META DESCRIPTION: Discover Mikumi’s rich wildlife, landscape, birdlife, and many more. Explore this Tanzania’s remote destination.

MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK: EXPLORE TANZANIA’S REMOTE SANCTUARY

While the northern circuit is famous for its stunning attractions, the southern circuit is less well-known and unspoiled. If you are thinking of having an adventurous safari in a remote national park, Mikumi is simply the right choice for you.

With its name little known, Mikumi National Park is less crowded throughout the year. Funny enough, its safari packages are cheaper compared to its sister in the northern circuit. It is situated in the Morogoro region, south of Tanzania. Its proximity to Dar es Salaam makes it a favorite spot for many travelers.

Location and size

Nestled between the Uluguru Mountains and Lumango, Mikumi is one of the most popular national parks in Tanzania. This is because of its easy accessibility, especially for visitors coming from Dar es Salaam.

It is around 300 kilometers to the west of Dar es Salaam along the Dar-Mbeya route. It takes 4 hours to drive from Dar es Salaam to the gate of Mikumi National Park. Established in 1964, Mikumi covers an area of 3,230 square kilometers.

The best time to visit

This Park is an all-year-round destination. However, the recommended time to visit Mikumi is in the dry season.

Tanzania experiences little or no rain from June to October. The short grass makes it easier to spot animals. The trails are passable since there is less or no rain at all. Wild animals usually gather near the Mkata River and other available water sources.

The rainy season is good for secluded safaris and bird-watching. Prior booking for accommodations is highly recommended. Some properties cease operations during this season. In addition, you can explore nature alone, giving you enough time and comfort.

Attractions in Mikumi National Park

Wildlife

Mikumi is home to a large population of wild animals. Big games like buffalos, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, elephants, and many more are resident in this park. There are also small games like rabbits, hares, and squirrels.

The park is home to a large concentration of rare wildlife. They include magnificent Sable antelope, African hunting dogs, blue wildebeests, Lichtenstein’s hartebeests, and others.

Birdlife

Mikumi is home to a large number of birds. It is a promising birding destination with over 400 bird species. Some species recorded here include the Marabou stork, malachite kingfisher, francolin, black-bellied bustard, red-bellied oxpecker, cattle egret, guinea fowl, and many more. Migratory birds settle in Mikumi in the rainy season.

Landscapes

It is situated between the Uluguru Mountains and Lumango. Between the two sides of mountain ranges are floodplains, which include the Mkata Floodplain which is covered with miombo woodlands. The Park is also decorated by its superbly scenic plains and baobabs. The gentle hillsides and extensive miombo woodland savanna in the park’s southern region are breathtaking.

Mkata Floodplain

The Mkata Floodplain is a good place for wildlife viewing. Many animals can be spotted in this area. Wildebeests, zebras, impalas, giraffes, and herds of Cape buffalos graze in the grassy plains.

Lions stay in the territories looking for prey. The Mkata Floodplain is also very promising if you are looking for the superb eland—the largest antelope in Africa. Other beautiful animals in this area include greater kudus and sable antelopes.

Activities in Mikumi National Park

Game drives

Mikumi’s abundant wildlife makes it perfect for game drives. While on game drives, you might see herds of buffalos, wildebeests, and zebras. Elephants, elands, giraffes, greater kudus, and waterbucks also reside in Mikumi Park.

The expansive Mkata Floodplain is a great place to see lions, African wild dogs, and impalas. A drive through this area will also reward you with a beautiful view of vegetation and wildlife.

Hippos and crocodiles are animals that you might spot in Mikumi. They prefer mud pools along the Mkata River.

Bird watching

The birdlife in Mikumi is amazing and would probably convert you into a bird lover. Birders can encounter up to 400 bird species. To enjoy this activity the most, don’t forget to bring binoculars and a modern camera.

Some birds found in Mikumi include open-billed storks, guinea fowl, malachite kingfishers, black-bellied bustards, and cattle egrets. Others include hornbills, red-billed woodpeckers, yellow-throated long claws, lilac-breasted rollers, bateleur eagles, and francolin.

Hiking

Visitors can hike through Mikumi’s varying landscapes. The Uluguru Mountains range offers a challenging hike. You can hike through lush forests and woodlands. Enjoy the views of wildlife and landscapes while at the highest point of this range, which is 2,630 meters above sea level.

Walking safaris

Instead of exploring the wilderness by car, you can do this on foot. In Mikumi, short and long walks take a special spot in visitors’ hearts. These experiences enable you to feel, touch, and hear nature. You also have the chance to see small animals and insects and to explore wildlife and vegetation up close.

Mikumi is a thriving destination in southern Tanzania. If you are captivated by its high wildlife concentration, easy accessibility, and affordable safari packages, our Bob Geor safari experts can assist you in planning a safari. You can also visit neighboring destinations like Selous Game Reserve and the Udzungwa Mountains.