Picture a land where the sky stretches wide, the grass whispers in the wind, and elephants move like ancient kings across endless golden plains. Now, imagine you don’t need to fly into the middle of nowhere to find it.
You’re closer than you think.
Mikumi National Park’s location is what makes it a traveller’s secret weapon: wild, breathtaking, and — unlike many other parks — surprisingly accessible.
It’s the place you can escape to without needing a map the size of your rental car.
Mikumi National Park lies in southern Tanzania, right along the main highway (A-7) connecting the busy port city of Dar es Salaam to Iringa and eventually into Zambia.
To get nerdy about it: it’s about 283 kilometres (around 4 to 5 hours by car) west of Dar es Salaam.
But you’re not just following a road — you’re tracing a line straight into the heart of real, raw Africa.
Here’s the breakdown:
| Starting Point | Distance to Mikumi | Travel Time |
| Dar es Salaam | 283 km | 4–5 hours by car |
| Iringa | 200 km | 3 hours by car |
| Morogoro (gateway town) | 107 km | 2 hours by car |
Flying in? There are also small airstrips in Mikumi where you can land directly from Dar or other nearby parks. It’s not exactly JFK Airport, but watching your little plane bounce down onto a dusty runway surrounded by wilderness?
Pure magic.
Mikumi isn’t sitting out there alone like a forgotten sock. It’s part of something bigger — the beating heart of southern Tanzania’s wild landscape.
Neighbour to Nyerere National Park:
Just south of Mikumi lies Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), Africa’s largest protected wildlife area. If Mikumi whets your appetite for adventure, Nyerere will blow your mind.
Close to the Udzungwa Mountains:
If you feel like swapping your safari hat for hiking boots, the Udzungwa Mountains National Park is just a short drive away — waterfalls, rainforests, and some monkeys you won’t find anywhere else.
On the way to Ruaha National Park:
If you’re up for a real expedition, continuing west will eventually land you in Ruaha, one of Africa’s last true wildernesses.
Mikumi is like a doorway. Step through it, and a whole new chapter of adventure opens up.
Let’s be honest.
Not everyone wants to sit in four separate flights just to start their safari.
Mikumi understands that.
Here’s why Mikumi’s location is a game-changer:
Ease of Access:
You can leave the buzz of Dar es Salaam in the morning and be surrounded by elephants before lunch.
Affordable Safaris:
Since you’re not spending a fortune on extra flights or fuel, Mikumi safaris are often cheaper — without sacrificing the real safari experience.
Perfect for Short Trips:
Only have a few days? Mikumi lets you dip your toes into true African wilderness without burning all your vacation days.
Wild Yet Comfortable:
You get that big, wild Africa feeling — endless landscapes, roaring lions — but you’re still close enough to civilization that it doesn’t feel like an episode of survivor.
Rent a 4×4 (trust me, you’ll thank yourself after the first bump) and hit the highway. The road to Mikumi is paved and scenic — think mountains, villages, and glimpses of real Tanzanian life.
Many safari companies offer comfy transfers or full safari packages starting straight from Dar es Salaam. Sit back, relax, and let someone else dodge the cows crossing the road.
Small charter flights are available if you’re short on time — and the aerial view? Worth every penny.
Mikumi National Park’s location isn’t just convenient. It’s strategic. It’s the kind of place where the second you leave the highway and drive through those park gates, you feel the shift.
The air changes. Your heart rate slows. Your soul stretches out a little bit wider.
And just like that — you’re no longer someone reading about Africa.
You’re living it. So..when are you packing your bag and answering the call of the wild roads to Mikumi?
Give Us a call or arrange a meeting with one of our Travel Consultants to discuss more your Tanzania Safari Adventure
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