The Southern Circuit
Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is one of the most beautiful and accessible wildlife destinations in Tanzania. It is a real African paradise located in the southern part of the country, bordering the famous Selous Game Reserve (now part of Nyerere National Park). Mikumi is the fourth largest national park in Tanzania and is known for its rich wildlife, open grasslands, and unique landscapes. The park is part of the great Selous ecosystem, making it an important area for wildlife movement and conservation.
Visiting Mikumi will reward you with amazing views of savannah plains, mountains, and rivers. The park offers a wide range of tourist activities and is especially popular for short safaris from Dar es Salaam.
Park History
Mikumi National Park was established in 1964 and covers about 3,230 square kilometers. The name Mikumi comes from the local Swahili word for a type of tree found in the area. The park was created to protect the wildlife migrating between Selous and the surrounding areas.
Mikumi is home to many animal species including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, and antelopes. The Mkata floodplain is one of the best places to view animals in the park. This area is often compared to the Serengeti plains due to its open grasslands and large herds of animals.
Tourist Activities in Mikumi
Mikumi offers a variety of exciting tourism experiences, including:
Game Drives – The most popular activity in the park, available in the morning, afternoon, or full day. Visitors can see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more.
Walking Safaris – A guided walk with a park ranger allows tourists to explore the bush on foot and learn about plants, animals, and local ecosystems.
Bird Watching – The park is home to over 400 bird species, including lilac-breasted rollers, bateleur eagles, and yellow-throated longclaws.
Camping – There are public and special campsites available for overnight stays inside the park.
Cultural Tours – Visitors can combine their safari with a visit to nearby villages to experience local culture and traditions.
How to Get to Mikumi
Mikumi National Park is easily accessible by road and air:
By Road: From Dar es Salaam, it takes about 4–5 hours (roughly 283 km) via the Morogoro Highway. The road is paved and in good condition.
By Air: There are charter flights available from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and other major airports to Mikumi Airstrip.
Best Time to Visit
Mikumi can be visited all year round. However, the best time is during the dry season from June to October when animals gather around water sources and are easier to see. The green season from November to May is also beautiful with lush landscapes and many baby animals, especially from January to March.
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