Mikumi National Park is strategically placed between mountain Uluguru and Udzungwa, it is the fourth largest national park of Tanzania covering an area space of approximately 3230 square kilometers, it is often compared to the Serengeti National Park due to its many species present just as the other park, it used not to be as famous however lately the park is one of the top visited destinations of the country, the vast vegetation types ranging from Savannah grasslands, woodlands, plain lands act as homes to wildlife species including the big five of the wilderness.
Game Drives in Mikumi National Park are one of the most done activities of the national park, they are carried out using 4×4 wheel car drives featuring open rooftops with space for guests to view animals and take pictures as well, through the well-distributed game tracks of the park, under experienced game rangers, these take place in the Mtaka plains, due to its large concentration of animals, expect to see lions, giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, hyenas, warthogs, buffaloes, wild dogs, hyenas, crocodiles, hippos, to mention a few and birds singing swiftly through the air, popular sights include ground hornbills, sunbirds, African fish eagles, malachite kingfishers among other species.
Game drives in Mikumi National Park are conducted in sessions, in the morning, afternoon, and evening times, early morning drives are conducted in search of morning risers, herbivores are out to graze while cats are out to hunt, it is the best time to see animals in the national park, afternoon times give a relaxed environment for all species within the park and therefore are easy to find, it is one of the few places of Tanzania where doing night game drives is allowed in search of nocturnal species for example lions, leopards, cheetahs, pottos and bush babies.
Game drives in Mikumi National Park are best done during the dry season between the months of December –February and June to October, it is dry and low on grasses which enhances animal views, and the trails tend to be less slippery, which makes the whole ecosystem accessible. Despite having the dry season, it is possible to do game drives even during the wet season except that it is more wet and high chance of missing out.
Other activities in the national park include birding, Mikumi National Park is a haven of birds in the park, it gives rewarding experiences with great birds of the park, for example, malachite kingfisher, ground hornbills, guinea fowls, African fish eagles among others, to enjoy a birding experience it is wise to bring binoculars, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, insect repellants, and other items of personal use. Birds can be seen on guided nature walks, and game drives as well.
Cultural experiences around the national park, it is angelic to meet the local communities, they will perform their traditional songs, and dance and get to learn more about the culture guests are allowed to join in the dances and enjoy their experiences.