The Mikumi National Park close to Morogoro, Tanzania, was established in 1964. It covers a space of three,230 km² and is the fourth largest within the nation. The park is crossed by Tanzania’s A-7 Highway.
Tanzania’s Mikumi National Park is situated close to Morogoro, south of the renowned Selous Game Reserve. The fourth-biggest national park in Tanzania, Mikumi National Park, is situated the closest to Dar es Salaam, the country’s major metropolis.
The fourth largest national park in Tanzania, Mikumi National Park, is situated close to Morogoro and has a total area of 3,230 km2. The Tanzanian A-7 highway runs through the park. Mikumi National Park was created in 1964 with the intention of protecting the rare antelopes that were native to the region. In this article, I am going to talk about Mikumi National Park animals, location, safari, fees, etc.
Mikumi National Park is Tanzania’s fourth-largest national park, with a panorama of baobabs, black hardwood timber, and grassy plains, and essentially the most accessible from Dar es Salaam.
With virtually assured year-round wildlife sightings, Mikumi makes a great safari vacation spot for those without a lot of time.
Inside its 3230 sq km – set between the Uluguru Mountains to the northeast, the Rubeho Mountains to the northwest, and the Lumango Mountains to the southeast –
Mikumi hosts buffaloes, wildebeest, giraffes, elephants, lions, zebras, leopards, crocodiles, and endangered wild dogs, and the possibilities are excessive that you’ll see a good sampling of those inside a short while of getting into the park.
Mikumi National Park: Tanzania Travel & Safari Guide
Size: 3,230 sq km (1,250 sq miles), the fourth-largest national park in Tanzania, and part of a much larger ecosystem centered on the uniquely vast Selous Game Reserve.
Location: 283 km (175 miles) west of Dar es Salaam, north of Selous, and en route to Ruaha, Udzungwa, and (for the intrepid) Katavi.
Territory
Mikumi National Park was first created in 1964 as a small game reserve before becoming a national park. Between the Uluguru and Udzungwa mountains sits Mikumi National Park.
The park, which has a total size of 3230 square kilometers, is also known as “Little Serengeti” due to the similarity of its terrain to that of Serengeti National Park. A far-off town on its western boundary bears the same name as Mikumi National Park.
Mikumi National Park borders Selous Recreation Reserve on the south, the 2 areas forming a singular ecosystem.
Two different pure areas bordering the national park are the Udzungwa Mountains and the Uluguru Mountains.
Malundwe Mountain is inside the park, the very best of a belt of hills that run east and west by the park, connecting the Uluguru Mountains to the northeast with the Uvidunda and Udzungwa mountains to the west.
Malundwe Mountain consists of three peaks alongside a ridge operating north and south. Malundwe’s south peak is the very best level within the park, reaching 1290 meters in elevation.
Wildlife of Mikumi National Park
The attribute of the grassland is large herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, and impala. There are households of warthogs, troops of yellow baboons,s and vervet monkeys. Elephants could be seen from afar and lions and noticed hyena is frequent.
Mikumi National Park covers a space of three,230 sq km, and is wealthy in wildlife together with buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, lion, elephant, impala, hippos, baboon, giraffe, warthog, waterbuck, and eland which could be seen all year long.
Reptiles together with crocodiles, monitor lizards, and pythons are additional residents within the park.
Different animals that may be sighted though uncommon are the Sable Antelope resident within the southern part of the park bordering the Selous, the bigger Kudu, leopard, and the wild dog also called the African Searching Canine. Greater than 400 hen species have been recorded, together with European migrants in the course of the wet season.
The panorama of Mikumi is usually in comparison with that of the Serengeti. The street that crosses the park divides it into two areas with partially distinct environments.
The world north-west is characterized by the alluvial plain of the river basin Mkata.
The vegetation of this space consists of a savannah dotted with acacia, baobab, tamarinds, and a few uncommon palms.
In this space, on the furthest from the street, there are spectacular rock formations of the mountains Rubeho and Uluguru. The southeast part of the park is much less wealthy in wildlife, and never very accessible.
The fauna contains many specific attributes of the African savannah. In response to native guides at Mikumi, the possibility of seeing a lion who climbs a tree trunk is bigger than in Manyara (well-known for being one of many few locations in the place the lions exhibit these habits).
The park incorporates a subspecies of giraffes that biologists take into account the hyperlink between the Masai giraffe and the reticulated or Somali giraffe.
