Mikumi is the fourth biggest national park in Tanzania on the Southern Tanzania Safari Circuit and occupies a surface area of 1,250 sq miles (3,230 sq km) and is embodied within a far bigger ecological system with the extraordinarily large Selous Game Reserve. From Dar es Salaam, this park can easily be accessible making it the perfect safari destination in case you are in a rush and here you will be assured of wildlife sights. Bordering the Northern section of the largest game reserve in Africa – the Selous, Mikumi National Park is divided by the paved road that is in between Iringa and Dar es Salaam. It extends east nearly close to the Indian Ocean and is the most easily accessed section of 47,000 square mile (75,000 square kilometer) wilderness area.
Mikumi national park is anticipated to become a great tourism spot in Tanzania ever since they completed the tarmac road that connects Dar es Salaam with the park gate. This national park situated in between Lumango range and Ulungu Mountains which is a short drive from the biggest city in Tanzania. This park is well endowed with different wildlife species that you can see easily during the guided game drives. Mikumi is the best choice for weekend getaways, for business visitors or city tourists who want to enjoy some game viewing.
Bordering the Udzungwa National park and Selous Game Reserve, Mikumi National Park and its neighbors make for a diverse and amazing safari experience.
Wildlife in Mikumi National Park
The ‘Big Five’ (lion, cheetah, rhino, buffalo and elephant) are the reason as to why many tourists visit Mukumi National park and it is always a rewarding choice. in addition you will see wildebeest, Giraffes, buffalo, zebra and impala Birding close to the watercourses is very rewarding and visiting the hippo pools will reward you with an up close encounter with these animals.
Birds in Mikumi National Park
Over four hundred bird species have been listed with the vibrant inhabitants being the bateleur eagle, the yellow-throated long claw, the lilac-breasted roller
eagle together with a group of migrants from Europe that are there during the wet season. Located just five kilometers North from the main gate are hippo pools that are the center of attraction complemented by the dynamic ensemble of aquatic birds.
Mkata flood plains
Traversed by an amazing circle of roads for game viewing, Mkata floodplain is probably the most genuine area in Tanzania that possesses glances of the largest antelope in the world, the great eland. the Mkata flood plains with its various wildlife and open horizons is quite popular and has often been compared with the Serengeti plains that are more popular. The Miombo covered park ridges of the hills that elevate from the borders of the park also attract the ebony antelope and the powerful greater kudu.
Lions usually explore their pastoral kingdom with the wildebeest, buffalo, zebra and impala that pass through it on high perches in trees during the wet season or on flat termite mound tops. Giraffes move around in acacia stands that are secluded and border River Mkata forage in the isolated acacia stands that fringe the Mkata River, Oases of shade are also preferred by the elephants of Mikumi.
Best time to Visit Mikumi National Park
October and June are the perfect months for taking a trip to this breathtaking place because it is the dry season and that is the time huge elephant herds as well as ungulates are seen on the plains gathering at the few remaining sources of water.
