Mikumi National Park is among the least known Tanzania game parks, located near the city of Morogoro, with an area of 3,230square kilometers, that was established in 1964 and is under the management of Tanzania National Parks Authority ‘’TANAPA’’. The park lies 300 kilometers West of Dar es Salaam along the Dar-Mbeya highway. It is decorated by its scenic plains and baobabs and is home to numerous wild animals and bird species.
This national park houses with spectacular concentration of wildlife, which can be uniquely seen in other parks like rare Sable antelopes, African hunting dog, blue wildebeest, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest many more. It is also endowed with gentle foothills and vast miombo woodland savanna in the southern parts of the park are quite memorable.
Generally, Mikumi National Park is known as the fourth-largest National Park in Tanzania. More so, it shares a common border and ecosystem with Selous Game Reserve in the south, hence making animals migrate to and from the northern part of the reserve. The park lies between the Uluguru Mountains and the Lumango range. Mikumu National Park was gazetted as a national park in 1964 and covers an area of 3230 square kilometers. It is often compared to Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks due to its diverse ecosystem. The word Mikumi is shared with the village on its western border with Dar es Salaam. The village takes the name from the Palm tree ‘’Borassus ss’’. Hundreds of visitors, flock in Mikumi National Park with an aim of spotting the Big five ‘’Leopard, Lion, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhino.
Flora In Mikumi National Park
Well, Mikumi is covered by different vegetation types which are similar to those in Serengeti and Tarangire National Park. The park is divided into two thus creating two different environments with different vegetation zoning. The northern sector is restrained by the Alluvia plains that are dried by the Mkata river. This part is inhabited with open savannah grassland, comprised of Baobab trees, palms, acacia and tamarind trees. The palm trees are dotted along the river basin of Mkata. The northern sector is home to a high number of herbivores and during the dry season, these animals gather around the remaining water sources in the plains that attract a number of predators like hyenas, lions and leopards occasionally. The southern part of Mikumi is restrained by forested areas dotted with miombo woodlands, Riverine forests, Lowland forests, Bushland and Thickets as well as acacia trees. This part supports the rare tree-climbing lions however, it is not easily accessible because of poor frustrations.
Animals in Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is home to wide range of fauna, including some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife species. Some of these species to see include; lions, leopards, Cheetahs, elephants, zebras, Sabre antelopes, blue wildebeest, African hunting dog, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Impala, Elands , Warthogs, Greater Kudu among others. Primates to encounter include Yellow Baboon, Vervet monkeys, Colobus monkeys and others. Amphibians and reptiles like Nile Crocodiles, Monitors lizards, Pythons, Cobras, Tortoise and Turtles can be seen in the park.
It is also a birding paradise to many bird lovers, harboring over 400 bird species and some of list of birds to see include; Lilac -breasted Rollers, Secretary Birds, African Fish Eagles, Open -Billed Storks, Hornbills, Yellow-Billed storks, Ground Hornbills, Vultures, Raptors, Bee-Easters.
Activities in Mikumi National Park
Guided nature walks
This activity is carried out through several different walking trails and covers 3 to 4 trolling through the park. There are three walking trails commonly used, including: Kikoboga, Vuma hills and the Mikumi wildlife resort trail.
Visitors can be accompanied by a skilled guide and an armed ranger to protect you from dangerous animals. During your walking safari, you will have a chance to get up close encounters with wild animals and birds. Best conducted in the dry season.
Bird watching
Truly Mikumi is a great stop birding location, because it is inhabited by over 400 recorded bird species, including migrating birds, savanna birds, aquatic birds many more. Birding is best done during the game drives and nature walks and some of birds to be spotted include; open-billed stork, Zanzibar red bishop, purple breasted roller, hornbills, Malachite kingfisher, bateleurs eagle, martial eagle and marabou stork. Many water birds in the park can be encountered around the Hippo pool. Migratory birds are spotted between the months of November and April.
Game Viewing
Game viewing is a major activity done in Mikumi National Park. You can engage either in day game drive or night game drives which offers sights of the nocturnal species. It is best done in 4×4 safari vehicles under the supervision of skilled safari guide, who knows the history behind. Mkata floodplains is perfect for lion and elephant seeing. This area also attracts large herds of buffaloes, elephants, zebras, wild dogs, waterbucks, wildebeest, hartebeest, sable antelopes, impalas, greater kudus, elands , warthogs and yellow baboon.
Camping and Picnic
Mikumi offers both comfortable camping and picnicking thus allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural environment. Camping is done in the northern part and is most desirable by nature lovers. The park features with two camping sites; Public and private campsite. They have basic facilities like water, toilets, bathrooms and a kitchen all available. Private campsite a prior booking is required to avoid inconveniences.
Some of these picnic sites include: Mwanambogo, Mbuyuni and Millennium.
Cultural Visits
The park is surrounded by unique cultures, which is organized under Chilunga cultural tourism. Tourists get chances to participate in cultural dances and trying out traditional foods.
Best Time to go for a safari at Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is all year visited. Though, the greatest time to visit park is during the peak season during the months of June through October. During this period the vegetation is thinner and clear viewing of animals gathering around the Mkata River for water.
How to Get to Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park can be reached by road or by air, depending on the traveler’s choice.
By road, from Dar-es Salaam, the journey takes 4 to 5 hours to access the park.
By Air transport: Some visitors may choose to use air transport ,through domestic flight bookings which are organized by safari Air link connecting to other parts like Selous ,Zanzibar ,ruaha and Dar es Salaam.
Where to stay;
Mikumi National Park boosts with several classic accommodation facilities, ranging from Luxury to Mid-range, Budget and camps. These facilities include; Mikumi Wildlife Camp, Tan-Swiss Lodge, Stanley’s Kopje camp. Get started now!
