Often dubbed a “mini-Serengeti”, Mikumi National Park lies just east of the more remote south-eastern wilderness and offers accessible safari roads, wide plains and large game in close proximity. Giraffes, zebras, elephants and hippos roam the Mkata Floodplain and beyond — the scenery mirrors the great savannahs but without the hassle of remote logistics. The park’s forests and grasslands merge with the Udzungwa Mountains foothills, creating a rich edge-habitat and giving you variety in a single day’s drive. As the sun dips low, the shadows of acacia trees stretch across rust-coloured terrain and you’ll understand how Tanzania’s safari magic extends beyond its most famous names.