Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park
Located about 300km west of Dar es Salaam lies Mikumi National Park. It comes in as the fourth largest national park in Tanzania after Katavi National Park. Mikumi National Park also shares the same ecosystem with Selous Game Reserve whom it borders in the south allowing wildlife to move freely between the two areas.
It boasts a total land area of 3,230 square kilometers sitting between the Uluguru Mountains and Lumango ranges. Established as a National Park in 1964, Mikumi is many times equated to the unrivaled and famous Serengeti National Park and Tarangire National Park with whom it shares a similar landscape.
Visitors to Tanzania’s fourth largest national park often come with high hopes of seeing the big five; lions, elephants, buffalos and rhinos. However, it is not the best place to go for the big five encounter.
For Bird lovers, you will have an incredible time at Mikumi National Park since it is home to more than 400 bird species.
In addition, Mikumi National Park shares its name with a nearby village which is named after the Borassus palm trees.
Mikumi National Park
Location of Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is one of the national parks located in the Southern part of Tanzania just about 300 km to the west of Dar es Salaam along the Dar- Mbeya highway, the largest business city of Tanzania.
Boasting a total land area of over 3,230 Square Kilometers, it is bordered by Africa’s largest national reserve; Selous Game Reserve in the south with whom it shares the same ecosystem allowing easy movement of wildlife between the two areas and on the North east lies the Udzungwa Mountains, Uluguru and Malundwe mountains
Located in the middle of mountains, Mikumi National Park is bordered by Muvidunda mountains in the west.
It is found in a small town called Mogoro which lies about 107 kms away from it.
Landscape of Mikumi National Park
Ever been to Serengeti and Tarangire National Park before? Then you have a picture of how the landscape of Mikumi National Park is. It is compared to the two national parks because of the two distinct sections it has.
The northern part of this incredible park is made up of open savannah grasslands, with dots of baobabs, acacia and tamarind trees
Herbivores like the famous wildebeests, zebras and elephants are attracted in large numbers by the Mkata River that flows through Mikumi National Park.
These wild animals that pride themselves in calling Mikumi their home gather around the available water sources during the dry season on the other hand drawing predators such as lions, leopards and hyenas that usually stay hidden waiting for their next hunt.
Due to poor roads and high domination by the miombo woodlands, riverine forests and thickets, the southern section is less accessible.
This is the best place for tree climbing lions and other elusive wildlife.
Landscape of Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park Top Safari Tours
Weather and climate at Mikumi National Park
Just like other major Tanzanian regions, Mikumi has majorly two seasons, that is, the wet and dry seasons,Mikumi National Park experiences a Tropical climate. The dry season which runs between June to October offers the best wildlife viewing as the animals gather around available water sources
Temperatures in Mikumi National Park are quite comfortable, ranging from 20°C to 30°C.
From November up to May, Mikumi experiences a wet season that creates a lush green scenery that attracts the vast number of migratory birds and animals. However, with the rainy season comes bad roads that are very hard to navigate making it more convenient for game drives in the dry season.
From the months of March to April, Mikumi National Park receives the heaviest rains, making this the least favorable time for a visit.
Wildlife in Mikumi National Park
Home to a variety of wildlife, Mikumi National Park harbours the African big five (lions, buffalos, elephants, rhinos and leopards) among other incredible species of animals.
The animals most commonly found in this National Park excluding the African big five mentioned above include zebras, wildebeests, impalas, giraffes, elands, warthogs, greater Kudu, cheetahs, antelopes and African hunting dogs. Leopards on the other hand can also rarely be found in Mikumi National Park.
Yellow baboons, vervet monkeys and colobus monkeys are among other primates that proudly relax, feed, mate and run their daily lives in Mikumi national park.
In addition, reptiles like Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, pythons, cobras and tortoises freely roam the wilderness of Mikumi National Park.
Wildlife in Mikumi National Park
Birds in Mikumi National Park.
Like we already established earlier, Mikumi National Park may not be the best place for an encounter with the African big five, however, if you prefer a more satisfying bird watching experience in the wild, then mikumi is your place to be.
Home to over 400 different species of birds, some of the most commonly found birds in Mikumi National Park include Marabou stork, red-billed oxpeckers, black -bellied bustard, francolin, cattle egret, guinea fowls, hornbills, African fish eagles, secretary birds, vultures and malachite kingfishers that usually get spotted around the Mkata River
For a more colorful sight, Mikumi National Park hosts species like the yellow throated long claws, the lilac-breasted roller and bateleur eagle. The European migrant species can only be found during the rainy season.
