Mikumi national park

Mikumi National Park is one of the largest national parks in the Republic of Tanzania, located in the southern region of the country. Established in 1964, the park is Tanzania’s fourth largest national park covering 3,230 square kilometers.

Mikumi National Park has a diverse ecology and is also passed by Tanzania’s A-7 Highway which divides the park into two regions: northwest and southeast. Both regions of the park have varied ecosystems; but with little in common, for example, the North West is characterized by broad alluvial plains with more Acacia trees and Baobabs.  

Why visit Mikumi national park?

Mikumi National Park is a rich habitat for wild animals including four of the big five animals which include the buffalo, elephant, lion, and leopard. The park also boasts an incredible number of zebras, wildebeest, impalas, giraffes, warthogs, waterbucks, hippos, Greater kudu, wild dogs, Sable antelopes, and baboons, among many others.

With over 400 recorded bird species, Mikumi National Park is a great birding destination for Tanzania birding safaris. The best bird sightings in the park are caught around the Mkata River and floodplains. Bird species in Mikumi National Park include Black-bellied Bustard, Malachite and Pied kingfishers and many more.

Things to do in Mikumi National Park

Game Viewing

Game viewing is one of the most outstanding Tanzania safari activities in Mikumi National Park. Offered mostly in safari game drives, this activity is carried out in 4×4 safari vehicles under the supervision of experienced safari guides. Game viewing in Mikumi National Park is conducted mostly in the Mkata flood plains northwest of the main road, following various circuits that run across the park’s plains. This is because of the large concentration of animals found in the flood plains; and as a result, it is sometimes referred to as the “Little Serengeti.”

Game drives in Mikumi National Park include morning game drives, day game drives, and night game drives which offer sights of the nocturnal species. On safari game drives, expect to see lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, impalas, elands, sable antelopes, wildebeests, greater kudus, warthogs, waterbucks, yellow baboons, zebras, hartebeests, and wild dogs, among many others.

Birding safaris

Mikumi National Park is home to over 400 recorded bird species including migratory birds, savanna birds, aquatic birds, and many others. The park offers fantastic birding safaris throughout the year and birders should expect to see various birds such as the Zanzibar red bishop, malachite kingfisher, martial eagle, yellow-throated long claw, purple breasted roller, marabou stork, hornbills, bateleurs eagle, and open billed stork, to mention but a few. Migratory species can be seen in Mikumi from November to April.

Walking Safaris

Mikumi National Park is an excellent destination for Tanzania walking safaris; the park provides 3–4-hour walking safaris on three paths that run through the park: Kikoboga, Vuma Hills, and the Mikumi wildlife resort trail. Walking safaris in Mikumi National Park are offered in guided walks through short savannah and Miombo forest vegetation. Overseen by experienced guides and armed rangers t protect you from wild animals, guided walking safaris offer tourists up-close encounters with wild animals, birds, and the park’s lovely landscape.

Cultural experiences

Cultural experiences around Mikumi National Park are conducted by the Chilunga cultural tourism, whose offices are located in the nearby town of Morogoro, only a few minutes’ drive from the park’s main gate. The organization has local expert guides who are well-versed in their history and culture. Some of the cultures that may be found throughout Mikumi National Park include the Maasai culture, Kinole, Choma, and Madola, to mention but a few. While on cultural tours in Mikumi, you will interact with the locals and participate in local community events such as traditional dances, cuisine, and other activities.

Visit the Mkata River

The Mkata River is a highlight of Mikumi National Park, attracting various wildlife, especially during the dry season. This vital water source becomes a focal point for animals like elephants, buffalo, and diverse bird species, making it an excellent spot for wildlife viewing. As part of your Tanzania safari holiday, visiting the Mkata River enhances your experience, offering the chance to observe animals in their natural habitat.

Where to stay in Mikumi National Park?

There are several lodging places where travelers visiting Mikumi National Park can stay and these vary in class from luxury to midrange to budget safari lodges and camps; all to satisfy the financial capabilities of the guests. Some of these establishments in Mikumi National Park include, Stanley’s Kopje Camp, Mikumi Wildlife Camp, Tan-Swiss Lodge and others.

The best time to Mikumi National Park

The greatest time to visit the park and enjoy outstanding animal sightings occurs in the dry season, from June through October. During this period, the vegetation is thinner, and animals may be seen gathering around the Mkata River drinking water. This is also the peak tourism season, with many visitors arriving during this time of year. The conclusion of the Dry season (September and October) is especially gratifying since large herds of animals arrive to drink at the remaining water sources.

How to access Mikumi national park?

By road, driving from Dar-es-Salaam is the best route to reach Mikumi National Park and it will take you between 4 to 5 hours on a paved smooth road. On the other hand, traveling by car from Dodoma will take around 6 hours. Most visitors, however, stop in Mikumi on their way to Nyerere or Ruaha, two of Tanzania’s most prominent parks.

Driving from Ruaha, the distance is around 320km/200 mi, and the journey takes approximately 5 hours. However, the only regular flights to Mikumi National Park are organized by Safari Air Link, and they connect to Ruaha, Selous, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar daily. In most circumstances, your tour operator will meet you at the airport and handle all subsequent ground transfers or domestic flights.