Different animals within the park are elephants, zebras, impala, eland, kudu, black antelope, baboons, wildebeests, and buffaloes.
At about 5 km from the north of the park, there are two synthetic swimming pools inhabited by hippos. Greater than 400 completely different species of birds additionally inhabit the park.
Mikumi National Park Tourism
The Mikumi belongs to the circuit of the wildlife parks of Tanzania, much less visited by worldwide vacationers and higher protected from an environmental standpoint.
Many of the routes that cross the Mikumi proceed within the route of the Mikumi National Park and the Selous.
The really helpful season for visiting the park is the dry season between Could and November, heat climate, and exquisite websites which are once-in-a-lifetime expertise.
At Mikumi Wildlife Camp you can find barbecue amenities, a terrace, and a bar. An array of actions could be loved on web site or within the environment, together with mountain climbing. The property provides free parking.
Most guests come to Mikumi National Park aiming to identify the ‘Huge 5’ (cheetah, lion, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), and they’re all the time not upset.
Hippo swimming pools present shut entry to the mud-loving beasts and bird-watching alongside the waterways is especially rewarding.
Mikumi National Park borders the Selous Recreation Reserve and Udzungwa Nationwide Park, and the three areas make a different and nice safari circuit.
Swirls of opaque mist conceal the advancing daybreak. The primary shafts of solar enhance the fluffy grass heads rippling throughout the plain in a russet halo.
A herd of zebras, assured of their camouflage at this predatory hour, pose like ballerinas, heads aligned and stripes merging in flowing movement.
Mikumi National Park abuts the northern border of Africa’s largest recreation reserve – the Selous – and is transected by the surfaced street between Dar es Salaam and Iringa.
It’s thus essentially the most accessible part of a 75,000 sq. kilometer (47,000 sq. mile) tract of wilderness that stretches east virtually so far as the Indian Ocean.
The open horizons and ample wildlife of the Mkata Floodplain, the favored centerpiece of Mikumi, attract frequent comparisons to the extra well-known Serengeti Plains.
Lions survey their grassy kingdom – and the zebra, wildebeest, impala, and buffalo herds that migrate throughout it – from the flattened tops of termite mounds, or type in the course of the rains, from perches excessive within the timber.
Giraffes forage within the remoted acacia stands that fringe the Mkata River, islets of shade favored additionally by Mikumi’s elephants.
Criss-crossed by an excellent circuit of game-viewing roads, the Mkata Floodplain is probably essentially the most dependable place in Tanzania for sightings of the highly effective eland, the world’s largest antelope.
The equally spectacular higher kudu and sable antelope hang out in the miombo-covered foothills of the mountains that rise from the park’s borders.
Greater than 400 bird species have been recorded, with such vibrant frequent residents because of the lilac-breasted curler, yellow-throated lengthy claw, and bateleur eagle joined by a number of European migrants in the course of the wet season.
Hippos are the star attraction of the pair of swimming pools located 5km north of the principal entrance gate, supported by an ever-changing forged of water birds.
Wildlife
Elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, leopards, lions, rare African wild dogs, sable antelopes, huge kudus, and many more animal species may be found at Mikumi National Park.
While the shy kudu and sable antelopes are easily spotted along the dotted Miombo woodlands, which are located in the south-east of the park close to the Vuma hills, the majority of the park’s animals are found in the center of the park along the Mkata plains, which is cut off to the north-west by the main highway that runs through the park.
Mountains
The Mikumi National Park is surrounded by mountains, which adds to its allure. The picturesque views of the mountains’ distinctive formation system draw more visitors to the park, particularly academics, authors, and photographers.
Uluguru Mountain is the most attractive mountain in the park, and every visitor would want to hike up it while on a tour. Other mountains in the park include the Udzugwa, Uvidunda, and Malundwe Mountains. The Malundwe Mountains have three peaks, with the highest peak on the southern part reaching a height of 1290 meters.
Types of Birds
Over 400 different bird species can be found in Mikumi National Park, with the majority of them being found in southern Tanzania. The park is home to both resident and migratory bird species, including the Black-billed Stork, Yellow-Throated Long-Claw, Secretary Bird, Guinea Fowl, Ox Peckers, Bateleur Eagles, Cattle Egret, Open-Billed Stork, Zanzibar Red Bishop, Lilac-Breasted Roller, Martial Eagle,
The Mikumi National Park’s attractions
The Savanah plains, Acacia trees, Baobabs, Tamarinds, and Palms are just a few of the diverse features that Mikumi National Park has to offer. Numerous diverse animal species, including elephants, impalas, elands, zebras, larger kudus, wildebeests, buffaloes, and sable antelopes, may be observed grazing in the park’s savannah vegetation.
