Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is one of the most popular and accessible national parks in Tanzania. It is located in the southern part of the country, covering an area of approximately 3,230 square kilometers. It was established in 1964 and is home to a wide variety of wildlife that makes a Tanzania safari tour to be most enjoyable. Among the wildlife found in Mikumi national park include elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, buffalos, and many more.
The Mikumi national park is situated between the Uluguru Mountains to the northeast and the Lumango Mountains to the southwest, with the Mkata River running through it. The diverse landscape of the park includes open grasslands, woodland, and rocky outcrops, which provide unique habitats for different wildlife species of animal and birds.
Mikumi National Park is part of the larger Selous ecosystem and is an important conservation area for many endangered species of animals and plants. The park is also known for its large herds of elephants and the Mikumi floodplain, which attracts a variety of bird species, including the lilac-breasted roller and the bateleur eagle.
The park offers a range of tourism activities for visitors, including game drives, guided walks, and bird watching.
The best time to visit the park is during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife congregates around the water sources, making it easier to spot them.
Therefore, Mikumi National Park is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Tanzania, and it provides a unique and unforgettable Tanzania safari experience for visitors.
TOURISM ACTIVITIES IN MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK
A visit to Mikumi National Park offers an exciting and unforgettable Tanzania safari experience. Here are some of the activities and attractions you can enjoy during your Tanzania safari trip in Mikumi national park.
Game drives: Game drives are the most popular activity in the park, and they allow visitors to see a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and many more. Experienced guides will take visitors on a safari tour of the park, providing insights and information about the different animals and their behavior.
Bird watching: Mikumi National Park is home to over 400 bird species, making it a great Tanzania safari destination for bird watching enthusiasts. The park is especially known for its large flocks of white storks, which migrate from Europe during the winter months.
Guided walks: Guided walks are a great way to explore the park’s diverse landscape and get up close with some of its smaller inhabitants, such as insects, reptiles, and plants.
Hippo pools: The park is home to several pools where hippos congregate, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat.
Local culture: Visitors can also learn about the local culture by visiting nearby villages and interacting with the local people.
Selous Game Reserve: Mikumi National Park is part of the larger Selous Game Reserve, which is the largest protected wildlife reserve in Africa. Visitors can combine their visit to Mikumi with a trip to Selous for an even more immersive Tanzania safari experience.
WHEN TO VISIT MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK
Mikumi national park ensures enjoyable visits for all visitors any time of the year. However, Mikumi dry season lasts between May and November. The remaining months are considered as the wet months, on which the countryside is green in nature with well-established network of roads and tracts that make a safari in Tanzania to be more excited.
ACCOMMODATION WHILE IN MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK
Inside Mikumi national park there are bandas for visitors to stay. There are also special and public campsite which are booked through the Headquarters in Arusha. Well-appointed lodges and permanent tented camps which are run by the private companies are also present in the park.
WAYS TO REACH MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK
There are various ways to reach Mikumi national park as well analyzed below;
By Air: The Mikumi National Park airstrip is at Kikoboga and scheduled flights operate daily from all the main centers in Tanzania, but often routing via Dar es Salaam.
By Road: An approximate 4 hours’ drive, (283 km) on a good surfaced road connects Mikumi to Dar es Salaam via Morogoro. This road also connects to Udzungwa, Iringa and Ruaha. Its proximity to Dar es Salaam makes Mikumi a popular option for weekend visitors from the city, or for business visitors who don’t have to spend a long time on an extended safari itinerary.
OTHER SAFARI IDEAS IN MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK
On a safari from Dar es Salaam, Mikumi is en route to Udzungwa National Park and in the dry season a gravel road links up with Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous) from where one can fly back to Dar es Salaam. From Mikumi one can also carry on through to Iringa and Ruaha National Park, either by air or road.
