Mikumi National Park
A wildlife haven with vast savannah plains and incredible birdlife.
Overview
Mikumi National Park was established in 1964 and is part of the larger Selous Game Reserve ecosystem. The park is situated on the Mikumi floodplain and is surrounded by the Uluguru Mountains to the northeast and the Rubeho Mountains to the northwest. The park’s vegetation is mainly grassland with patches of acacia and baobab trees. The park is home to over 400 species of birds, including the yellow-throated longclaw and the bateleur eagle. Mikumi National Park is also home to a variety of animal species, including elephants, lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, and wildebeests. The park is also home to the endangered African wild dog.
Things to Do
Take a Game Drive: Taking a game drive is one of the best ways to explore the park and see its wildlife. The best time to take a game drive is early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Go on a Walking Safari: For a more up-close and personal experience, you can go on a walking safari with a park ranger.Â
Bird Watching: Mikumi National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. With over 400 species of birds, you can spend hours watching and photographing them.
Visit the Hippo Pools: The park is home to several pools where you can see hippos in their natural habitat.
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What to See
Elephants: Mikumi National Park is home to a large population of elephants, and you can see them roaming the park.Â
Lions: Lions are another popular attraction in the park. You can see them lounging in the sun or hunting for prey.
Giraffes: With their long necks and unique patterns, giraffes are a favorite among visitors to the park.
Zebras: You can see zebras grazing in the grasslands of the park.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mikumi National Park is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. During this time, the animals tend to congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot.
Getting there
By Air: Fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and take a connecting flight to Mikumi Airstrip. From there, it’s a short drive to the park.
By Road: Mikumi is accessible by road, with well-maintained routes connecting it to major Tanzanian cities. A road trip allows travelers to soak in the scenic beauty of the country.
Where to Stay
Mid-Range Accommodation:
Vuma Hills Tented CampÂ
Situated near Mikumi National Park, Vuma Hills Tented Camp offers mid-range accommodations. Known for its comfortable tented lodgings and proximity to the park, the camp provides a strategic base for guests exploring the diverse wildlife of Mikumi.
Mikumi Wildlife CampÂ
In the vicinity of Mikumi National Park, Mikumi Wildlife Camp is a mid-range option offering convenient accommodations. The camp provides a comfortable stay and easy access to the natural beauty surrounding Mikumi.
Kikoboga LodgeÂ
Near Mikumi National Park, Kikoboga Lodge provides mid-range accommodations. Guests can enjoy a unique stay close to the park while experiencing the Tanzanian hospitality and the picturesque landscapes.
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Luxury Accommodation:
Foxes Safari CampÂ
For a luxurious experience near Mikumi National Park, Foxes Safari Camp is a premium choice. Renowned for its upscale amenities and stunning surroundings, the camp offers a high-end retreat for guests seeking luxury and immersion in the natural beauty of Mikumi.
Mikumi Bush CampÂ
Strategically positioned near Mikumi, Mikumi Bush Camp is a luxury option offering lavish accommodations and top-notch facilities. The camp caters to guests desiring a luxurious stay while enjoying the unique landscapes and wildlife around Mikumi.
Vamos Mikumi LodgeÂ
Another luxury option near Mikumi National Park is Vamos Mikumi Lodge. This upscale lodge provides modern amenities, exclusive accommodations, and a strategic location for guests looking for a luxurious retreat amid the breathtaking scenery.
Other Attractions in Tanzania
Changu Island
Pemba Island
Mount Kilimanjaro
Katavi National Park
Serengeti National Park
Tarangire National Park
Arusha National Park
Saadani National Park
Ngorongoro Conservation
Lake Manyara National Park
Zanzibar
Mafia Island
General Knowledge Base
General information about Mikumi National Park, Tanzania.
Mikumi National Park is located in southern Tanzania, near the town of Morogoro and approximately 283 kilometers west of Dar es Salaam.
Mikumi covers an area of about 3,230 square kilometers (1,250 square miles), making it the fourth-largest national park in Tanzania.
Mikumi is often referred to as the “Serengeti of the South” due to its wide-open grassy plains, where wildlife can be easily spotted, resembling the Serengeti National Park.
Mikumi is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
Yes, Mikumi is part of the larger Selous Game Reserve ecosystem, one of the largest protected areas in Africa.
The dry season from June to October is the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources, and the vegetation is less dense.
Yes, Mikumi is home to over 400 bird species, including colorful and diverse avian life, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Yes, the park is dotted with iconic baobab trees, adding to the scenic beauty of the landscape.
