Mikumi National Park is an angelic destination of Tanzania and is the fourth largest national park in the country, the construction of the road connecting Dar-es-salaam to Mikumi has made it easy for travelers to access the protected conservation area and an increase in the number of people that visit the national park, it was established in 1964 covering an area space of approximately 3,230 square kilometers, it is one place compacted with so many wildlife to see, travelers who visit the park are more like they have been to the Serengeti already just that it is a smaller version of it!. The park is located in the southern part of Tanzania along the border with one of Africa’s largest game reserves called Selous.
Mikumi National Park comprises savannah vegetation, woodland, marshy swampy areas, manmade hippo pools, and plain lands this vegetation type varies from the north to the south, currently, the park is divided into two by a road that separates it into the northern part consisting more of animal species compared to the south. It is a perfect place to visit, it is convenient more so for travellers that have less time to go to other national parks that are placed many kilometres away from the city centres, it is more accessible from Dar-es-salaam in about 4 hours’ drive, it offers great wildlife experiences to guests through its well-distributed game trails, home to several animal species including the so-called big five of the wilderness (African elephants, African buffaloes, leopards, lions, and the Rhinoceros). It is popular for its high concentration of wild dogs, and recognized centre to research Yellow baboons, animals to see in the national park include zebras, giraffes, elephants, crocodiles, wildebeests, waterbucks, impalas, greater Kudus, vervet monkeys, olive baboons to mention a few.
Mikumi National Park is a haven of birds, there are over 400 species of birds that have been recorded in the national park to date, and it is among the best destinations in Tanzania to go birding, Examples of species include African fish eagles, sunbirds, double-faced barbets, lilac-breasted roller, yellow-throated long claw, African grey hornbill, cardinal woodpecker, long-tailed fiscal, northern pied babbler, southern ground hornbill, purple breasted turaco to mention a few. The park receives seasonal birds as well more so during the wet season.
Things to do in Mikumi National Park include game drives, these are done in sessions in the morning beginning at 8:00 am in search of early morning risers, animals are super active during the morning time as herbivores do come out to graze while cats are out to hunt, in the afternoon game drives, are done beginning at 2:30 pm this is a relaxing time of the wilderness the sun tends to be calmer and animals resting, this makes it easy for them to see, it is one of the parks of Tanzania where doing night game drives is allowed, it is done in search of nocturnal species and animals you might have missed out during the day, like big cats, lions, leopards, and hippos.
Walking safari in Mikumi National Park through the well-distributed trails of the national park, visitors get to enjoy the composition of the national park closely, it is best conducted during the dry season with the guidance of an experienced game ranger, it is only acceptable to persons above the age of 15 years old.
Birding in Mikumi National Park is one of the best places to see birds while in Tanzania, there are rewarding views along the Mkata River, hippo pool, Mwanambogo pool and other water walls along which are animal views as well.
There is available accommodation in the national park or outside the park ranging from the best budget to luxury. The is located approximately 288 kilometres from Dar-es-salaam, it has been an easy journey to reach the national park from the construction of the A-7 highway it takes 4 hours’ drive to reach the national park. it can be visited any time of the year but is best during the dry season between December –February and June to early September when the trails are drier and easier to access.
In conclusion, Mikumi National Park can be visited any time of the year even during the wet season, it all depends on what guests will be doing in the national park.