Mikumi National Park is located in southeastern Tanzania, the national park is one of the most accessible and vibrant national parks in Tanzania, covering an area of approximately 3,230 square kilometers, making it the fourth largest national park in the country. The park lies just a few hours from the bustling city of Dar-es-Salaam, making it an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists. Mikumi National Park was gazetted in 1994, the park was established to protect the unique and diverse flora and fauna of this region, which is characterized by a mix of grassland, woodland, and wetland ecosystems. The park is seen as a critical conservation area, linking the Selous Game Reserve to the north and enhancing the ecological integrity of the area.
Mikumi National Park is home to the “Big Five” -elephants, lions, buffalos, leopards and rhinos. The expansiveness of the terrain provides habitat for large herds of zebras, wildebeest, and giraffes alongside numerous antelopes such as impalas and waterbuck were well as different reptiles and amphibians like Nile Crocodile, Nile monitor lizard, African rock python, Red-headed agama and Leopard tortoise among others. The park is also home to over 400 bird species including the secretary birds, African fish eagle, martial eagle, African grey hornbill and hamerkops among others.
Mikumi National Park also is surrounded by two astonishing mountains as Udzungwa Mountains and the Uluguru Mountains. Malundwe Mountain is within the park, the highest of a belt of hills that run east and west through the park, connecting the Uluguru Mountains to the northeast with the Uvidunda and Udzungwa Mountains to the west. Malundwe Mountain consists of three peaks along a ridge running north and south. Malundwe’s south peak is the highest point in the park, reaching 1290 meters in elevation
Attractions found in Mikumi National Park
Animals
National Park is home to a large number of the Big Game covering four members of the African Big 4 of the 5 African iconic animals such as Elephants, Buffaloes, leopards, and lions only Rhinoceros missing. Other animals found in the national park include Zebras, Wildebeest, Hyenas, Sable Antelopes, Great Kudu, Hartebeest Impalas, Hippos, Baboons, Giraffe, Warthogs, Waterbucks, Gazelle, Elands, Epauletted Fruit Bat, Hollow-faced Bat, Lesser Leaf-nosed Bat, Yellow-bellied Bat, White-bellied Free-tailed Bat, Bush Baby which can be viewed throughout the year, primates such as Black-faced vervet Monkey, Yellow Baboon, Hunting Dog, Black-backed jackal, Bat-eared Fox, Honey Badger, Small-spotted Genet, Large-spotted Genet and Dwarf Mongoose. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians such as Nile Crocodile, African rock python, Red-headed agama, Nile monitor lizard, Africa bullfrog and Leopard tortoise. Another Highlight of tourist attractions in Mikumi national park is the unique population of African Wild Dog, and also it is believed that there are greater chances of viewing the tree climbing lions in this Mikumi National Park making it an ideal game-viewing destination. There are Elephant species in this National Park that have been considered as subspecies that link the Masai Giraffe and the Somali Giraffe and also the two artificial water pools located north of Mikumi’s Main Gate inhabit numerous Hippos that are frequently joined by a large array of birds.
Birds
Mikumi National Park also a dwells of over 400 bird species both the migratory and the resident birds dwelling in the park habitats such as woodlands grasslands, and wetlands among the sighted birds here include Secretary bird, Yellow-billed stork, African fish eagle, Martial eagle, Southern ground hornbill, African grey hornbill, Hamerkop, African spoonbill, Egyptian goose, Bateleur eagle, Crowned crane, Pied Kingfisher, African hoopoe, includes Long-tailed cormorant, Great white pelican, Pink-backed pelican, Black-headed Heron, Goliath Heron, Yellow-billed Egret, Black Heron, Little Egret, Buff – backed Heron, Squacco Heron, Green-backed Heron, White-backed Night Heron, Hamerkop, White stork, Open-bill stork, Saddle-bill stork, Marabou stork, Wood Ibis/Yellow-billed stork, Sacred Ibis, Hadada Ibis, African spoonbill, Red-billed Duck, Pygmy Goose, Egyptian Goose and Knob-billed Duck among others.
