Yes, it’s worth visiting because Mikumi National Park plains resemble that of the Serengeti, and it’s also the fourth largest National Park in Tanzania. Mikumi is preserving the area’s rich biodiversity and fauna despite being only a short distance from Dar es Salaam and the nearby National Parks. A number of conservation and research projects are being conducted out in the national park, which serves as more than just a tourist destination. Although the place may not be well-known to tourists like other northern famous National Park, its year-round pleasant weather and rampant wildlife make it worthwhile to visit. You have a fantastic chance to see buffalo, giraffes, wildebeest, elephants, zebras, and crocodiles, members of the cat family like lions or leopards, and endangered wild dogs on the safari in Mikumi National Park. The big five, which include the cheetah, lion, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, will never let you down because there is a good possibility you’ll see them out and about. There are more than 400 bird species registered here, including the lilac-breasted roller, bateleur eagle, and yellow-throated long claw. Although not very well known among foreign visitors, the park provides business travelers and those looking for a quick getaway in Tanzania with a comfortable and leisurely stay. There aren’t many campgrounds and resorts, but those that do exist provide a cheap and comfortable way to stay at/around Mikumi National Park.
What is so special at Mikumi National Park?
The presence of the largest and most powerful antelope in the world is what distinguishes Mikumi National Park. The Mkata Floodplain in Tanzania is possibly the best location to see the strongest eland, and largest antelope in the world. This makes Mikumi National Park unique to all other National Parks in Tanzania.
What is the best time to visit Mikumi National Park?
You can visit Mikumi at any time of the year because Mikumi National Park is a year-round destination. However, the greatest time to visit the area is between the months of early June and Late October, Wildlife can be easily captured because there is little vegetation and little access to water. Low humidity, clear weather and pleasant weather condition with little rainfall is optimal for safari. The ideal time to see the enormous hippos at the hippo pool is during the months of September and October. However, the season can be busy, with many tourists and safari cars.
Where is Mikumi National Park Located?
The Mikumi National Park is more easily accesible from Dar es Salaam, which is Tanzania’s largest city. The distance between it and Dar es Salaam is 280 kilometers. The park is situated in the center of Tanzania’s well-known highlands, 107 kilometers from the town of Mogoro. In the south, Mikumi National Park shares a boundary with once known Selous Game Reserve now known as Nyerere National Park, the largest national reserve in Africa. In the northeast, it shares a boundary with the Udzungwa, Uluguru, and Malundwe mountains. The hill belt that runs from the East to the West cuts through the park. In the west, the park also abuts the Uvidunda Mountains. The breathtaking backdrop of the three-peak Malundwe Mountains, whose ridge runs from north to south.
The Dar es Salaam highway passes through the park as it links the city to important southern cities like Iringa and other African nations in the south. The majority of tourists are able to enter the park because of the completion of this roadway, which improved accessibility. Since the highway runs right across the
park’s entrances, visitors must utilize other public transportation to get inside. It is around 280 kilometers west of Dar es Salaam on the route to the renowned south national parks and reserves.
What animals can you see at Mikumi National Park?
Mikumi hosts the ‘Big Five’, the buffalo, lion, elephant, Leopard, and rhino can be seen in the park, Mikumi National Park is home to a wide range of species you will love it here, it’s a terrific destination for a vacation in Tanzania. One of the highlights is a pair of mud pools where hippos reside. The distance between them and the main entrance gate is 5 kilometers. They are supported by a cast of water-birds that is always moving.
A large region in Mikumi National Park that is excellent for watching wildlife is called the Mkata Foodplain. Lions watch over their grassy domain and the migratory herds of zebra, wildebeest, impala, and buffalo from the flat tops of termite mounds or, occasionally during the rainy season, from high perches in the trees. Giraffes forage in the solitary acacia trees that line the Mkata River; these are the same shade islands that Mikumi’s elephants like. Eland sightings are most likely to occur in Tanzania’s Mkata Foodplain, which is also home to the world’s largest antelope, the powerful eland. The foothills of the highlands that rise from Mikumi National Park are covered in miombo and are home to the equally spectacular greater kudu and sable antelope.
