Mikumi Safari
AREA- 3,000 Sq Km

Mikumi is set between Uluguru Mountains to the North and the Lumango mountains to the Southeast and within a short flight from Dar es salaam .

Mikumi wildlife Safari and Birdlife
Mikumi offers endless terrains teaming with wildlife and over 300 species of bird life many of which are Eurasian.
Animals to spot here includes- buffaloes, giraffes, zebra, lions, leopards, sable antelopes, hippos, crocodiles among others.
One special treat at Mikumi is the visit to the center for the study of primates such as yellow baboon and the chimpanzee.

Mikumi National Park is just next to the northern boarder of Africa’s biggest game reserve- the selous and is transected by the surfaced road between Dar es salaam and Iringa. It is therefore 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.

Frequent comparisons are drawn to the more famous Serengeti plains by the open horizons and abundant wildlife of the mkata flood plain, the popular centre piece of Mikumi.

Lions survey their grassy kingdom- and the Zebra wild beast, impala and buffalo herds that migrate across it from the flattered tops of the termite mounds, or sometimes, during the rains, from perches isolated acacia stands that fringe the Mkata river, isets of shade favoured by Mikumi’s elephants.

During the rainy season, more than 400 bird species are noted to exist for example; lilac-breasted roller, yellow throated long claw and bateleur eagle as well as the host of European migrants. Hippos together with the ever-changing cast of water birds are the star attraction of the pair of pools situated 5 km North of the main entrance gate.

Looking at the size, how to get to Mikumi park, what to do there, when to go there and the accommodation in Mikumi Park, we shall note the following;

Mikumi National Park, a part of a much larger ecosystem centred on the uniquely vast selous game reserve, is the fourth largest Park in Tanzania with 3,230 sq km (1,250 miiles). It is located 283 km (175 miles ) west of Dar es salaam, North of Selous and the route to Ruaha, Katari as well as Udzungwa.

Getting to the park takes roughly 4 hours for there is a good surfaced road which connects Mikumi to Dar es salaam via Morogoro. The road also connects to Ruaha, Selous and Udzungwa but this is possible only during a dry season. There are local buses as well that run from Dar to Park HQ where game drives can be arranged. Even still, is the quickest way which is by charter flight from Dar es salaam, Arusha or Selous.

Important to note is that this park is accessible throughout the year, while some of the activities done there include; game drives, and guided walks, viosit nearby Udzungwa ot travel on to Ruaha or Selous.

As far as accommodation is concerned, it is important to note that the park has two 2 lodges, two luxury tented camps, three campsites. It has also got guest houses in Mikumi town on its border.

Mikumi National Park is situated South of Dar es salaam right on the main Morogor –Iringa highway with an approximate travel time of 41/2 hours, meanwhile the first National Park stop on the Tanzania Southern Circuit safari. Mikumi was named after Borassus palm trees referred to as Mukuky and not after number ten in Swahili which is kumi. It was in 1967 that Mikumi was named, yet it now has an approximate size of 3,230 sq km. Mikumi was the name of Wavindunda community with the name Mtwahela.

Mikumi Tourist Attractions Here

You are led into Mikumi National Park if you drive from Dar es salaam on the one lane Morogoro-Iringa highway, and safari guides are normally made very cautious about elephants , giraffes and Zebras that cross the highway because sign posts about the speed limits are ever there and clear.

More info
Mikumi tour and ecosystem
Mikumi Wildlife Camp
Vuma Hills –premier safari Accomodation

Tanzania Guide