Mikumi National Park

The Mikumi National Park near Morogoro, Tanzania, was established in 1964 and is the fourth largest in the country. Covering an area of 3,230 km², the park is found in southern Tanzania and belongs to a circuit of wildlife parks, known for their untouched beauty. It remained relatively unknown and shadowed by the more famous ones in the area, until the A-7 highway was built, making it incredibly accessible.

There has been some discussion around the the fact that the tarred and busy highway bisects right through the park. It was built to connect Tanzania and Zambia however it also assists in enabling tourists to get to the park which previously was incredibly difficult. Wildlife viewing away from the road, is just as impressive as in other parks.

Mikumi National Park supports some impressive volumes of wildlife and settings, particularly on the Mkata floodplain which is often compared to the famous Serengeti plains. The Mkata is a popular center piece and often hosts large herds of giraffe, elephant, buffalo, zebra, eland and other antelope. Predators sightings are less frequent than in some parks, but lions are often seen lazing below shady acacias and spotted hyenas are vociferous by night.

Its location near the city has made it possible for short Tanzania safaris like 2 days Mikumi trip. It can also be added as a supplement to a safari to Selous game reserve.

Safaris to Mikumi usually start from Dar es Salaam, and your point of entry for the country is Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR). In most cases, your tour operator will pick you up from the airport and handle all further ground operations or domestic flights.

Mikumi Natinal Park is quite a “biodiversity hot spot” with a spectacular concentration and variety of fauna and flora.  The Mkata flood plain supports large herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo and impala. Giraffe and elephant are also a common site in the grasslands. Predators, such as lion and spotted hyena, are present but sightings are less common than in some of the more popular parks. Troops of yellow baboons and vervet monkey can be found throughout the park.

Mikumi is one of the most reliable places in Tanzania for sightings of the eland, the world's largest antelope. The equally impressive greater kudu and sable antelope can be found in the miombo woodland-covered foothills of the mountains that rise from the park's borders. The Lichtenstein's hartebeest is one of the more rare

More than 400 bird species have been recorded, with such colorful common residents as the lilac-breasted roller, yellow-throated longclaw and bateleur eagle, joined by a host of European migratory birds from November to April. The hippo pool and Mwanambogo dam are a good place to see some of the water-associated birds like African fish eagle, African spoonbill and hamerkop, and the Mkata river offers great views of African openbills fishing.unusual antelopes found here.

The Dry season (June to October) is the peak period for watching wildlife. The bush thins out and animals are easier to spot. They also tend to gather around predictable water sources such as the Mkata River, the hippo pool and other waterholes. Plus, the absence of precipitation is balanced by an abundance of sunshine. Visitors can still see wildlife in the wetter periods, but the humidity and the mosquitoes might drive one crazy.

Birdlife is good throughout the whole year, but at its best from November through April. At this time, resident birds are in breeding plumage, and migratory birds from north Africa and Europe can be found.

It is advisable to get several vaccinations before traveling to Tanzania – seek advice from your local health professional. Malaria is present, so guarding against it by using antimalarial medicine and mosquito repellent. Covering up in the evening when mosquitoes are most active is also a good idea.

There are many forms of safaris and activities in Mikumi National Park. All designed to get the most of any visit. These include: Day and night game viewing, long and short walking Safaris, camping, Filming, photographing, Bird watching, bush meals, sunrise and sun set, picnicking, conference tourism and Cultural tourism in adjacent communities.

Below are a few descriptions of the safaris:

Day game drive: The main activity for visitors is game viewing in various tourist areas and circuits within the Park.

Night Game drive: This unique experience allows tourists to see day and nocturnal animals at night. It is conducted from 8pm to 11pm. The tourists must be escorted by the armed rangers. Special cars designed for night game drive must be used.

Short walking safaris: Short walks (3-4 hrs) are conducted in the designated walking trails. Three of these walking trails exists: Kikoboga, Vuma Hills and Mikumi Wildlife Lodge.

Bird watching: This activity can be done in various areas of the Park.

Filming: Commercial filming can be done in the Park by acquiring relevant permit from TANAPA and other Authorities

Cultural Tourism can be done outside the park: This is conducted in adjacent villages. Tourists may enjoy traditional dances, food and local market tours while meeting with different tribes.

There are various types of accommodation on offer, all to suit any budget and any types of experience. These are places, amenities, or pieces equipment provided to tourists for a particular purpose. Below are further descriptions:

Public Campsites: The Park has 4 of these namely No1, No 3-5. Public campsites have basic facilities such as water and bathroom.

Special Campsites: Special campsites are natural sites where water and bathrooms facilities are not provided. Mikumi National Park has one special campsite namely Chogawale. In special campsite campers must come with their camping gear.

Private Tented Camps: Three Permanent Tented Camps/Lodges exist.

Cottages and Guest Rooms: Tourist Cottages, Guest rooms and Rest house located at Kikoboga near Park Headquarters. They are self-contained with air conditioned and Television. Advance booking is required.

Restaurant: The Park has the restaurant which provide continental breakfast and meals at the affordable prices.

Picnic Sites and Observation Point: Mikumi National Park has two picnic sites and one Observation Point.

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com