Birds in Mikumi NAtional Park
Mikumi National Park Most Common Attractions
African Fish Eagle
Bateleur Eagle
Ostrich
Banded mongoose
Waterbucks
Warthogs
Nile Crocodile
Klipspringer
African wild dogs
Thompsons’s Gazelle
Activities in Mikumi National Park
Given its size and the vast number of wildlife it offers, there are lots of activities that can be carried out in Mikumi National Park and some of them include the following;
Game Drives
Just like in every other national park and game reserves in Tanzania, game drives are the most commonly done activities in Mikumi National Park.
In this national park, it takes place in the Mkata floodplains due to its high concentration of wildlife. During your visit to Mikumi National Park, you get to see different species of wildlife offered by morning, day and night drives.
Elephants, buffalos, zebras and giraffes roam in large numbers in return a lot of predators including lions and leopards are seen hunting here.
The Hippo Pool is another highlight, offering close-up views of hippos and waterbirds.
Game Drive in Mikumi National Park
Guided Nature Walks
If you are interested in an activity that will give you an up-close encounter with the wildlife in Mikumi National Park, then guided nature walk is one to go for.
With the help of experienced guides and armed game rangers, you are taken through designated trails in the park’s savannah and miombo woodlands safe for a nature walk.
The guided nature walk offers an up-close encounter with wildlife and birds. Restricted to adults only, these guided walks are only available during the dry season.
Bird Watching
With over 400 species of birds which include migratory birds during the rainy season, savanna birds, and colorful water birds, Mikumi National Park attracts bird enthusiasts from all over the world. Some of the commonly spotted birds include yellow-throated longclaws, bateleurs, purple-breasted rollers, and martial eagles.
When it comes to water birds in this incredible national park, they gather around the Hippo Pool creating an impressive colorful sighting with the migratory birds arriving between November and April during the wet season.
Camping and Picnics in Mikumi National Park.
The Park has both public and private campsites well equipped with modern basis facilities such as water, kitchens and bathrooms that offers you an immersive safari experience
However, to avoid inconveniences, it is important to note that private campsites must be booked in advance due to the fact that they sell out quickly
As for picnics, Mikumi National Park has is blessed with beautiful serene spots like Mwanambogo, Mbuyuni, and Millennium providing as ambient setting for outdoor meals and relaxation.
Cultural Visits in Mikumi National Park
Surrounded by several villages that offer native experiences with the local people, Mikumi National Park just like other safari destinations in Tanzania has incredible cultural activities you can engage in predominantly in a place called Chilunga Cultural Tourism.
You have the rare opportunity to participate in traditional dances, sample local dishes, and explore village markets.
Cultural Market
Destination Gallery
Best Time to Visit Mikumi National Park
Although Mikumi National Park is open all year-round, the dry season from June to October is the best time for wildlife viewing. This is because during this period, animals gather around available water sources, making them easier to spot.
It is also the time when predator action is at its highest peak due to easy visibility.
Getting to Mikumi National Park
There are majorly two ways to access Mikumi National Park as listed below.
By Car: This is the cheapest and most common way to get to Mikumi National Park. The drive from Dar es Salaam takes about 4-5 hours while from Dodoma or Ruaha National Park takes about 6 hours.
Serengeti Mara Experts has professional and experienced driver guides who make sure you safely enjoy the bumpy road experience
By air: Several domestic flights like airlink operate flights that connect Mikumi National Park to places like Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Ruaha. Due to distance, it is also the most convenient way to get to Selous Game Reserve with ease otherwise you are up for a whole day drive.
Fly in Safari in Mikumi Nationhal Park
Where to Stay in Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park offers a variety of accommodations ranging from budget to luxury lodges and camps. Regardless of your pocket, you will not fail to enjoy the thrilling rides in Mikumi National Park and have an incredible night sleep as well due to the fact that it provides different levels of comfort to suit travelers’ preferences.
Accommodation options include Mikumi Wildlife Camp for standard accommodation lovers, Tan-Swiss Lodge for budget, and Stanley’s Kopje Camp for the high-end luxury safari accommodation experience,
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Low season
Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr, may
Peak season
Jun, July, Aug, Sept, Dec