Mikumi National Park

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (June to October)

Best For

The Big Cats

Area

3,230 km

Mikumi National Park spread more than 3,230 sq km of land is the fourth biggest park of Tanzania. The Mikumi National Park is a standout amongst the least visited national parks in Tanzania on the southern circuit.

Mikumi is limited by floodplains and mountain ranges from the two sides. The Uluguru Mountains and its rich woods remain in the east, while in the southwest it is flanked by the Udzungwa Mountains and the Uluguru Mountains

It is regularly contrasted with Serengeti national parks because of its fluctuated scene like the previous. You can spot sporadic patches of acacia forest and baobabs in the open meadows of Mkata fields.

Mikumi shapes an exceptional environment with the Selous Game Reserve, which isolates it from others park. Mikumi offers an unmistakable and assorted foundation for wildlife photography.

Mikumi has a wide scope of wildlife including the Big Five – which can be seen in the park alongside huge crowds of zebra, wildebeest, bison and impala. Giraffes and elephants are likewise normal. Predators, for example, lion and spotted hyena are spotted at times. Troops of yellow primate and vervet monkey can be seen everywhere throughout the park. The jeopardized African wild pooches can likewise be seen in the park.

Aside from the differed wildlife, Mikumi has an extremely rich avifauna populace with more than 400 aviary species. It additionally has the European transient flying creatures amid the wet season.

Best Time to Visit

Mikumi is a year-round destination, but certain seasons offer better safari experiences:

Dry Season (June to October): The best time for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources.
Wet Season (November to May): The landscape becomes lush and green, perfect for birdwatching and photography. However, some roads may become muddy.

Activities To Do

You can indulge yourself in a variety of activities at Mikumi National Park such as:

Game drives
Walking safari
Aerial safari

What to See

Mikumi may be smaller than parks like Serengeti, but it still boasts a wide variety of wildlife and is home to four of the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffalos, and leopards; rhinos are absent).

1. The Big Cats

Lions – Frequently seen lounging under trees or hunting in the open plains.
Leopards – More elusive but can be spotted in woodlands and along riverbanks.

2. Large Mammals & Herbivores

Elephants – Large herds roam the park, especially near waterholes.
Buffalos – Often found in big numbers in the savannah grasslands.
Zebras & Giraffes – Common sightings in the Mkata floodplain.
Hippos – Best viewed at the famous Hippo Pool, where they wallow in the water.

3. Unique Antelope Species

Elands – The largest antelope species, often spotted in Mikumi.
Greater Kudus – Recognizable by their long, spiral horns.
Sable Antelopes – One of Africa’s most beautiful antelopes, seen in woodland areas.

4. Birdwatching Paradise

Mikumi is home to over 400 bird species, including:

Lilac-breasted rollers
Martial eagles
Yellow-throated longclaws
Ground hornbills

How To Get There

Safari Van:

It is located 280 km away from the largest city of Tanzania, Dar Es Salaam and usually takes around 4 hours to reach Mikumi. It is also well connected to Selous, Udzungwa and Ruaha by roads however during the wet season the roads are not acessible.

Flight:

You can reach by flight to Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar Es Salaam, from where you can take shuttle bus services from the airport to the Park’s headquarters. You can also take direct charter flights from Julius Nyerere International Airport, Arusha and Selous airports to Mikumi airstrip.

Tours

Tanzania Tour Packages

Tanzania is a definitive dream safari goal and as of late nominated as the “Best Safari Country in Africa”. With a huge range of encounters coupled together with the nation’s devotion to safeguarding, you can be guaranteed a stunning occasion that will remain with you for eternity.