Amazing things to do in Mikumi National Park
Game drives
Game drives in Mikumi National Park offer an exhilarating opportunity to observe the park’s diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. Visitors while on the safari in Mikumi National Park can embark on a guided game drive safari, often conducted in open 4×4 vehicles with maximizing visibility and comfort. The national park is home to a wide number of animals such as giraffes, elephants, zebras, impala, eland, kudu, black antelope, Greater Kudu, African wild dogs, Warthog, baboons, wildebeests, hippos and buffaloes among others. Both the early morning and evening game drives offers the best chances for sighting this incredible wildlife. During your guided game drives, you will have the chance to learn about the behaviors and conservation efforts of these species as well as the astonishing views of the colorful birds and the stunning landscape of the area.
Walking safaris
For those looking to connect more intimately with nature, walking safaris offers an exhilarating experience. walking safaris in the park are guided safaris led by experienced park rangers. During your walking tours in the park, you will have the chance to explore the hidden gems of the park on foot, learning about the smaller details of the ecosystem that may be missed during game drive tours, these guide walks often allow you to have a closed encounter with the wildlife in their natural habitat and offer insight into tracking animals, identifying plants and understanding the intricate balance of the environment among others.
Bird watching
Mikumi National Park is a paradise for bird watchers, boasting over 400 species of birds. The park is home to a variety of habitats, making it an excellent site for observing both the migratory mad resident birds. During your bird-watching safari, you will have the chance to spot bird species such as marabous stocks, red-billed oxpeckers, black-billed bustards, francolins, cattle egrets, guinea-fowls, hornbills, malachite kingfishers, Squacco Heron, Green-backed Heron, White-backed Night Heron, Hamerkop, White stork, Open-bill stork, Saddle-bill stork, Marabou stork, Wood Ibis/Yellow-billed stork, Sacred Ibis, Hadada Ibis, African spoonbill, Red-billed Duck, Pygmy Goose, Egyptian Goose, Knob-billed Duck and Secretary Bird among others
Camping activities
Mikumi National Park provides the best opportunities for camping and the bushy vegetation gives you the best experience as you place your tent under the sky. The weather in Mikumi National Park is not so hot and not so cold and this makes the camping experience so amazing as you enjoy the calls and sounds of the night wildlife species as good times to see animals that usually come close to the tent or at your erected tent.
Photography safaris
Given its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, Mikuni National Park is a haven for photographers both amateur and professional. many lodges and tour operators offer specialized photography safaris, focusing on the best and locations for capturing the perfect shot. The golden hours, particularly during sunrise and sunset offer breathtaking light for landscape photography, visitors can also benefit from the expertise of guides who know the animal’s behavior and the best spots for capturing wildlife cations.
The best time to visit Mikumi National Park
The best time to visit Mikumi National Park is during the dry season, which typically occurs during the months of June to October. During this time, the park experiences minimal rainfall, making it easier to spot wildlife as they gather around the water sources. The dry season also appears when the vegetation cover is less dense, providing a clear view of the animals, additionally, the dry season also coincides with the migration of animals within making it an ideal time to witness large herds of wildlife moving across the savannah in search for waters and food.
How to access Mikumi National Park
Safaris to Mikumi National Park usually begins from Dar es Salaam the nearest city, you will fly using Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR). However, most people visit Mikumi en route to Selous or Ruaha, the most popular parks in southern Tanzania. The only scheduled flights to Mikumi National Park are with Safari Air Link which offers a daily connection to Ruaha, Selous, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. If driving from Ruaha, the distance is about 320 kilometers, then arrange road transport means via the A-7 highway, the highway passes through the middle of the park just next to the park gates and the drive takes roughly 4-5 hours
Accommodation options
- You can choose to stay in any of these accommodation facilities such as;
- Mikumi resort
- Mikumi safari lodge
- Ritungu camp mikumi
- Mantis lodge & camping site
- Mikumi safari lodge
- Mikumi adventure lodge among others
