Self Drive Guide to Mikumi national park
Mikumi National Park is situated near Morogoro in southern Tanzania, encompassing an area of 3,230 km², making it the fourth largest national park in the nation. Established in 1964, the park is traversed by the Tanzanian A-7 highway and was created to conserve the rare antelope species indigenous to the region. The picturesque terrain of deciduous forests, savanna interspersed with acacia, and grassy plains featuring notable baobab trees, tamarinds, and unique palms supports a diverse array of wildlife species. Mikumi is one of the most dependable locations in Tanzania for observing wildlife, particularly during the dry season.
Points of interest in Mikumi National Park.
Wildlife.
Mikumi National Park is home to a diverse array of animal species, including elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, leopards, lions, rare African wild dogs, sable antelopes, greater kudu, and numerous others. The majority of animals in the park inhabit the central region along the Mkata plains, bordered to the northwest by the main highway traversing the park. In contrast, the elusive kudu and sable antelopes are readily observable within the scattered Miombo woodlands situated in the southeast near the Vuma hills.
Bird species.
Mikumi National Park hosts both resident and migratory avian species, with over 400 identified. The majority of these species are predominantly located in the southern region of Tanzania. Notable bird species within the park include the Black-billed Stork, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Secretary Bird, Guinea Fowl, Oxpeckers, Bateleur Eagles, Cattle Egret, Open-billed Stork, Zanzibar Red Bishop, Lilac-breasted Roller, Martial Eagle, and Superb Starling, among others. European migratory birds are typically present, making the park an ideal destination for birdwatching safaris during the rainy season.
Mikumi National Park, Zanzibar Red Bishop, Mountains.
Mikumi National Park is located amidst the mountains, enhancing its appeal due to the picturesque vistas created by the unusual geological formations, which draw numerous people, particularly scholars, writers, and photographers. The most captivating mountain in the park is Uluguru, which entices every tourist to hike during their visit. Other mountains in the park include Udzugwa and Uvidunda, while Malundwe mountain features three peaks, the highest of which reaches 1,290 meters in the southern region.
Kinole Waterfalls.
The Kinole Waterfalls, although not situated within Mikumi National Park, represent a significant attraction nearby. Located in the Uluguru Mountains in the village of Kinole, Morogoro, the waterfalls derive their name from the village itself. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking scenic views, swim beneath the falls, or hike to the summit, with local guides available from Morogoro town to transport guests deep into the village to the starting point of the hike.
Culture.
The cultural excursions in Mikumi National Park are conducted by local residents organized under the Chilunga Cultural Tourism initiative, with educated guides who provide insights into their past. Their headquarters are located near the park’s entrance in Morogoro. The tourists engage in conversation with locals, who demonstrate cultural dances, cooking, and several other activities. Cultural tourism serves as a method for developing sustainable tourism, as local communities are actively engaged in tourism management, with diverse settlements and cultures like as Choma, Maasai, Kinole, Madole, among others, around the park.
Activities conducted in Mikumi National Park.
Game Driving.
Mikumu National Park provides tourists the opportunity to observe diverse animal species in their natural habitat, including elephants, giraffes, elands, zebras, hippos, antelopes, and others. Additionally, with some fortune, one may witness lions during a hunt.
Bird observation.
Mikumi National Park is home to over 400 bird species, including migratory, savanna, and aquatic birds. Tourists can observe various species such as the yellow-throated longclaw, secretary bird, lilac-breasted roller, bateleur eagle, and Zanzibar red bishop, among others. Birdwatchers will have the opportunity to view and identify most of the birds within the park.
Camping.
Mikumi National Park provides camping opportunities for visitors, featuring both public and private camping areas, but with varying arrangements. The guests appreciate the magnificent environment of Mikumi National Park. The optimal period for camping in the park is during the dry season, specifically in June and November. The private campsite, recognized as Campsite 5, is situated in Vuma Hills, whilst the public campsite, designated as 1,3, is located in Nkata Plains.
Nature Walks
Visitors to Mikumi National Park gain insight into the park’s environment through nature walks, which facilitate exploration of its features, wildlife, avifauna, and other environs.
Picnic
Mikumi National Park encourages picnics for tourists, as they often spend considerable time at designated picnic areas within the park, appreciating various attractions while eating their packed lunches.
Entrance fees of Mikumi national park.
| Category | JULY TO JUNE | ||
| EA(Tshs) | Non EA Citizen (USD) | Expatriate/ residents(USD) | |
| Of above the age of 16 years | 5000 | 30 | 15 |
| Between the age of 5 and 15 years. | 2000 | 10 | 5 |
| Children below the age of 5 years. | Free | Free | Free |
Best time to visit Mikumi national park.
The optimal period to visit the park is from June to October, coinciding with the dry season, when wildlife congregates around waterholes and rivers, facilitating the observation of diverse animal species by tourists.
Accommodation options at Mikumi National Park.
Mikumi National Park offers a range of accommodation options for guests, including both private and public camping sites such as Stanley’s Kopje Camp, Mikumi Wildlife Camp, and Angalia Tents Camp. Additionally, the park features other lodgings like Tan-Swiss Lodge, Vuma Hill Tented Lodge, Voyage Village, and Mikumi Faru Tented Lodge, all of which provide guests with comfortable bedding and exceptional services and amenities.
How to get Mikumi National Park.
Mikumi National Park is accessible by air, road, and rail from Dar es Salaam.
Definition of “By Road”.
Mikumi National Park is accessible via a straight highway originating from Dar es Salaam, traversing the park. Public transportation takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, although private vehicles may also be utilized. The park is situated a few kilometers between Mikumi town and the larger Morogoro town.
Via air transport.
No direct flights are accessible to Mikumi National Park; however, one can fly to Iringa Airport and then arrange for a drive, or alternatively, fly to Ruaha National Park or Selous and subsequently travel to Mikumi.
The term “by train” refers to traveling via a railway system.
Mukimi National Park is accessible by rail, which traverses the heart of the park. The train’s pace renders it an optimal means for exploring the region and observing the diverse animal species within the park. The train operates from Dar es Salaam to Zambia in southern Africa. Travel from Dar es Salaam to Man’gula, then proceed via road to the park.
Mikumi National Park is an exceptional destination for birdwatching in Tanzania, boasting over 400 vibrant and diverse bird species. Notable residents include the striking lilac-breasted roller, yellow-throated longclaw, and bateleur eagle, complemented by numerous European migratory birds from November to April.