Mikumi National Park shares its border area and ecosystem with the spectacular Selous Game Reserve in the south. It was founded in 1964 and spans up to 3230 square kilometers making it the 4th largest park in Tanzania. It comprises of Mikumi flood plains together with montane ranges which border it on the 2 sides, vast grasslands which dominates the flood plains and later merges the miombo woodland at the lower hills.
Wildlife species to see at Mikumi national park
This park comes with distinct landscape and diverse wildlife species. It is a host to wildlife species such as elephants, lions, zebras, hippos, baboons, giraffes, waterbucks, monitor lizards, crocodiles, warthogs, pythons, lizards, Kudus, leopards, wild dog as well as more than 400 bird species including European migrants, cattle egrets, herons, blacksmith plovers, fish eagles and others. Its vegetation mainly comprises of acacia, baobab, tamarinds, palms and savanna. Generally, this protected area is among the least visited parks in Tanzania thus a visit to it gets you the best of authentic experiences.
What to do in Mikumi national park
The notable safari activities for you to take part include;
Game viewing/Game drive
A visit to Mikumi National Park means a great opportunity for you to catch a glimpse at varied wildlife species that thrive within this spectacular national park. They include among other giraffes, black antelopes, elands, impalas, elephants, zebras, wildebeests, Kudus and many others.
Birding
this is one of the most exciting safari activities that is offered at this stunning national park. There are over 500 bird species that are confined within this park and while on birding tour, you have a chance to sight at bird species including the migratory birds and residential birds such as open billed stork, bateleur, lilac breasted roller, yellow throated long claw, Zanzibar red bishop a mention but a few.
Picnicking
This park is also perfect for picnicking as it comes with sites like Mkata plains and Kusungura.
Camping-
The best way for you to get close to nature is by embarking on a camping tour. That said, with camping, you can get the best of Mikumi’s park’s exceptional wilderness. There are 2 camping grounds-the public and private campsites.
Equally, you can embark on nature walk which takes you through varied trails including the Vuma trail, Kikogoba and lodge trail. It takes you about 2-3 hours to walk around different habitats in this park.
How to get to Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park can be reached through Dar-es-salaam-Morogoro and a 4 wheel drive safari is ideal for your road trip to this national park. You can also take the Udzungwa-Ruaha route but good during the dry season. Alternatively, take a flight from Dar-es-salaam, Selous or Arusha. There are also local buses which operate from Dar-es-salaam.
Where to stay
The lodges for you to spend a night while on Tanzania safari in this park are found around Mikumi town where there are many guesthouses or permanent tented camp at Lumaaga.
In conclusion, Mikumi National Park is incredibly one of the most pristine national parks Tanzania has got that is worth exploring while you are on safari in Africa.
