MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK
Mikumi National Park lies close to the Northern border with Selous Game Reserve and it is crossed by Tanzania’s A-7 road which runs between Iringa Town and Dar-es-Salaam. This protected area is set near the Morogoro region in Tanzania and it is rated among the most accessible safari destinations which even tourists/travelers with limited time can have the opportunity to explore on Tanzania safari holiday. It is situated about 283kms West of Dar-es-Salaam.
It was founded as a national park in 1964 and it occupies an area of 3230sq.kms which also rates it among the largest parks in Tanzania (it is rated as the 4th largest park in Tanzania). It is bordered by two magnificent protected areas; the Uluguru Mountains and Udzungwa Mountains National Parks. The Malundwe Mountain lies in Mikumi National Park and features as the highest hill stretching from East to West via this protected area and it links the Uluguru Mountains to the Northeast with the Uvidunda as well as Udzungwa Mountains to the West. The Malundwe Mountain comprises 3 magnificent peaks on its ridge which extend to the North and South. Its South peak is rated the highest point and stands at an altitude of about 1290 meters.
Attractions in Mikumi National Park
- Wildlife
Mikumi National Park boasts of its huge profusion of wildlife species which makes it an outstanding wildlife safari destination. The numerous wildlife species to expect to sight on Tanzania safari in this park include impalas, buffaloes, lions, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, elephants, elands, sable antelopes, hippos, greater Kudu. Most of these wildlife species can be spotted in the park’s open horizons, Mkata floodplains as well as Mkata River.
- Birdlife
The estimated bird record in Mikumi National Park is about 400 avifaunal species which make it one of the significant birding spots in Tanzania. They include several colorful resident birds such as Bateleur eagle, yellow-throated long claws, lilac-breasted roller as well as a variety of European migratory birds.
Activities to do in Mikumi National Park
- Game drives
Game drives are the best way to uncover the untold wealth of wildlife species while on Tanzania safari in Mikumi National Park. The southwestern area of the park is an exceptional spot that provides remarkable wilderness experiences and 2 artificial pools where hippos live. The different wildlife species to expect to look out for on wildlife safari in Mikumi National Park include elephants, wildebeests, zebras, Kudus, impalas, elands, black antelopes, giraffes, birds and many more.
- Birding
This is one of the major safari activities offered to visitors on Tanzania safari in Mikumi National Park. Birding in this park lets you identify some of the estimated 400 bird species which have been recorded here including yellow-throated long claw, lilac-breasted rollers, open billed stork, Bateleur eagles plus the European migratory bird species.
- Picnicking
Mikumi National Reserve is also an ideal picnicking destination. It has incredible picnic sites including Mkata plains, Kusungura and many more. With your packed lunch, picnic on a game drive in this park is by far the best wilderness experience you shouldn’t miss out.
- Guided nature walks
Guided nature walks are the best way to uncover the natural wonders in and around different habitats in Mikumi National Reserve. Visitors follow the various walking trails including the Vuma trail, Kikogoba trail, Lodge trails each of which has something unique to offer to nature lovers. This may cover between 1 and 3 hours although this may depend on the trail you will embark on.
- Camping
Mikumi National Reserve is also an exceptional camping paradise comprising of 2 camping grounds-that is the public and private campsites. The public campsites are found around the Vuma hills and Mkata plains. The private campsite famously called campsite 4 is in the Vuma area.
- When to visit Mikumi National Park
Visiting Mikumi National Reserve on Tanzania safari holiday is possible at any time of the year. However, game viewing is best done in the months of June, July, August, September, and October. These are considered to be the dry months of the year and it is during this period that vegetation is clear thus offering breathtaking views over diverse wildlife species.
- Where to stay in Mikumi National Park
The available accommodation choices for a night stay on Tanzania safari in Mikumi National Reserve include Mikumi Safari Lodge, Asante Afrika Camps and Lodges, Mikumi Adventure Lodge, Matembezi Safari Lodge, Camp Bastian Mikumi, Tan Swiss Lodge, Mikumi Resort, Mikumi Wildlife Camp and many others.
- How to get to Mikumi National Park
Visitors on Tanzania safari to Mikumi National Reserve can begin their journeys from Dar-es-Salaam via the Morogoro area which is approximately 4 hours. Usually, this park is visited by travelers while en-route to Ruaha National Park or Selous Game Reserve.
By air, there are charter flight services offered to visitors to Mikumi National Park starting from Julius Nyerere International Airport, Arusha Airport to Kikoboga airstrip
Tanzania Safari Destinations
Related Tanzania National Parks – Where to go for a Tanzania Wildlife Safaris Tour
Serengeti National Park is remarkably one of the oldest and the most popular national parks in the world. This protected area lies between the Mara and Simiyu region of Tanzania. It was founded in 1951 and in 1979, it was designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Serengeti National Park sits in an area of about 15000sq.km and it largely consists of woodland. View Details Here
Arusha National Park is rated among the smallest parks in Tanzania and it lies in the Northeastern side of the country. It is 25kms from Arusha, 58kms away from Moshi Town and 35kms from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Despite its size, this park is by far one most unusual wilderness area to consider a must-visit on Tanzania safari. It was founded in 1960. View Details Here
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a magnificent wilderness area of its own and also a designated World Heritage Site that is worth exploring on Tanzania safari. It is an extensive protected area with stunning volcanic Ngorongoro Crater and also features as a home to complete big five African game. This conservation area was founded in 1959 and occupies an area of 8292sq.kms. View Details Here
Tarangire National Park takes its name from Tarangire River and exceptionally, it features among a few safari parks which offer tourists on Tanzania safari with unique and authentic experiences. This park straddles within the Northern circuit of Tanzania, Lake Manyara region and it is famous for its large herds of elephant migration which make it an excellent Tanzania safari destination. View Details Here
Lake Manyara National Park is of no doubt one of Tanzania’s exceptional safari parks tourists on Tanzania safari should consider a must-visit. It is approximately 126kms Southwest of Arusha Town. Lake Manyara National Park was founded in 1960 and it covers an area of only 330sq.kms which makes it one of the smallest parks in Tanzania. Lake Manyara National Park is surrounded by Tarangire National Park and Serengeti National Park. View Details Here
Mahale Mountains National Park is set along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Kigoma area Western Tanzania. Compared to other protected areas, Mahale Mountains National Park is remotely located providing tourists on Tanzania safari with exceptional wilderness experiences. It takes its name from the Mahale Mountain range which lies at its border. Mahale Mountains National Park. View Details Here
Kilimanjaro National Park is undoubtedly one of the most magical Tanzania safari destinations. It derives its name from the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro which itself it an outstanding safari site to explore on Tanzania safari. This park is set near Moshi Town in the Northern side of Tanzania above the rolling hills and plateau of Amboseli National Park. View Details Here
Ruaha National Park is set in the heart of Tanzania, approximately 130kms away from Western Iringa Town. This park was founded in 1964 and it is named after the Great Ruaha River that flows on its Southeastern side. It sits in an area of about 20226sq.kms making it the most extensive national park in Tanzania and East Africa at large. It covers a section. View Details Here
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is one of the best parks to visit on Tanzania safari. In 2015, this park was ranked the third best place to visit by the New York Times. It is situated south of Mikumi National Park and it is popular as the Galapagos of Africa. It takes its name from the word Wadsungwa which denotes Kihehe language as people. View Details Here