ABOUT MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK
Mikumi National Park is the closest National Park to Dar es Salaam and is nestled between the Uluguru mountains to the northeast, and the Rubeho mountains, Udzungwa mountains and Rift Valley escarpment to the south west.
Mikumi hosts buffaloes, wildebeests, giraffes, elephants, lions, zebras, leopards, crocodiles and more, and chances are high that you’ll see a respectable sampling of these within a short time of entering the park.
The most reliable wildlife watching is around the Mkata floodplain, to the northwest of the main road, with the open vistas of the small but lovely Millennium (‘Little Serengeti’) area a highlight.
Lions survey their grassy kingdom – and the zebra, wildebeest, impala and buffalo herds that migrate across it – from the flattened tops of termite mounds, or sometimes, during the rains, from perches high in the trees. Giraffes forage in the isolated acacia stands that fringe the Mkata River, islets of shade favored also by Mikumi’s elephants.
The Mkata Floodplain is perhaps the most reliable place in Tanzania for sightings of the powerful eland, the world’s largest antelope. The equally impressive greater kudu and sable antelope haunt the miombo-covered foothills of the mountains that rise from the park’s borders. More than 400 bird species have been recorded, with such colorful common residents as the lilac-breasted roller, yellow-throated longclaw and bateleur eagle joined by a host of European migrants during the rainy season. Hippos are the star attraction of the pair of pools situated 5 kilometers north of the main entrance gate, supported by an ever-changing cast of water birds.
GETTING THERE
A good surfaced road connects Mikumi to Dar es Salaam via Morogoro, a roughly 4 hour drive. Also road connections to Udzungwa, Ruaha and (dry season only) Selous. Charter flight from Dar es Salaam, Arusha or Selous. Local buses run from Dar to park HQ where game drives can be arranged.
WHAT TO DO
Game drives and guided walks. Visit nearby Udzungwa or travel on to Selous or Ruaha.
WHEN TO GO
Accessible year round.
ACCOMMODATION
Two lodges, three luxury tented camps, three campsites. Guest houses in Mikumi town on the park border.
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