What to see in Mikumi National Park? Mikumi National Park gets you all deep in the wilderness, Mikumi National Park is located in the southeastern province of Tanzania, near Morogoro and bordering with Selous game reserve on the south, the park offers a captivating blend of diverse wildlife and magnificent landscapes. Mikumi National Park covers an area of 3,230 km (2,010 mi), making it the fourth largest national park in the country, and was gazetted as a national park in 1964. The park is crossed by Tanzania’s A-7 highway.
Consisting of savannah dotted with acacia, baobab, tamarinds, and some rare palm. In this area, at the furthest from the road, there are spectacular rock formations of the mountains Rubeho and Uluguru. The southeast part of the park is less rich in wildlife, and not very accessible, the scenery of Mikumi National Park is quite simply beautiful.
The park is a home of different unique wildlife species, for example, the four of the big five exciting animals including Elephants, buffaloes, lions, rhinos, leopards, and other mammal species like elephants, buffalos, leopards, lions, wildebeest, African wild dogs, Bush Duiker, Common Waterbuck, Bohor Reedbuck, Impala, Sable Antelope, Bushbuck, Hippopotamus, Greater Kudu, Banded Mongoose, Spotted Hyaena, Cheetah, Serval, Banded Mongoose, Spotted Hyaena, Cheetah, Serval, Leopard, Ant Bear and Rock Hyrax. There are a number of primate species found within this park such as the baboons, Vervet monkeys, and nocturnal bush babies. The shallow waters of Lake Ihema are home to a large number of crocodiles and hippos which can best be viewed during boat rides. This guide highlights to you all what to see and observe while on a Tanzania wildlife safari in Mikumi National Park
Animals
Mikumi National Park is one of the diverse national parks in Tanzania housing four of the Big Five African animals African elephants are the gentle giants that roam the savannas and forests of Mikumi National Park. Their impressive size and intelligence make them a symbol of power and wisdom, African Buffalo, these formidable herbivores thrive in Tanzania’s national parks. Their robust build and unpredictable behavior command respect. African leopards are elusive and solitary cats are skilled hunters. Their spotted coats blend seamlessly with the lush Rwandan landscapes, making them challenging to spot as well as Lions that are seen roaming freely in Mikumi National Park’s savannah. Witnessing these iconic animals in their natural habitat is a thrilling experience
Other animals; besides the 4 iconic African animals, Mikumi National Park is known for its impressive population of African wild dogs and is home to other wildlife species such as wildebeest, Waterbuck, Bohor Reedbuck, Impala, Sable Antelope, Bushbuck, Hippopotamus, Greater Kudu, African Buffalo, African Hare, Cane rat, Porcupine, Striped Ground squirrel, Bush squirrel, Spring Hare, African Dormouse, Banded Mongoose, Spotted Hyaena, Cheetah, Serval, Ant Bear, Rock Hyrax, zebra, Hippopotamus, Common Warthog, Masai Giraffe, Wildebeest, Harvey Red Duiker, Epauletted Fruit Bat, Hollow-faced Bat, Lesser Leaf-nosed Bat, Yellow-bellied Bat, White-bellied Free-tailed Bat, Hunting Dog, Black-backed jackal, Bat-eared Fox, Honey Badger, Small-spotted Genet, Large-spotted Genet and Dwarf Mongoose among others
Reptiles and amphibians
Mikumi National Park is home to a variety of reptiles and amphibian species, including the Nile Crocodile, African rock python, Red-headed agama, Nile monitor lizard, Africa bullfrog, and Leopard tortoise. These fascinating animals can be easily seen when you participate amazing walking safari in the park. Mikumi National Park offers the best of nature walks to travelers with a remarkable view of all or a few of these majestical species.
Primates
The park also dwells in a variety of primates such as Black-faced vervet Monkey, Yellow Baboon and bush babies among others. Encounter with the Black-faced vervet monkeys and baboons as they swing through the trees creates unforgettable memories of being in the wilderness in Mikumi National Park. These playful primates add to the park’s biodiversity.
Bird watching
Birding in Mikumi National Park is an incredible treat with a variety of habitats that range from savannah to wetlands. The diversity in the national park is reflected in over 400 bird species. Mikumi National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. While on a birding safari in Mikumi National Park, you will get to see some of these birds such as the Goliath Heron, Yellow-billed Egret, Black Heron, Little Egret, Buff – backed Heron, Squacco Heron, Green-backed Heron, White-backed Night Heron, Hamerkop, White stork, Open-bill stork, Saddle-bill stork, Marabou stork, Wood Ibis/Yellow-billed stork, Sacred Ibis, Hadada Ibis, African spoonbill, Red-billed Duck, Pygmy Goose, Egyptian Goose, Knob-billed Duck, Secretary Bird, European Marsh Harrier, African Marsh Harrier, Harrier Hawk, Coqui Francolin, Shelley’s (Grey wing) Francolin, Red-necked spurfowl, Harlequin quail, Helmeted Guinea-fowl, Black crake, Crowned Crane, Black-bellied Bustard, Spotted stone curlew, Water Dikkop, African jacana, Little Ringed Plover, Kittlitz’s Plover, Three-banded Plover, Crowned Plover, Blacksmith Plover, Painted snipe, Ruff Common sandpiper, Cuckoo Falcon, African Black Kite, Black-shouldered Kite among others
Mountains
Mikumi National Park is boarded by the majestic Uluguru Mountains to the northeast and the mountains of the Eastern Arc, creating a striking visual view of this wildlife-rich haven. These mountains not only enhance the park’s scenic beauty but allows contribute significantly to its biodiversity. The Uluguru mountains, part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for their exceptional flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to the region. The montane forest of the Uluguru Mountains is characterized by lush vegetation and diverse ecosystems that host numerous plants and animal species. Elevated regions provide a cooler climate, creating conditions conducive to a wide variety of species. Bird species like the Uluguru bush-shrike and the Uluguru thrust are unique to this area, making it an essential hotspot for bird diversity. Their presence, among other endemic species, highlights the ecological importance of the montane range.
Hiking and trekking in this upland area offer visitors breathtaking views and opportunities to reconnect with nature. Trails meander through dense forests, showcasing unique flora and endemic wildlife along the way. The cool, crisp air and the symphony of bird calls create an unforgettable atmosphere for those seeking solitude and adventure.
The best time to visit Mikumi National Park
Akagera National Park can be visited all year round but the best time for game viewing is during the dry season that runs from June to October as the vegetation is thin offering clear views of the animals and many of the water sources have dehydrated up which leads to most of the animals congregating around the few available sources of water.
