Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is among the most accessible parks in Tanzania and serves as an excellent site for a safari. It is situated near Morogoro, nestled between the Uluguru Mountains and the Lumango Range. This park is located at the northern boundary of the Selous Game Reserve and adjoins the Udzungwa Mountains National Park and the Uluguru Mountains. Mikumi National Park is situated 107 kilometers from Morogoro town and 288 kilometers west of Dar es Salaam.
Mikumi National Park is the fourth biggest protected area in Tanzania, encompassing 3,230 square kilometers. Its scenery resembles that of Serengeti National Park, and it is intersected by the A7 highway, which runs for 50 kilometers through the park. Mikumi National Park, in conjunction with Selous Game Reserve, forms a distinctive and significant ecosystem in Tanzania. The park features a picturesque landscape comprising hardwood trees, tamarinds, miombo woodlands, swamps, ravine forests, iconic baobab trees, rare palm trees, open grass plains, and the Malundwe Mountains. The Malundwe Mountains are the tallest in the range of hills traversing the park from east to west, linking the Uluguru Mountains in the northeast with the Uvidunda and Udzungwa Mountains. Malundwe Mountain comprises three summits in a north-south ridge, with the southern peak reaching an elevation of 1,290 meters, establishing the highest point in Mikumi National Park.
Mikumi National Park serves as an exceptional habitat for a substantial concentration of Tanzania’s wildlife, encompassing four of the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards. Additional fauna residing in Mikumi National Park includes elands, giraffes, impalas, sable antelopes, warthogs, waterbucks, wildebeests, greater kudus, yellow baboons, zebras, hartebeests, wild dogs, hippos, and numerous others. These animals predominantly occupy the Mkata floodplains northwest of the main road, characterized by ridges divided by a shallow dip of black cotton soil. The hippo pool, located 5 kilometers northwest of the main entrance to Mikumi National Park, is inhabited by a concentration of hippos and crocodiles.
Mikumi National Park is recognized as a significant birding location in Tanzania and serves as an excellent site for birding safaris, featuring a diverse avifauna of over 400 species, including migratory birds. These avian species comprise Prominent avian species in Mikumi National Park include the Marabou stork, Red-billed Oxpeckers, Black-bellied bustard, Francolin, Cattle egret, Guinea-fowl, Hornbill, Malachite Kingfisher, open-billed storks, Yellow-throated longclaw, Lilac-breasted roller, and Bateleur eagle, among others. Exceptional avian observations in Mikumi National Park are available around the Mkata River, particularly for African openbills, and in the Mkata floodplains, which are notable for ground hornbills.
Tourist activities in Mikumi national park
Wildlife observation
A notable activity in Mikumi National Park is animal viewing safaris, conducted primarily on the Mkata floodplains northwest of the main road, utilizing a 4X4 vehicle around various circuits traversing the park’s plains. The Mkata flood plains are commonly known as the “Little Serengeti” due to the significant concentration of wildlife present. Game viewing activities include daytime drives, morning drives, and nocturnal drives for observing night-active species. During the game viewing experience, anticipate witnessing magnificent creatures such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards. Additional fauna inhabiting Mikumi National Park includes elands, giraffes, impalas, sable antelopes, warthogs, waterbucks, wildebeests, greater kudus, yellow baboons, zebras, hartebeests, wild dogs, hippos, and numerous others.
The optimal period for wildlife observation in Mikumi National Park occurs during the dry season, from June to October. During this time, the reduced vegetation facilitates animal spotting, as they congregate at watering holes, particularly large herds of buffalo and elephants.
Bird Watching
Mikumi National Park is a premier destination for birdwatching safaris in Tanzania, serving as a habitat for over 400 avian species. It provides exceptional opportunities to observe birds such as the Bellied Bustard, Francolin, Cattle Egret, Guinea Fowl, Hornbill, Malachite Kingfisher, Open-billed Stork, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Lilac-breasted Roller, Bateleur Eagle, among others. Mikumi National Park hosts both resident and migratory bird species, observable in the wetlands, hippo pool, and various areas around the park.
Walking Safaris
Mikumi National Park is an excellent location for walking safaris in Tanzania, providing short excursions lasting approximately 3 to 4 hours. Walking safaris are conducted along three paths in the park: Kikoboga, Vuma Hills, and the Mikumi Wildlife Lodge trail. Walking safaris are conducted under the supervision of a safari guide, who leads participants through short savannah and Miombo woodland vegetation. These safaris are most effectively undertaken during the dry season when pathways are arid and grasses are short.
Picnic & Camping
Mikumi National Park is an exceptional location for picnicking and camping safari activities, featuring three designated picnic areas: Mbuyuni, Millennium, and Mwanambogo. Camping activities provide an opportunity to savor delectable meals amidst picturesque natural vistas.
Camping in Mikumi National Park occurs in public campsites located in the northern area of the park, providing an exhilarating experience for nature enthusiasts and the chance to hear the vocalizations of nocturnal wildlife, including roaring lions. The public campsite includes facilities such as restrooms, a kitchen, toilets, and water supply. Mikumi National Park features designated campsites.
Directions to Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is situated in Morogoro and traversed by Tanzania’s A7 highway, rendering the park highly accessible. Visitors can reach Mikumi National Park via road or air transport, depending on their preferred mode of travel. The park is accessible by road from Dar es Salaam, linking to Mikumi through Morogoro. Routes also connect Mikumi National Park to Ruaha National Park and Selous National Reserve. Scheduled charter flights are available from Dar-es-Salaam to Kikoboga airfield.
Accommodation options in Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park offers numerous housing options for travelers, ranging from luxury to midrange and cheap, catering to various budgetary capacities. Accommodations in Mikumi National Park comprise Stanley’s Kopje, Vuma Hills Tented Camp, Mikumi Wildlife Camp, Tan-Swiss Camp, Mikumi African Cottages, Camp Bastian Mikumi, Vamos Hotel Mikumi, among others.