Tucked away in the heart of Tanzania, Mikumi National Park is a treasure trove of wildlife and natural beauty, waiting to be explored on an unforgettable Tanzania safari. Strategically located near Morogoro, between the majestic Ulu guru Mountains and the Lumango range, this park is a mere stone’s throw from the Selous Game Reserve, Udzungwa Mountains National Park, and Ulu guru Mountains. As the fourth-largest protected area in Tanzania, Mikumi National Park sprawls across 3,230 square kilometers of untamed wilderness, boasting a landscape reminiscent of the iconic Serengeti National Park.
More about Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is a masterpiece of nature, woven from a diverse range of habitats, including Hardwood forests, Tamarind trees, Miombo woodlands, Swamps, Ravine forests, Iconic baobab trees, Rare palm trees, Open grass plains and the majestic Malundwe Mountains, which is the highest peak in the park, stretch towards the sky, reaching an elevation of 1,290 meters. This mountain range forms a rugged backbone, connecting the park to the Ulu guru Mountains in the northeast and the Uvidunda and Udzungwa Mountains. The park is in conjunction with the Selous Game Reserve, forms a distinctive and vital ecosystem in Tanzania. This harmonious balance of habitats supports an incredible array of wildlife, making Mikumi National Park an unmissable destination for any Tanzania safari enthusiast.
Mikumi National Park, situated in the heart of Tanzania, is a treasure trove of wildlife and natural beauty, waiting to be explored on an unforgettable Tanzania safari. As one of the most accessible national parks in Tanzania, Mikumi is a mere stone’s throw from the bustling town of Morogoro, and its proximity to the Selous Game Reserve, Udzungwa Mountains National Park, and Ulu guru Mountains makes it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
Wildlife
The park is a haven for the Big Five, with four of the five species (lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards) roaming the park’s diverse landscapes. Beyond these majestic creatures, Mikumi’s habitats support a wide range of wildlife, including Elands, Giraffes, Impalas, Sable antelopes, Warthogs, Waterbucks, Wildebeests, Greater kudus, Yellow baboons, Zebras, Hartebeests, Wild dogs and Hippos among others. These animals thrive in the park’s unique landscapes, particularly around the Mkata floodplains, which feature ridges separated by narrow depressions of black cotton soil. The hippo pool, located 5 kilometers northwest of the main entry gate, is another hotspot for wildlife viewing, with its high concentration of hippos and crocodiles.
A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
The Park is one if the vital destinations for Tanzania birding safaris, with over 400 bird species documented within the park. This remarkable avifauna includes migratory birds, as well as iconic species such as Marabou stork, Red-billed Oxpeckers Black-bellied bustard, Francolin, Cattle egret, Guinea-fowls, Hornbill, Malachite Kingfisher, Open-billed storks, Yellow-throated long claw, Lilac-breasted roller, Bateleur eagle and so much more.
For optimal birdwatching experiences, visitors can explore the Mkata River, particularly for African open bills, and the Mkata floodplains, which are a hotspot for ground hornbills. The park’s diverse habitats, ranging from open grasslands to dense woodlands, provide a unique opportunity to spot a wide range of bird species.
Visitors to Mikumi National Park can enjoy a range of activities, including game drives, birdwatching, and walking safaris. The park’s scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique bird species make it an unforgettable destination for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or just starting to explore the wonders of Africa, Mikumi National Park is a must-visit destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Game drives
Mikumi National Park offers an unforgettable Tanzania safari experience, with game viewing safaris being one of the most popular and thrilling activities that allow visitors to connect with the natural world. The park’s Mkata flood plains, situated northwest of the main road, are a hotspot for wildlife viewing, earning the nickname “Little Serengeti” due to the impressive concentration of animals that inhabit the area. This remarkable landscape is characterized by its unique blend of grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands, providing a diverse range of habitats that support an incredible array of wildlife. As visitors embark on a game viewing adventure in Mikumi National Park, they can expect to encounter an unforgettable safari holiday experience that will leave a lasting impression.
What happens during game viewing
The game viewing experience in Mikumi National Park is further enhanced by the various options available to visitors, including day game drives, morning game drives, and night game drives. Each of these options provides a unique perspective on the park’s wildlife, allowing visitors to witness the animals at different times of the day and in various habitats. The day game drive, for example, provides an opportunity to explore the park’s diverse landscapes and spot an array of wildlife in their natural habitats. The morning game drive, on the other hand, allows visitors to witness the park’s wildlife at their most active, as they begin their day. Meanwhile, the night game drive offers a thrilling adventure to spot nocturnal animals, such as predators and night-dwelling creatures.