Other bird species that can be seen are the Lilac-breasted Roller, Bateleur eagle, and Yellow-throated Longclaw.
The dry season, which runs from June to October, is the greatest time to visit Mikumi National Park and see a ton of species.
The vegetation is sparser at this time of year, and animals are more easily spotted as they congregate along the Mkata River, a freshwater source. This time of year sees a spike in visitor activity, making it a peak season as well.
Activities
Bird Watching
The Mikumi National Park is a fantastic location for birdwatching. More than 400 different bird species can be found in Mikumi National Park, including the African fish eagle, Lilac-breasted eagle, Bateleur eagle, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Saddle-billed stork, Long-tailed fiscal, Cattle egrets, Malachite Kingfisher, and more. These birds can also be seen near the hippo pools and on the banks of the Mkata River. When it rains, migratory birds can be seen in the park.
While park visitors can view different bird species there, including the Zanzibar red bishop, secretary birds, lilac-breasted roller, bateleurs eagle, and many others, birders will be able to observe and interact with the majority of the park’s birds.
Walking Safaris
You may take short, guided walks around the park’s designated walking paths to learn more about the many bird and animal species that live there. The savannah grasslands make for stunning photographs, which may be taken along the journey.
Visitors to Mikumi National Park are exposed to the park’s environs through nature walks that enable them to discover the park’s characteristics, wildlife, birds, and other surroundings.
Kinole waterfalls
The Kinole waterfalls are located in the Uluguru mountains in the village of Kinole; the waterfall was named after the village where it is located, and it is one of the main attractions in Mikumi National Park. The waterfall has great scenic views, and you can swim below the waterfall or hike to the top of the falls with the help of local guides, who are available from Morogoro.
Picnics
After or during a break on the game drive, picnickers can enjoy their packed lunch and beverages while taking in the breathtaking surroundings at one of the picnic spots.
The Mikumi National Park encourages picnics since visitors spend a lot of time there at their picnic spots, learning about the park’s various attractions while they are eating their packed lunch beside them.
A cultural outing
A tour of the nearby towns where you may participate in events like traditional dances, food tastings, and market visits while getting to know the people and learning more about their way of life.
The cultural tours in Mikumi National Park are guided by locals who are organized under the banner of Chilunga Cultural Tourism and have offices close to Morogoro, which is close to the park’s entrance. The guides are informed about the residents and their history.
The villagers exhibit to the visitors their traditional dances, cuisine, and many other activities as they go with them and engage in conversation with them. Since residents actively participate in tourist management and several diverse communities and cultures can be found around the park, including the Choma, Maasai, Kinole, Madole, and others, cultural tourism is one strategy to promote sustainable tourism.
Game viewing
In Mikumi National Park, visitors may observe wildlife both during the day and at night. The tree-climbing lions may be seen throughout the day, while hippos can be seen swimming in the hippo pools northeast of the park’s main entrance.
Mikumu National Park gives visitors the opportunity to see a variety of animals in their natural habitats, including elephants, giraffes, elands, zebras, hippos, antelopes, and many more. If you’re lucky, you could even catch a glimpse of lions making kills while on the prowl.
Large herds of elephants and buffalo congregate on the Mkata Plains to drink the pure water of the Mkata River. Impalas, eland, baboons, and the larger kudu are among the more magnificent creatures that may be observed.
An opportunity to see nocturnal species like lions, hyenas, and leopards as well as other day animals is provided by a night game drive in Mikumi National Park. You are accompanied on your night game drive by a knowledgeable, armed game ranger.
Camping
A public campground is available for camping in Mikumi National Park’s northern region. As you relax and take in the park’s natural beauty, listen to the various animal sounds, such as lions roaring. The greatest time to go camping is from June through October or November when it’s dry out.
Visitors to Mikumi National Park have the option of camping there because the park provides both public and private camping areas, albeit in distinct configurations. The Mikumi National Park’s outstanding wilderness environment is enjoyed by visitors.
