The highway divides Mikumi into two very different halves. North of it lies the open floodplain; south of it the land climbs into the Vuma Hills and a much larger area of miombo woodland — the dry, open-canopied forest of brachystegia trees that covers so much of southern Tanzania and runs on, unbroken, into Nyerere National Park.
This is the Mikumi that day trippers do not see. Tracks are fewer and rougher, the trees hide the animals and you may not meet another vehicle. In return you get a sense of wilderness, long views back over the plains, and a few species that prefer woodland to grass.
Top things to do: Vuma Hills & Southern Mikumi
Search for sable and kudu
The miombo-covered foothills are where to look for sable antelope, with their swept-back horns, and greater kudu. Both are shy and neither is common, so count a sighting as a real prize. Lichtenstein’s hartebeest is another woodland specialist.
Enjoy the view
From the higher ground the Mkata plain spreads out below with the Uluguru Mountains behind it. Sunset from the hills is the classic end to a Mikumi day for guests staying on this side of the road.
Birding in the miombo
Miombo woodland has its own set of birds, different from those of the open plains, and keen birders come south of the road specifically for them. A local guide who knows the calls makes all the difference.
Walk with a ranger
Guided walks with an armed ranger are offered in Mikumi and the hill country suits them well. They are arranged through the park or your lodge and are subject to availability — ask in advance and check the current fee.
How to get to Vuma Hills & Southern Mikumi
- Access is from the Dar es Salaam–Iringa highway, with tracks turning south a short distance from the main gate area. You need a 4x4 and, realistically, a guide who knows the tracks. Most visitors come here as guests of a lodge on this side of the park.
- It is not normally part of a day trip. If the southern side matters to you, choose a multi-day safari and ask the operator before booking.
Insider tips
- Tsetse flies live in miombo woodland. Wear long sleeves in neutral colours — they are drawn to dark blue and black.
- Game density is lower than on the floodplain; come for atmosphere and rarities, not for numbers.
- After rain the hill tracks can be slippery or closed. The dry season is the time to explore here.
- Combine a morning on the plains with an afternoon in the hills for the best of both.
Best tours & safaris: Vuma Hills & Southern Mikumi
These experiences are the easiest way to see Vuma Hills & Southern Mikumi:
Multi-day safari from €434 3-Day Spectacular Mikumi Safari, Bush Walk & Maasai Culture
Three days that add a guided bush walk and a Maasai cultural experience to the game drives. Walking — even briefly — changes how you see the bush: tracks, dung, birds and plants that you drive straight past in a vehicle. Few reviews yet, all five-star.
- Game drives in Mikumi
- A guided bush walk
- Maasai cultural experience
Overnight safari from €353 2 Days: Mikumi Park from Dar es Salaam by Luxury Train
A short overnight safari that starts from your Dar hotel early in the morning and returns the next day by train. One night at Mikumi is the single biggest upgrade over a day trip: it makes a late-afternoon or dawn drive possible, which is when lions and other predators are most likely to be seen.
- Train travel from Dar es Salaam
- One night away from the city
- Game drives at the best times of day
Overnight safari from €444 2 Magical Days in Mikumi – SGR Train and Unforgettable Safari
Two days combining the SGR train with a full safari in Mikumi. As with every overnight, the value is in the extra time in the park at the right hours of the day. Only a couple of reviews so far, both excellent.
- Comfortable ride on the SGR train
- Full safari in the park
- Two days instead of one rushed one
Fly-in overnight safari from €1954 Zanzibar: Mikumi National Park 2-Day Safari with Flights
The comfortable way to do Mikumi from the island: fly in, stay a night and fly out. You swap the hurry of a day trip for an evening and a dawn in the bush. It had no reviews yet when we last checked and the starting price is high, so compare it carefully with the day trips and the ferry-based packages.
- Direct flight from Zanzibar to Mikumi
- One night on safari, meals included
- Time for game drives at dusk or dawn
