Sharing a common border and ecosystem with Selous Game Reserve to the south, Mikumi National Park is only a four to five hours drive from Dar es Salaam, lying astride the main highway to Zambia, and en route to the National Parks of the Udzungwa Mountains, Ruaha, and Kitulo. The main feature of the park is the Mikumi flood plain, along with the mountain ranges that border the park on two sides. Open grasslands dominate in the flood plain, eventually merging with the miombo woodland covering the lower hills. Mikumi National Park covers an area of 3,230 sq km and is rich in wildlife including buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, lion, elephant, impala, hippos, baboon, giraffe, warthog, waterbuck, and eland which can be viewed throughout the year. Reptiles including crocodiles, monitor lizards and pythons are also resident in the park. Other animals that can be sighted although rare are the Sable Antelope resident in the southern part of the park bordering the Selous, the Greater Kudu, leopard, and the wild dog also known as the African Hunting Dog. More than 400 bird species have been recorded, including European migrants during the rainy season. Mikumi National Park is one of the most popular visitor points sold from Dar es Salaam. Being close to Dar es Salaam on a good road, day trips are popular, especially for those who have little time to spend an overnight there. But it is recommended to spend at least a night in Mikumi to enjoy a fulfilling game drive in this beautiful park.