The optimum time to camp in the park is between June and November during the dry season. A popular private campground is located in the Vuma Hills at Campsite 5, while a public campsite is located in the Nkata Plains at Campsite 1.
Best time to visit
The greatest time to visit the park is from June to October, which is the dry season. During this time, wildlife concentrates near waterholes and rivers, making it easy for visitors to see the area’s many different animal species.
Where is Mikumi National Park located?
Your entry point will be the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. It takes roughly 4 hours to drive from Dar es Salaam to reach the park. Most people visit Mikumi National Park on their route to Nyerere or Ruaha parks. The 320 km drive from Ruaha National Park to Mikumi National Park takes around 5 hours.
Mikumi National Park Accommodation
There’s a street operating by the park, which might detract somewhat from the sensation of wilderness. In addition to having both private and public camping areas like Stanely’s Kopje Camp, Mikumi Wildlife Camp, and Angalia Tents Camp, Mikumi National Park also offers other lodging options like Tan-Swiss Lodge, Vuma Hill Tented Lodge, Voyage Village, Mikumi Faru Tented, and many more. Each of these accommodations offers the best and most comfortable bedding as well as other amenities.
For that reason, we’ve chosen a small camp, tucked well away close to the Mkata floodplain. As this Mikumi National Park is definitely accessible from Dar es Salaam, we advocate it for 2 nights originally of your safari earlier than heading off into the Selous or Ruaha.
How to Go to Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is reachable from Dar es Salaam by air, road, and rail.
The closest airport to Mikumi-National-Park is Iringa (IRI) Airport which is 150.6 km away.
Different close by airports includes Dar es Salaam (DAR) (241 km), Zanzibar (ZNZ) (266 km), Pemba (PMA) (377.6 km), and Kilimanjaro (JRO) (426.6 km).
We suggest flying to Dar es Salaam (DAR) Airport, which is 241 km away from Mikumi. The practice and taxi from Dar es Salaam (DAR) to Mikumi takes 12h 17m.
By road
Both the public and private transportation options may get you to Mikumi National Park, which is only a few kilometers from Mikumi town or Morogoro town. The direct roadway that runs from Dar es Salaam via the park takes around 4 to 5 hours.
By Air
There are no direct flights that go to the Mikumi national park, but you may utilize the flights to Iringa airport as an alternative and then drive there, or you can fly to the Ruaha or Selous national parks and then take a flight to the park.
By Train
The greatest method to tour the area and see the numerous animal species in the park is via train, which runs through Mukimi National Park’s interior and travels at a speed that makes it ideal for game-watching. The railroad runs from Dar es Salaam in southern Africa to Zambia. taking the route from Man’gula to the park after traveling from Dar es Salaam.
Final thought
Numerous animal species may be seen in the beautiful terrain of hardwood trees, savanna studded with acacia, and grassy plains dotted with famous baobab trees, tamarind trees, and some rare palms. Particularly during the dry season, Mikumi is one of Tanzania’s most consistent locations for wildlife sightings.
The best birding safari destination in Tanzania is Mikumi National Park, which has over 400 species of birds. Notable residents of the park include the colorful lilac-breasted roller, yellow-throated long claw, and bateleur eagle, who are joined by a large number of European migratory birds from November to April.
Other Recommended Reading
- Thomson Safaris Kilimanjaro – A Guide from Tourists
- Safari near Victoria Falls: What Other Travelers Follow
- Great Migration Serengeti – A Wonder of the Wild
- Serengeti National Park Facts and Tour
- Busanga Plains – Camping and Wilderness Safaris
- Sossusvlei Camping and Trip for Adventure Lovers
- Namibia Safe Road Trip Guide for the Daredevils
- 32 Essential Tips on Namibia Guided Tours
- 11 Memorable Safari Trip Options to South Africa
- That is Why Travelers Find South Africa Safe to Travel
- 12 Great Attractions of Zimbabwe Safari Experience
- Unique Attractions of Mozambique Tours and Travels
- What to See in the Madagascar Tours and Travels
- Great Attractions of Thrilling Malawi Safari
- 11 Great Spots to Spot in Botswana Safari
- Ultimate Namibia Road Trip Itinerary
- How Much does it Cost to Travel to Zambia?
- Adventurous Kenya Safari Tours for Daredevils
- Zambia Safari Tips for the Adventure Lovers
- 13 Best Places For Safari Trip to Zambia