Mikumi National Park

ABOUT MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK

Mikumi National Park, nestled in southern Tanzania, is one of the country’s largest and most accessible wildlife reserves, offering visitors a glimpse into the wonders of the African savannah. Covering an area of approximately 3,230 square kilometers, Mikumi is part of the larger ecosystem known as the Selous Game Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite its proximity to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city, Mikumi remains relatively undiscovered compared to other popular safari destinations, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking a more tranquil and off-the-beaten-path safari experience.

The landscape of Mikumi National Park is characterized by vast grassy plains, dense woodlands, and rolling hills, creating a diverse habitat that supports a wide variety of wildlife. The park is renowned for its large concentrations of plains game, including wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, and buffaloes, which roam the open plains in search of food and water. Mikumi is also home to predators such as lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas, as well as a rich assortment of birdlife, making it a paradise for both wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

One of the highlights of visiting Mikumi is the opportunity to witness the Great Migration of wildebeests and other herbivores as they traverse the park in search of grazing lands and water sources. Although not as vast or dramatic as the migration in the Serengeti, Mikumi still offers thrilling sightings of large herds moving across the plains, often accompanied by predators lurking in the shadows, ready to seize any opportunity for a hunt.

Visitors to Mikumi National Park can explore its diverse ecosystems and wildlife through guided game drives along well-maintained trails and roads. The park also offers opportunities for guided walking safaris, allowing visitors to experience the bush up close and learn about the smaller creatures and plants that are often overlooked during traditional game drives. Several viewpoints within the park provide stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape, offering photographers and nature enthusiasts ample opportunities to capture the beauty of Mikumi’s scenery and wildlife.

Accommodations within and around Mikumi National Park range from luxury lodges to tented camps and budget-friendly campsites, providing visitors with a range of options to suit their preferences and budgets. Conservation efforts in the park focus on protecting its diverse ecosystems, mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, and promoting sustainable tourism practices to ensure the long-term preservation of this unique wilderness area. By balancing conservation with responsible tourism and community involvement, Mikumi National Park continues to enchant and inspire visitors with its natural beauty and abundant wildlife.