Mikumi National Park
Famous for its healthy populations of elephants and buffaloes which can easily be spotted out on the plains.
Destination Highlights
With 1300 square kilometers located a stride a main road; it is the most accessible park from Dar-es-Salaam where its principal feature is the flood plain of the Mkata River. The haunt of many elephants, buffalo, lion, hippo and a great variety of animals, it also includes the greater Kudu, Sable antelope and Lichens teens hartebeest. Bird life is extremely varied with many colorful and interesting species occurring which are not found in the northern parks.
Mikumi National Park Background Information
The landscapes in Mikumi National Park can easily be compared to those of the Serengeti National Park as acacias, baobabs and tamarinds dot the savannah. The Ruhebo and Uluguru mountains as well as some interesting rock formations can be seen close to the northern boundary of the park and the Mkata plains are by far the best place for game viewing. The park is famous for its healthy populations of elephants and buffaloes which can easily be spotted out on the plains. The tamarind trees are a favourite spot for elephants and giraffes who spend hours eating the fruits.
Another highlight in terms of wildlife is the greater kudus and sable antelopes. These shy antelopes like to hang around the Miombo woodlands in the southern part of the park near the Vuma hills area.
What to see and do
Mikumi National Park is also home to lions as well as leopards. Even the African wild dog is present and spotting this rare creature can be a real treat for visitors.
Mikumi boasts with a respectful 400 species of birds with the most common ones being the black bellied bustards, guinea fowls, marabou storks, bateleur eagles, ox peckers, colorful lilac breasted rollers and yellow throated long claws. These are just a few of the many species you are likely to spot whilst there. The park also witnesses a passing of migrating birds from Europe during the rainy season.
There are two artificial pools approximately 5 km north of the main gate and both of them are famous for Mikumi’s few hippos. Furthermore the pools attract an array of water birds such as blacksmith plovers, cattle egrets, various herons, fish eagles and many more.
Where to find Mikumi National Park
