Mikumi National Park is the fourth largest park in Tanzania and covers an area of 3230 km2. It is bordered by Uluguru Mountains in the North and Rubeho Mountains to the south-east. The main feature in the park is Mkata River Flood Plain.
The park is split into two halves, and has a combined area of around 3230 km². The divide of the park is a highway, and when driving down this road, you may even be able to even spot some wildlife before even entering the parks boundaries!
Things to See and Do
The types of animals you can expect to see whilst in Mikumi can vary greatly, from lions (which are said to be of the tree climbing variety), zebra, elephants (which are smaller than those found in most other Tanzanian parks) and lots of giraffes. There are also over 400 species of birds resident to the park, including hamerkop, saddle-billed stork and white-backed vulture. Overall, Mikumi is a great park for spotting wildlife, and should not be underestimated.
The common animals found in the park elephants, giraffes buffaloes, zebras, elands, greater Kudu, wildebeest, roan and sable antelope. Predators include tree-climbing lions (which are in large number), leopards, wild hunting dogs and black-backed jackal.
The scenery when in the park is simply beautiful! There is the outline of mountains surrounding, which appear in different shades of blue – marking their distance in colourful layers. And there is no shortage of shrubbery! –
With high densities of bushes and trees all around which make the perfect nesting spots for the Mikumi’s birdlife, or shade for animals which like to rest away from the suns powerful rays such as lions. Aside from that, the park is pretty flat all over, and has short grass – so wildlife is easily spottable and can be seen from a distance.
More than 400 species of birds have been recorded here including Eurasian migrants such as red billed oxpecker, marabou stork and lilac breasted roller, which stays between October and April. There are more interesting bird species in the Miombo woodland, for example, Shelley’s double collared sunbird, and pale billed hornbill and violet-crested Turaco as well as violet-backed starling
The surrounding mountain and hills brings compelling natural beauty with addition to superb light, make it a wonderful venue for wildlife photographers. The main activities carried out are game drives, guided walks and visit nearby Udzungwa or travel on to Selous or Ruaha.
The easiest way to get there is through surfaced road connects which Mikumi to Dar es Salaam via Morogoro, a roughly 4 hour drive. There are Also road connections to Udzungwa, Ruaha and (dry season only) Selous and Charter flight from Dar es Salaam, Arusha or Selous. Local buses run from Dar to park HQ where game drives can be arranged.
Where to Stay
There park is accessible all year round and there are accommodations which are in plenty for instant there are two lodges, three luxury tented camps, three campsites. There are also guest houses in Mikumi town on the park border. One lodge is proposed at Mahondo and one permanent tented camp at Lumaaga.
Getting There
Mikumi is located only 5 hours away from the busy city of Dar Es Salaam, and offers an amazing change of scenery from what you see in Dar and its surrounding areas – as well as making it the perfect park for anyone looking to do a short safari travelling from the unofficial capital.
If you are interested in visiting Mikumi National Park, then get in touch with safari Tanzania tour operator – who can organise your trip perfectly down to every last detail!
