Mikumi National Park Travel Guide
Easily Accessible Park
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Mikumi National Park joins onto the northern border of Africa's biggest game reserve - the Selous. It is crossed by the main road between Dar es Salaam and Iringa making it the most accessible part of a 75,000 square kilometre tract of wilderness that stretches east almost as far as the Indian Ocean. The Park covers an area of 3,230 sq km, the fourth-largest park in Tanzania, and part of a much larger ecosystem centred on the uniquely vast Selous Game Reserve.
The park has 4 major and distinct vegetation zones: miombo woodland from southern Africa, arid bushland from the north, the coastal zone to the east and the mountains of Uluguru and Ruhumero to the north and west making a unique ecotonal area. The animals and birds species are also different in each of these habitat types. The park boasts 60 mammal types, 400 birds and over 1200 plant species. Lion, leopard, elephant, crocodiles, zebra, giraffe and varied antelopes are regularly seen on the plains with Hertebeest, Sable, Greater Kudu, Colobus Monkey and Hunting Dog are found in the Miombo woodland area.
Mikumi National Park was first gazetted in 1964 with additions made to the north and south in 1975. Combined with the Selous Game Reserve which borders it to the southwest, this greater ecosystem is the size of Denmark. The park is surrounded by an arc of mountains and protected land, with the Uluguru Mountains to the east, the Mbesera, Madzini and Mazunyungu hills to the north and west. Perhaps due to the shadow cast by these mountainous areas, Mikumi is renowned as having the most fabulous light and colour, making it a favourite with photographers, both professional and amateur.
Attractions in Mikumi National Park
The open horizons and abundant wildlife of the Mkata Floodplain, the popular centrepiece of Mikumi, draw frequent comparisons to the more famous Serengeti Plains.
Lions survey their grassy kingdom – and the zebra, wildebeest, impala and buffalo herds that migrate across it – from the flattened tops of termite mounds, or sometimes, during the rains, from perches high in the trees. Giraffes forage in the isolated acacia stands that fringe the Mkata River, islets of shade favoured also by Mikumi's elephants.
Criss-crossed by a good circuit of game-viewing roads, the Mkata Floodplain is perhaps the most reliable place in Tanzania for sightings of the powerful eland, the world’s largest antelope. The equally impressive greater kudu and sable antelope haunt the miombo-covered foothills of the mountains that rise from the park’s borders.
More than 400 bird species have been recorded, with such colourful common residents as the lilac-breasted roller, yellow-throated longclaw and bateleur eagle joined by a host of European migrants during the rainy season. Hippos are the star attraction of the pair of pools situated 5km north of the main entrance gate, supported by an ever-changing cast of waterbirds.
Activities in Mikumi National Park
Game drives and guided walks.
Relaxing
Combined with a visit to the recently created Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Mikumi is perfect for a 3 or 4 night stay on the way to Ruaha or Katavi Parks, or simply as a safari in its own right.
Getting Around
283 km a four hour drive west of Dar es Salaam, north of Selous, and en route to Ruaha, Udzungwa and Katavi. Organised game drives are the best way to see the park, though roads can be driven.
Charter flight from Dar es Salaam, Arusha or Selous are available.
Local buses run from Dar es Salaam to the park Headquarters where game drives can be arranged.
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