Mikumi National Park abuts the northern border of Africa’s biggest game reserve, the Selous, and is transected by the surfaced road between Dar es Salaam and Iringa. It is thus the most accessible part of a 75,000-square-kilometre (47,000-square-mile) tract of wilderness that stretches east almost as far as the Indian Ocean.
The open horizons and abundant wildlife of the Mkata floodplain — the popular centrepiece of Mikumi — draw frequent comparisons to the more famous Serengeti plains. Lions survey their grassy kingdom, and the zebra, wildebeest, impala and buffalo herds that cross 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 favoured also by Mikumi’s elephants.
ASK ABOUT THE ZEBRA’S STRIPES — HOW THEY PROTECT THEM!!
Criss-crossed by a good circuit of game-viewing roads, 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 colourful common residents such 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 attraction of a pair of pools situated 5km north of the main entrance, supported by an ever-changing cast of water birds.
What to Do
Game drives and guided walks take this tour further. Visit nearby Udzungwa, or travel on to Selous or Ruaha. Mikumi is located 283 kilometres west of Dar es Salaam, north of the Selous, and en route to Ruaha, Udzungwa and the intrepid Katavi.
Best Time to Visit
Accessible year-round. The park covers about 3,230 square kilometres (1,250 square miles) — the fourth largest park in Tanzania, part of a larger ecosystem centred on the uniquely vast Selous game reserve.
Accommodation
Two lodges, two luxury tented camps, three campsites, and guest houses in Mikumi town on the park border.
How to Get There
A good surfaced road connects Mikumi to Dar es Salaam via Morogoro — roughly 4 hours. The road also connects to Udzungwa Mountains National Park and Ruaha, and (in the dry season only) to the Selous. Chartered flights also run from Dar es Salaam, Arusha or Selous.
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WE WALK THROUGH THE BUSH WITH OUR CAMPING GEAR!