Mikumi National park is the fourth largest National park in Tanzania located 300 km west of Dar es Salaam city. The Park shares a common border and ecosystem with Selous Game Reserve in the south thus making animals migrate to and from the northern part of the reserve. Mikumi is located between the Uluguru Mountains and the Lumango range. The protected area was gazetted in 1964 as a national park and covers an area of 3230 sq kms. Mikumi is often compared to Serengeti and Tarangire National park due to its diverse ecosystem. The park shares the name Mikumi with the village on its western border with Dar es Salaam. The village takes the name from Palm trees (Borassus ssp). Most visitors come to Mikumi National Park with an aim of spotting the ‘Big Five’ (Leopard, Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino).
Flora in Mikumi national park
Mikumi National Park 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 dominated by Alluvia plains that are drained by the Mkata river. This part is covered with open savannah grassland dotted with Baobab Trees, palms, acacia and tamarind trees. The palm trees are found along the river basin of Mkata. The northern sector has a high population of herbivores and during the dry season, these animals gather around the remaining water sources in the plains thus attracting predators like hyenas, lions and leopards occasionally. The southern part of Mikumi is dominated by forests dotted with miombo woodlands, Riverine Forests, Lowland Forests, Bushland and Thicket, and acacia trees. This part supports tree climbing lions however it is not easily accessible due to poor road network.
Fauna in Mikumi National Park
Due to the park’s mix of vegetation types, Mikumi National Park is home to a wide variety of fauna, including some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife species. Some of these species include Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Elephants, Zebras, Sable antelope, African hunting dog, blue wildebeest, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Impalas, Elands, Greater Kudu, Warthogs. Primates like Yellow Baboon, Vervet Monkeys, Colobus Monkeys also call Mikumi home. Amphibians and reptiles like Nile Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Pythons , Cobras,Tortoises and Turtles can also be found in the park. The park also hosts more than 400 bird species and some of these include; Lilac-breasted Rollers, Secretary Birds, African Fish Eagles, Open-Billed Storks, Yellow-Billed Storks, Hornbills, Ground Hornbills, Kingfishers, Bee-Eaters, Vultures and Raptors.
Activities in Mikumi National park
- Guided nature walks
The activity is conducted in the designated walking trails and takes 3-4 trolling through the park. There are three walking trails that are used and they include; Kikoboga, Vuma Hills, and the Mikumi wildlife resort trail. Visitors walk through short savannah and Miombo forest vegetation with the company of experienced guides and armed rangers to protect you from wild animals. The guided nature walks offer tourists up-close encounters with wild animals and birds. This activity in Mikumi National Park is only conducted in the dry season and strictly for adults. - Bird watching
Mikumi National Park is home to over 400 recorded bird species including migratory birds, savanna birds, aquatic birds, and many others. Birding can be done during the game drives and nature walks and some of the birds that are spotted include; yellow-throated longclaw, open billed stork, Zanzibar red bishop, purple breasted roller, hornbills, malachite kingfisher, bateleurs eagle, martial eagle, and marabou stork. Water birds in the park can be spotted around the Hippo Pool. Migratory birds are spotted between the months November and April. - Game Viewing
Game viewing is one of the most outstanding activities done in Mikumi National Park. Mikumi National Park offers morning game drives, day game drives, and night game drives which offer sights of the nocturnal species. This activity is carried out in 4×4 safari vehicles under the supervision of experienced safari guides and offers a chance to visitors to explore and see wild animals in their habitats. Game drives in Mikumi National Park are conducted mostly in the Mkata floodplains which is perfect for lion and leopard seeing. The area also has large herds of buffaloes, elephants, zebras, wild dogs, waterbucks, wildebeests, hartebeests, giraffes,sable antelopes, impalas, greater kudus, elands, warthogs and yellow baboons. Another point that should not be missed out during the game drive is the Hippo Pool where you watch the hippos wallowing and snorting at a close range. - Camping and Picnics
Mikumi National Park offers both camping and picnicking which allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural environment. Camping in Mikumi is done in the northern part and mostly done by nature lovers. The park features two camping sites that is; public and private campsite. Basic facilities like water, toilets, bathrooms and kitchen are available. And for private campsites prior booking is required to avoid inconveniences. On the other hand, the Park also provides beautiful vistas, terrains, and sites that are an ideal wilderness arena for safari picnics with a variety of activities to enjoy such as food and games. Some of these picnic sites include; Mwanambogo, Mbuyuni and Millenium. - Cultural visits
Mikumi National Park is surrounded by unique cultures all organized under Chilunga cultural tourism. The cultural visits are conducted in the adjacent villages. Tourists get the opportunity to participate in cultural dances, try out traditional foods. Also local market and village tours are offered.
Best time to go to Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park can be visited all year around depending on the visitor’s choice. However, the greatest time to visit the park is during the dry season during the months of June through October. During this period the vegetation is thinner and animals tend to gather around the Mkata River for water.
How to access Mikumi National Park
The park can be accessed by road or air depending on the traveler’s choice. By road the park can be accessed using different routes. For instance, the park can be accessed from Dar-es-Salaam and the journey takes 4 to 5 hours to reach the park. On the other hand traveling from Dodoma or Ruaha National park the journey takes approximately 6 hours. However, visitors may choose to use air transport, domestic flights are organized by safari Air link connecting to other parts like Selous, Zanzibar, Ruaha and Dar es Salaam.
Accommodation in Mikumi National park
Makimi National Park has several lodging places where travelers can stay and these vary in class from luxury to mid-range to budget safari lodges and camps. Some of these facilities in Mikumi National Park include; Mikumi Wildlife Camp, Tan-Swiss Lodge, Stanley’s Kopje Camp.