Mikumi National Park is one of the protected areas in the country’s southern region. The park was founded in 1964 and is located near the coast of the Indian Ocean. Mikumi National Park has had multiple landers since it was designated as a national park. It began as a modest game reserve until 1975, when extra property from both the south and north edges of the park was added. The park is currently Tanzania’s fourth-largest national park, comprising a total land area of 3,230 square kilometers.
The Mikumi national park safari brings you to the Arc Mountains, which border the park in all directions. The Uluguru Mountains, located in the park’s eastern region, are the most well-known. Mazunyungu, Madzini, and Mbesera hills can be found in the west and north. Mikumi is one of the nicest national parks in Tanzania, despite being relatively unknown. Its unique setting surrounded by mountains and hills has resulted in more light reflection, providing picturesque and spectacular color and light throughout the park. Sunset and dawn views are spectacular, especially if you go to the top of a hill or mountain and watch the sun rise or set.
Mikumi National Park features a diverse environment, which is further split by a river that runs through the park. The road divides the park into two halves, one north-west and one south-east. Both sides have varied ecosystems with little in common; for example, the North West is characterized by broad alluvial plains with more Acacia trees and the giant Baobab tree. The North West is more like Tarangire National Park, and here you will find more African elephants. On the opposite side of the road for Mikumi National Park safaris and game viewing the environment is dense and dominated by shrubs, and there are few animals in the area, making it less exploited.
The Mikumi national park safari is best done in the region known as the “Mkata plains” in the northwestern part of the park. The plains are similar to the world-famous Serengeti National Park, which is located in northern Tanzania. If you enjoy hiking, the northern area of Mikumi National Park is the place to be on your Mikumi National Park safari. It has unusual rock formations such as the Rubeho Mountains and the Uluguru Mountains.
ATTRACTIONS IN MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK
Wildlife
The park contains a wide range of species, and most people come to see the ‘Big Five”: cheetah, lion, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. It’s a fantastic location for a Tanzania holiday; you’ll love it! One of the attractions is the presence of hippos in a pair of mud pools. They are 5 kilometers north of the main entrance gate. They are aided by a revolving cast of water birds.
The Mkata Floodplain is a large area in Mikumi National Park with excellent wildlife watching opportunities. Lions observe their grassy realm—and the zebra, wildebeest, impala, and buffalo herds that travel across it—from the flattened tops of termite mounds or, during rainstorms, from high in the trees. Giraffes forage in the isolated acacia stands that line the Mkata River, which are also popular with Mikumi’s elephants.
Mkata Floodplain is possibly Tanzania’s most reliable location for sightings of the mighty eland, the world’s largest antelope. The miombo-covered foothills of the highlands that rise from Mikumi National Park’s limits are home to the equally stunning greater kudu and sable antelope.
Bird Species
Birds are one of Mikumi National Park’s main attractions; the area includes approximately 400 bird species, including both permanent and migratory birds. Because of the abundance of birds, the park has become a popular birding destination in Tanzania‘s southern region. Long lists of birds can be attained with patient Mikumi National Park safaris lasting more than three days. Despite the fact that the park is not particularly large, the diversity of the ecology and vegetation has attracted a variety of bird species. Black-billed Bustard, Secretary Bird, Guinea Fowl, Ox Peckers, Bateleur Eagles, and Cattle Egret are the most frequently seen birds. During the rainy season, European migrants are numerous in Mikumi National Park.
Mountains
Mikumi National Park is located in the midst of mountains, making mountains one of the park’s main attractions. The magnificent views of the mountains, which have a unique formation system, draw more visitors to the park, particularly writers, photographers, and scholars. The most common and well-known mountains are the Uluguru Mountains, which every visitor to Mikumi National Park wishes to hike while on safari. Additional mountains in the park are the Udzungwa Mountains and the Malundwe Mountains, which are the largest and highest. It is located in the heart of the national park, connecting the Uluguru, Udzungwa, and Uvidunda mountains. The Malundwe Mountains are made up of three peaks, the highest of which is located in the southern portion and rises to 1290 meters.
Accommodation
The Park has campgrounds for visitors to stay in, as well as public and special campsites that may be reserved through the Arusha headquarters. Private enterprises also offer well-appointed lodges and permanent tented camps in the park. There are guest accommodations near the park’s boundary in Mikumi town.
WHEN TO GO
Mikumi’s dry season lasts from May to November, but despite wet spells throughout the other months, the landscape is lush and attractive all year round, thanks to a well-established network of roads and tracks.
MIKUMI SAFARI IDEAS
Mikumi is en route to Udzungwa National Park on a safari from Dar es Salaam, and in the dry season, a gravel road connects with Nyerere National Park (previously the Selous), from where one may fly back to Dar es Salaam. It is also possible to fly or drive from Mikumi to Iringa and Ruaha National Parks.
