Mikumi National Park, located in southern Tanzania, is one of the country’s most accessible and popular wildlife reserves. Covering an area of about 3,230 square kilometers (1,247 square miles), it is part of the larger Selous ecosystem and serves as a key wildlife corridor between Selous Game Reserve and the Udzungwa Mountains.

Mikumi’s landscape is dominated by open savannahs with baobab, acacia, and tamarind trees, similar to the Serengeti, but with a unique charm. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including **elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, and hippos**. The park is also known for its significant population of **African wild dogs**, which are rare in many other parks.

The Mkata Floodplain is one of the park’s highlights, where large herds of animals gather, making it an ideal area for game viewing. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 400 species recorded, including colorful birds like lilac-breasted rollers and saddle-billed storks.

Mikumi’s close proximity to Dar es Salaam (about a 4-5 hour drive) makes it an ideal destination for short safaris, offering a blend of rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes. It’s also a key stop for travelers en route to Ruaha National Park or Selous Game Reserve.