10 Days | Zanzibar & Mikumi National Park

What makes Mikumi National Park special?

As soon as you drive into Mikumi National Park and see the endless plains before you, you immediately feel it: here everything comes to a standstill. The savannah stretches to the horizon, making for beautiful views and plenty of chances to spot wildlife. Mikumi feels like the real Africa: pure, spacious and surprisingly calm.

Giraffes, zebras, wildebeests and elephants quietly pass by in the tall grasses, while lions lie sleeping relaxed a little further away. At the Hippo Pools you can see hippos bathing in the muddy water, while birds make their songs heard all around you.

Mikumi National Park is not a place of spectacle or crowds. It is a place of rhythm, space and simplicity. An accessible wilderness, perfect for those who want to disappear from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature. Authentic, quiet and impressive in its tranquility.

What animals can you spot in Mikumi?

Elephants | Leopards | Lions | Zebras | Wildebeest | Buffalo | Impalas | Giraffes | Sable antelopes | Hyenas

The Mkata Plain: the heart of Mikumi National Park

In the central part of Mikumi lies the vast Mkata Floodplain, an ideal spot for wildlife observation. Here lions rule their grassy domain, while large herds of zebra, wildebeest, impala and buffalo roam the open plains. During the rainy season, lions sometimes seek out the treetops: a rare and spectacular sight. Along the banks of the Mkata River, giraffes often appear, while the shady trees provide a refuge for elephants. In addition, this area is known as the best location in Tanzania to see the imposing eland, the largest antelope in the world.

The difference between Mikumi National Park and other parks

Unlike well-known and busier parks such as Serengeti or Ngorongoro, Mikumi is not about grand spectacle or crowds of tourists. Instead, here you will find peace, accessibility and simplicity. This makes Mikumi attractive to travelers who want to experience the real Africa in a calmer setting. Whereas Serengeti excels in its enormous migrations and Ngorongoro in its unique crater landscape, Mikumi stands out for its serene savannah, open plains and small-scale safari experience. A park that gives you the space not only to see animals, but also to feel the rhythm of nature.

Travel tips from our safari consultant Anouk

The best time to visit Mikumi is during the dry months from June to October. Then the vegetation is sparse, water sources are scarce and animals come much closer to drink. July and August are especially spectacular here: cool weather, crisp visibility and animals everywhere congregating around the plains. Are you an avid photographer or have been on safari before? Then I recommend October. The Mkata Floodplain then shows vivid and concentrated wildlife scenes, truly unforgettable. May and early June are very different again, a transition period with good visibility and huge numbers of birds returning from their migration. And for the real bird lover, even the rainy season, from November to April, is interesting. Driving becomes a bit more challenging then, but the chance to spot extraordinary migratory birds makes up for it.”

 
Want to experience Mikumi for yourself? Check out our roundtrips through southern Tanzania or request customized travel advice.

What to do on Zanzibar.

We find that question very easy to answer: “A lot!” Zanzibar is a super versatile island where you can spend days getting lost in culture, nature and tropical relaxation. Think snorkeling in clear blue water, walking through ancient cities or spotting monkeys in the rainforest, it’s all possible here. In this blog we give you tips for the most beautiful sights and activities on Zanzibar and tell you how Paradise & Wilderness helps you get the most out of your safari.

Zanzibar in facts & figures

• Population: About 1.3 million people live on Zanzibar.
• Language: The official language on Zanzibar is Swahili, but English is also widely spoken.
• Climate: The weather on Zanzibar is wonderful. There is a tropical climate with an average temperature between 25°C and 33°C. The sun shines here all year with the exception of the rainy season from March to early May.
• Coastline: Zanzibar has more than 25 beaches, with powder-white sand and turquoise waters. The east and north are especially popular with travelers.
• UNESCO World Heritage: Stone Town, the old town of Zanzibar City, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its unique blend of Arab, African and European influences.
• Spices: Zanzibar is also called the “Spice Island” because of its production of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper, among others.
• Wildlife: Zanzibar is home to the rare red colobus monkey (Red Colobus monkey), an endemic species.
• Distance from Tanzania (mainland): Only 25 to 50 km from the coast, reached by ferry (about 2 hours) or domestic flight (about 30 minutes to an hour and a half).
• Safety: Zanzibar is a safe destination for tourists.

Want to learn more about Zanzibar? Discover everything you need to know about the island’s beaches, culture, activities, and best time to visit on our about Zanzibar page.