During their game viewing experience, visitors to Mikumi National Park can expect to encounter an incredible array of wildlife, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards. Other iconic species that can be spotted in the park include elands, giraffes, impalas, sable antelopes, warthogs, waterbucks, wildebeests, greater kudus, yellow baboons, zebras, hartebeests, wild dogs, and hippos. The park’s diverse habitats support an incredible range of wildlife, and visitors can expect to see a wide variety of animals during their game viewing adventure.
What is the best time for wildlife safaris in Mikumi National Park
The best time for game viewing in Mikumi National Park is during the dry season, which occurs from June to October. During this period, the thinner vegetation makes it easier to spot animals, and wildlife congregates at watering holes, providing opportunities to see large herds of buffaloes and elephants. The dry season also offers clearer skies and more comfortable temperatures, making it an ideal time for game viewing. As visitors explore the park’s landscapes and encounter its incredible wildlife, they can expect to experience an unforgettable adventure that will leave a lasting impression.
Activities in Mikumi National Park
Bird watching
Mikumi National Park is a renowned destination for Tanzania birding safaris, offering an unparalleled opportunity to spot over 400 bird species. This avian paradise is a habitat to a diverse range of resident and migratory bird species, ensuring that every visit is a thrilling experience for bird enthusiasts. The Park is home to an impressive array of bird species, including Bellied bustard, Francolin, Cattle egret, Guinea-fowls, Hornbill, Malachite Kingfisher, Open-billed storks, Yellow-throated long claw, Lilac-breasted roller and Bateleur eagle. These birds are seen in various habitats throughout the park, including the swamps, hippo pool, and open grasslands.
Mikumi National Park’s unique location and diverse habitats make it an attractive destination for both resident and migratory bird species. This ensures that every visit to Mikumi National Park is a unique and exciting experience for birdwatchers. With its incredible diversity of bird species, Mikumi National Park is a must-visit destination for any bird enthusiast. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting to explore the world of birds, Mikumi National Park is sure to leave you in awe of the natural world. So why not grab your binoculars and head to Mikumi National Park for an unforgettable birdwatching adventure?
Walking safaris
Mikumi National Park is a premier destination for Tanzania walking safaris, offering an unparalleled opportunity to explore the park’s stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife on foot. The park’s walking safaris are expertly guided and tailored to provide a unique and thrilling experience for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts.
Mikumi National Park’s walking safaris take you on a journey through the park’s diverse habitats, including short savannah and Miombo woodland vegetation. With the guidance of an experienced safari guide, you’ll have the chance to discover the park’s hidden gems, including the Kikoboga trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, the Vuma Hills trail, which takes you through a scenic hillside with stunning vistas and the Mikumi Wildlife Lodge trail, which provides a unique perspective on the park’s wildlife and habitats
The dry season, which typically runs from June to October, is the best time for walking safaris in Mikumi National Park. During this period, the trails are dry and the grasslands are short, making it easier to navigate and spot wildlife. The dry season also offers clearer skies and more comfortable temperatures, making it an ideal time for walking safaris.
Picnic and camping
Mikumi National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of picnic and camping wildlife safari activities that allow you to connect with nature in a truly immersive way. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a leisurely picnic or embark on a thrilling camping adventure, Mikumi National Park has something for everyone.
There are three picturesque picnic sites, each offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. They provide a serene and peaceful atmosphere, allowing you to relax and unwind in the midst of nature’s splendor. Enjoy mouthwatering meals, refreshing drinks, and the warm sunshine as you soak up the beauty of the African wilderness.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, camping in Mikumi National Park is an absolute must. The park’s public campsites, situated in the northern region, offer a thrilling adventure for nature lovers and a chance to experience the raw power of the African wild. As night falls, gather around the campfire and listen to the roaring voices of nocturnal animals, including the majestic lions. The public campsites have amenities. For example bathrooms, kitchens, toilets, and water, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
Getting to Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park, located in the Morogoro region of Tanzania, is a readily accessible destination, thanks to its strategic positioning along the country’s A7 highway. Visitors to the park can choose from two convenient modes of transportation which either road or air.
By Road
Mikumi National Park is easily accessible by road, with several routes connecting to the park. The most common route is from Dar es Salaam, which involves a scenic drive via Morogoro. The journey typically takes around 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Additionally, there are routes connecting Mikumi National Park to other renowned wildlife destinations in Tanzania, such as Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve
These routes offer a convenient option for visitors looking to combine their Mikumi National Park safari with other exciting wildlife experiences.
By Air
Scheduled chartered flights are available from Dar es Salaam to Kikoboga airstrip, which is located within the park. This option is ideal for visitors with limited time or those seeking a more luxurious and hassle-free experience.