Difference between Selous and Mikumi national park

Selous Game Reserve (Now Nyerere National Park)

Vast, wild, and diverse — Africa at its rawest

Overview

Formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, the northern portion of this enormous protected area was designated Nyerere National Park in 2019, named after Tanzania’s first president, Julius Nyerere. Together, the Selous/Nyerere ecosystem covers over 30,000 km², making it one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa.

This park is defined by its rugged wilderness, lush river systems, and sense of remote adventure. It’s not as developed or polished as the northern circuit parks (like Serengeti or Ngorongoro), but that’s precisely its appeal—it feels untamed and deeply wild.

Landscape and Environment

• Dominated by miombo woodlands, open plains, and seasonal lakes.

• The Rufiji River—the largest river in Tanzania—meanders through the park, creating dramatic floodplains, sandbanks, and oxbow lakes.

• A haven for birdlife and aquatic species, making it one of the best places in East Africa for boat-based game viewing.

Wildlife Experience

• Home to elephants, lions, giraffes, leopards, buffaloes, and zebras.

• Famous for sightings of the African wild dog, which are increasingly rare in many parts of Africa.

• Hippos and crocodiles are plentiful in the Rufiji River.

• Because of its size, wildlife is more spread out—you may need to work harder for sightings, but the payoff feels more rewarding.

Activities

• Boat safaris: Glide along the Rufiji, spotting hippos, crocs, elephants, and birds from a unique perspective.

• Walking safaris: Guided bush walks offer an intimate experience of the landscape.

• Game drives: Both full-day and half-day options are available, with fewer crowds than in other parks.

Ideal For

• Travelers seeking a true wilderness experience.

• Photographers, birders, and those wanting varied safari activities.

• Repeat safari-goers looking for something off the beaten path.

Mikumi National Park

Accessible, picturesque, and rich in wildlife encounters

Overview

Located along the Dar es Salaam–Iringa highway, Mikumi is one of Tanzania’s most accessible parks, often called the "little Serengeti" for its open plains and resident wildlife. At around 3,230 km², it’s much smaller than Selous, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in ease of access and density of wildlife.

Because of its location, it’s a popular choice for short safaris, weekend trips, and as part of southern circuit itineraries.

Landscape and Environment

• Features a blend of open savannah, acacia woodlands, and floodplain grasslands.

• The Mkata Floodplain is the heart of the park, where animals gather in large numbers.

• The Uluguru and Udzungwa mountains form a scenic backdrop to the park’s rolling plains.

Wildlife Experience

• Excellent for spotting elephants, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, impalas, and lions—often all within a short drive.

• Leopards, hyenas, and even wild dogs can be seen, though less frequently.

• Birdlife is abundant, especially around waterholes and during the green season.

• Because of the terrain, wildlife is generally easier to find than in Selous.

Activities

• Focused primarily on game drives, including half-day and full-day safaris.

• No boat or walking safaris permitted within the park.

• Nearby Udzungwa Mountains National Park can be combined for hiking and waterfall visits.

Ideal For

• First-time safari-goers or travelers on a tight schedule.

• Those wanting a convenient wildlife experience without long internal flights.

• Families, solo travelers, and weekend visitors from Dar es Salaam.