Birds found at Mikumi National Park
More than 400 different bird species may be found in Mikumi, making it a great spot for bird watchers! Fishing Open-billed Storks can be seen in beautiful fashion along the Mkata River. In Mikumi National Park, common birds include Marabou storks, Red-billed oxpeckers, Black-bellied bustards, Francolins, Cattle egrets, Guinea-fowls, Hornbills, and Malachite Kingfishers. The Lilac-breasted roller, the Bateleur eagle, and the Yellow-throated long claw are the species that are the most colorful. During the rainy season, Mikumi National Park is frequented by European immigrants.
What to do at Mikumi National Park?
There are various activities you can do at Mikumi National Park, including the following;
Hike Uluguru Mountains
The Mikumi national park located adjacent to the Uluguru Mountains scattering a beautiful landscape and beauty. The mountain range provides a gorgeous and adventurous entryway where you may unwind in the midst of nature or go on a stroll along the paths provided by the untamed yet lush trees. Another way to appreciate beauty while visiting Mikumi for wildlife is by hiking the beautiful Uluguru Mountains. The peak is renowned among tourists who have visited Tanzania’s Morogoro region which is on the way to Mikumi National Park.
Game Drives
The finest activity to do at Mikumi National Park is a wildlife safari, Miukumi is home to the big 5. Elsewhere, the sparse vegetation and calm, clear weather improve the safari experience. Major sightings of the buffalo, elephant, zebra with wild dogs, and wildebeest occur as soon as you reach the national Park. There is a fantastic mix of endangered and uncommon fauna that is being preserved.
Bird Watching
The extensive birdlife, which is sustained by the area’s natural ecosystem, is another factor in the popularity of Mikumi National Park. More than 400 bird species, including both migratory species that arrive during the season and endemic species of the area, are listed in the records. The national park’s finest habitats for water-based bird species are the open grasslands and swamp regions with the hippo pool. You can capture the African fish eagle and the African spoonbill.
Walking Safari
The best activity in Mikumi may be the guided walking excursions, which allow you to not only get up close to the local fauna but also to learn about its plants. Follow the untamed trails of the national park, looking for wild dog colonies, zebra and giraffe wandering along the plains, big cats napping over the cliff, and hippos beside the pools. To prevent danger and understand the richness of the wild world, be sure to receive assistance from a guide.
Photography Safari
Mikumi National Park is a place with a lot of diversity and a calm climate. The greenery of baobabs and grassy plains contributes to the attractiveness of the backdrop along with the woodlands and the black hardwood trees. In contrast to Tanzania’s other national parks, this one is now less congested and less well-known, making it a perfect location for photographers to catch uncommon species and their ideal untamed habitats. The national park is so beautiful year-round, whether it’s rainy or dry, making it the perfect location for photographers.
A visit a famous neighbor
When visiting Mikumi National Park, you can arrange a visit to nearby renowned cities and areas dedicated to wildlife conservation. The close proximity to Dar es Salaam makes it easy to spend a day exploring both the wildlife and the city life of Tanzania. The Selous, Ruaha, and Udzungwa share boundaries with the national park, allowing you to see Tanzania’s incredible wild side. You can definitely organize a day trip to a nearby destination while spending your holiday at this national park.
Is 2 days Safari enough for a Safari at Mikumi National Park?
Apart from the Day Trip to Mikumi National Park, the 2-day Mikumi National Park safari is one of the shorter safaris available. Due to this, the 2 Days Mikumi National Park Safari, (Mikumi Safari from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar) is brief but sufficient to see the park’s species and landscapes. Moreover, Mikumi Safari from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar can provide lodging options that are both affordable and luxurious.
How to access Mikumi national park?
You can access Mikumi National Park by both road and by air, Mikumi National Park is connected from all Tanzania’s major cities. You can go to Mikumi National Park in whichever way is most comfortable for you thanks to public and private transfers.
By air: Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar airports are both home to the closest airports to Mikumi National Park. Travelers from abroad can enter Tanzania and then take a charter airplane to the national park.
By land: A decent network of tarmac roads connects the city of Dar es Salaam or Morogoro, Udzungwa National Park, and Ruaha National Park and other parks and cities with the National Park.