanzania, is a wildlife haven that combines beautiful landscapes with an abundance of animals and birdlife. The park’s wide-open plains and the Mkata River Valley provide ideal habitats for diverse species, including large populations of buffalo, wildebeest, elephants, and lions, often seen lounging on termite mounds or patrolling the plains. The park’s miombo woodlands and seasonal rivers add ecological variety, supporting everything from shy leopards to playful baboons.

Mikumi is especially popular for its approachable wildlife and easy-to-navigate terrain, offering a classic African safari experience. Visitors can explore the park’s hippo pools, where these massive creatures gather alongside colorful water birds, or observe the rare and beautiful sable antelope that roam its grasslands. The park’s relative proximity to Dar es Salaam makes it an accessible choice for travelers, who can enjoy an uncrowded, peaceful safari in a landscape that mirrors the grandeur of Tanzania’s larger parks but with a more intimate, relaxed feel.