Mikumi and Ruaha

Safari summary

Mikumi National Park and Ruaha National Park are two of Tanzania’s most captivating and less-traveled destinations for safari enthusiasts. Located in the southern part of the country, these parks offer a unique and enriching experience of Tanzania’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. Here’s a detailed overview of both parks:

Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is the fourth largest national park in Tanzania, covering an area of 3,230 square kilometers. It is located in the eastern part of the country, just a short distance from Dar es Salaam, making it easily accessible for both local and international visitors. Mikumi is often referred to as the “Gateway to the Southern Circuit” because it lies on the route to other more remote parks like Ruaha and Selous.

Landscape and Ecosystem
Mikumi’s landscape is a blend of grasslands, swamps, riverine forests, and acacia woodlands, creating a diverse environment that supports an impressive range of wildlife. The park is bordered by the Uluguru Mountains to the east, offering a striking backdrop to the plains. A notable feature of Mikumi is the Mkata River, which flows through the park and creates a seasonal swamp, a hotspot for birdlife and other wildlife. The park also has several waterholes, and its proximity to the Indian Ocean influences its climate, giving it a tropical and humid atmosphere, ideal for both flora and fauna.

Wildlife
Mikumi is home to a wide variety of animals, including some of the big five (elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo). While rhinos are not as common here, visitors can still encounter them in the nearby Selous Game Reserve. The park is known for its large populations of elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and impalas, as well as more elusive species such as the cheetah, wild dogs, and crocodiles. Mikumi also boasts a healthy population of lions that can often be spotted on game drives, particularly around the Mkata floodplains. Birdwatchers will find Mikumi to be a paradise, with over 400 species of birds, including the African Fish Eagle, Lilac-breasted Roller, and various species of hornbills.

Activities
Visitors to Mikumi National Park can engage in traditional game drives, both day and night, as the park is one of the few in Tanzania where night safaris are allowed. The park also offers walking safaris, where expert rangers guide you through the bush, providing a deeper understanding of the park’s ecosystems. For a more unique experience, visitors can also go on a birdwatching tour, where they can witness the diversity of avian species that inhabit the park.

Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is one of Tanzania’s largest and most remote national parks, covering an area of 20,226 square kilometers. It is located in the central part of the country, in the heart of the Southern Circuit. Ruaha is considered one of the wildest parks in Tanzania and offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience compared to the more famous northern parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

Landscape and Ecosystem
The landscape of Ruaha is incredibly diverse, with its mixture of riverine woodlands, open savannah, and rocky hills. The Great Ruaha River is the lifeblood of the park, running through its length and providing a consistent water source for both animals and vegetation. The park’s unique topography, with rocky outcrops, forests, and wetlands, gives it an exceptional charm. The diverse habitats support an incredible variety of wildlife, and the scenery is often awe-inspiring.

Ruaha is also at the junction of two distinct ecosystems: the dry savannah of southern Tanzania and the moist miombo woodlands of central Africa. This overlap creates a unique environment that attracts a wide range of animals not found in other parts of Tanzania. The park is particularly known for its dense populations of large mammals and its rugged, isolated atmosphere, making it a haven for wildlife.

Wildlife
Ruaha is often referred to as a "hidden gem" due to its abundance of wildlife, including large populations of elephants, lions, leopards, and wild dogs. It is also home to one of the largest populations of greater kudu in Tanzania. The park’s mix of open plains and riverine forests is perfect for giraffes, buffalo, and the rare sable antelope. Hippos are common in the river, and crocodiles can be seen basking on the banks.

Ruaha is renowned for its predator-prey interactions, and the park is one of the best places to see large prides of lions. The park also offers excellent opportunities to spot cheetahs and leopards. The diversity of animals and the remoteness of the park make it an extraordinary location for those looking to escape the crowds and experience a true wilderness adventure. The park also boasts a rich birdlife, with over 570 species of birds, including the spectacular African Fish Eagle, various species of vultures, and beautiful kingfishers.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Game drives
	Activity level	Moderate activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Mikumi Ruaha

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Walking safari—with armed guard
• Cultural visits—orphanages, markets, schools
• Photography safari—with professional guide

What’s included?

• Accommodation
• Airport transfers
• Meals
• Park fees
• Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

• Alcoholic beverages
• Internal flights
• International flights
• Tips and gratuities
• Visas