Self Drive Guide to Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park is the fourth largest national park in Tanzania, situated 300 km west of Dar es Salaam. The Park shares a contiguous boundary and habitat with the Selous Game Reserve to the south, facilitating wildlife migration between the northern section of the reserve. Mikumi is situated between the Uluguru Mountains and the Lumango Range. The protected region was designated as a national park in 1964 and encompasses 3,230 square kilometers. Mikumi is frequently juxtaposed with Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks because of its varied habitat. The park is named Mikumi, after the settlement located on its western boundary adjacent to Dar es Salaam. The settlement derives its name from palm palms (Borassus ssp). The majority of visitors to Mikumi National Park seek to observe the ‘Big Five’ (Leopard, Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino).

Vegetation in Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park features several vegetation types such to those found in Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks. The park is bifurcated, resulting in two distinct habitats characterized by varying vegetation zones. The northern part is characterized by Alluvia plains, which are drained by the Mkata River. This area consists of open savannah grassland interspersed with Baobab trees, palms, acacias, and tamarind trees. Palms are located along the Mkata river basin. The northern sector hosts a substantial population of herbivores, who congregate near the dwindling water sources in the plains throughout the dry season, thus attracting predators such as hyenas, lions, and leopards intermittently. The southern region of Mikumi is characterized by forests interspersed with miombo woods, riverine forests, lowland forests, bushland, thickets, and acacia trees. This area accommodates tree-climbing lions; nevertheless, it is not readily accessible due to an inadequate road network.

The wildlife of Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park, with its many flora types, hosts a plethora of animals, including several of Africa’s most emblematic wildlife species. The species include Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Elephants, Zebras, Sable Antelope, African Hunting Dogs, Blue Wildebeests, Lichtenstein’s Hartebeests, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Impalas, Elands, Greater Kudus, and Warthogs. Primates such as Yellow Baboons, Vervet Monkeys, and Colobus Monkeys inhabit Mikumi. The park is home to amphibians and reptiles such as Nile Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Pythons, Cobras, Tortoises, and Turtles. The park is home to around 400 bird species, including Lilac-breasted Rollers, Secretary Birds, African Fish Eagles, Open-Billed Storks, Yellow-Billed Storks, Hornbills, Ground Hornbills, Kingfishers, Bee-Eaters, Vultures, and Raptors.

Things to Do in Mikumi National Park

Guide Nature Walk

The activity occurs on the specified walking trails and lasts 3-4 hours throughout the park. Three walking paths are utilized: Kikoboga, Vuma Hills, and the Mikumi Wildlife Resort trail. Visitors traverse brief savannah and Miombo woodland flora accompanied by knowledgeable guides and armed rangers for protection against wildlife. The guided nature walks provide guests with intimate experiences with wildlife and avifauna. This activity in Mikumi National Park occurs exclusively during the dry season and is restricted to adults.

Bird Watching

Mikumi National Park hosts more than 400 documented avian species, encompassing migratory, savanna, aquatic, and various other types of birds. Birdwatching can occur on game drives and nature walks, with notable sightings including the yellow-throated longclaw, open-billed stork, Zanzibar red bishop, purple-breasted roller, hornbills, malachite kingfisher, bateleur eagle, martial eagle, and marabou stork. Waterfowl can be observed near the Hippo Pool in the park. Migratory birds are observed from November to April.

Game Watching

Wildlife observation is one of the most exceptional activities conducted at Mikumi National Park. Mikumi  provides morning, daytime, and nocturnal game drives, showcasing many species active at night. This excursion is conducted in 4×4 safari vehicles under the guidance of seasoned safari experts, providing tourists the opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. Game drives in Mikumi National Park predominantly occur in the Mkata floodplains, which are ideal for observing lions and leopards. The region is home to substantial populations of buffalo, elephants, zebras, wild dogs, waterbucks, wildebeests, hartebeests, giraffes, sable antelopes, impalas, larger kudus, elands, warthogs, and yellow baboons. Another essential aspect not to be overlooked during the game drive is the Hippo Pool, where one can observe the hippos wallowing and snorting at close proximity.

Camping and Picnicking

Mikumi National Park provides opportunities for both camping and picnicking, enabling visitors to engage with the natural surroundings. Camping in Mikumi occurs primarily in the northern region and is predominantly undertaken by nature enthusiasts. The park includes two camping sites: a public campsite and a private campsite. Essential amenities such as water, restrooms, bathing facilities, and a kitchen are provided. Prior reservation is necessary for private campsites to prevent difficulties. Conversely, the Park offers stunning panoramas, diverse terrains, and locations that serve as an optimal wilderness setting for safari picnics, featuring a range of activities including dining and games. Notable picnic locations comprise Mwanambogo, Mbuyuni, and Millenium.

Visits of a cultural nature

Mikumi National Park is encircled by distinctive civilizations, all coordinated under Chilunga cultural tourism. The cultural excursions occur in the neighboring villages. Tourists get the opportunity to engage in ethnic dances and sample traditional cuisine. Local market and village trips are also available.

Best time to Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park is accessible year-round, contingent upon the visitor’s preference. The optimal period to visit the park is during the dry season, specifically from June to October. In this season, the vegetation is sparse, and animals typically congregate around the Mkata River for hydration.

Methods for accessing Mikumi National Park

The park is accessible by road or air, contingent upon the traveler’s preference. The park is accessible by many road ways. The park is accessible from Dar-es-Salaam, with a travel duration of 4 to 5 hours. Conversely, getting from Dodoma or Ruaha National Park requires roughly 6 hours. Visitors may opt for air transit, since Safari Air Link has domestic flights linking to destinations such as Selous, Zanzibar, Ruaha, and Dar es Salaam.

Lodging in Mikumi National Park

Makimi National Park offers a variety of accommodations for guests, ranging from luxury to mid-range and budget safari lodges and campgrounds. The facilities in Mikumi are Mikumi Wildlife Camp, Tan-Swiss Lodge, and Stanley’s Kopje Camp.