The main feature of this park is the Mikumi flood plain, along with the mountain ranges that border the park on the two sides. Open grasslands dominate in the flood plain, eventually merging with the miombo woodland covering the lower hills. Here you will find lions, wild dogs and many other animals which retreat to the miombo woodlands in wet season. The elephants here are more compact than the rest of their Tanzanian cousins, but still a lot bigger than any Land Rover. The rains swell the park’s bird population to more than 300 species as Eurasian migrants seek refuge in Mikumi, joining resident stars like lilac breasted roller. Other animal species found here are zebra, giraffe, hartebeest, wildebeest, buffalo and more.

Area –3,230 km2
Getting there: about 4 hours drive from Dar es salaam, or charter flight from Dar es salaam or Arusha