Mikumi National Park attractions

Mikumi National Park: What to see?

Located in Tanzania’s southeast province, close to Morogoro, and bordering the Selous game reserve on the south, Mikumi National Park transports visitors to the heart of the wilderness. The park offers a mesmerizing combination of varied animals and breathtaking scenery. Mikumi National Park was gazetted as a national park in 1964 and is the fourth largest national park in the nation, with an area of 3,230 km (2,010 mi). The A-7 highway in Tanzania passes through the park.

consists of savannah with uncommon palms, tamarinds, baobab, and acacia scattered throughout. Amazing rock formations of the Uluguru and Rubeho mountains can be found here, the farthest from the road. The beauty of Mikumi National Park is undoubtedly stunning, but the southeast portion of the park is less wildlife-rich and difficult to reach.

Elephants, buffaloes, lions, rhinos, leopards, and other mammal species like African wild dogs, Bush Duiker, Common Waterbuck, Bohor Reedbuck, Impala, Sable Antelope, Bushbuck, Hippopotamus, Greater Kudu, Banded Mongoose, Spotted Hyaena, Banded Mongoose, Spotted Hyaena, Cheetah, Serval, Leopard, Ant Bear, and Rock Hyrax are among the park’s distinctive wildlife. This park is home to several primate species, including nocturnal bush infants, vervet monkeys, and baboons. Boat trips are the greatest way to see the many crocodiles and hippos that call Lake Ihema’s shallow waters home. This guide tells you what to look for and see during a wildlife safari in Mikumi National Park, Tanzania.

Animals

African elephants are gentle giants that roam the savannas and forests of Mikumi National Park, one of Tanzania’s diverse national parks that is home to four of the Big Five African species. African Buffalo are powerful herbivores that flourish in Tanzania’s national parks because of their remarkable size and intellect, which make them a symbol of strength and wisdom. They are respected for their strong physique and erratic conduct. Solitary cats are excellent hunters, and African leopards are elusive. Like lions that are observed roaming freely in the savannah of Mikumi National Park, they are difficult to notice due to their spotted coats, which mix in perfectly with the lush Rwandan scenery. It’s an exciting experience to see these famous creatures in their natural environment.

In addition to the four famous African animals, Mikumi National Park is home to a large number of African wild dogs. Other wildlife species that can be found there include zebra, Hippopotamus, Common Warthog, Masai Giraffe, 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.

Mikumi National Park’s fauna
Amphibians and reptiles

Numerous amphibian and reptilian species, including as the Nile Crocodile, African rock python, Red-headed agama, Nile monitor lizard, Africa bullfrog, and Leopard tortoise, can be found in Mikumi National Park. When you go on an incredible walking safari in the park, you may easily view these beautiful animals. Mikumi National Park offers the greatest of nature treks to travelers with a spectacular view of all or a few of these majestical species.

Primates

Numerous primates, including Yellow Baboons, Black-faced Vervet Monkeys, and bush infants, can be seen in the park. Experiencing the Black-faced vervet monkeys and baboons swinging among the trees at Mikumi National Park leaves a lasting impression of being in the wild. The park’s biodiversity is enhanced by these amusing primates.

Observing birds

With a range of habitats from wetlands to savannah, birding in Mikumi National Park is an amazing experience. There are more than 400 bird species in the national park, reflecting its diversity. Bird lovers can find heaven in Mikumi National Park. 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

The Eastern Arc’s mountains and the spectacular Uluguru Mountains to the northeast both border Mikumi National Park, providing a breathtaking perspective of this wildlife-rich sanctuary. In addition to adding to the park’s natural beauty, these mountains provide a substantial contribution to its biodiversity. Known for their remarkable flora and fauna, some of which are peculiar to the area, the Uluguru mountains, which are a part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, are included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Uluguru Mountains’ montane forest is distinguished by its abundant vegetation and varied ecosystems, which are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. Because of their colder climate, elevated areas are home to a diverse range of animals. This location is a vital hotspot for bird diversity since it is home to unusual bird species including the Uluguru bush-shrike and the Uluguru thrust. Along with other unique species, their existence emphasizes the montane range’s ecological significance.

This upland region offers hikers and trekkers amazing vistas and chances to re-establish a connection with the natural world. Along the journey, trails wind through thick forests, displaying endemic fauna and unusual plants. For those looking for adventure and isolation, the symphony of bird sounds and the chilly, fresh air create an ambiance that will never be forgotten.

When to go to Mikumi National Park is ideal.

Although Akagera National Park is open year-round, the best time to see game is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. This is because the vegetation is sparse, making it easier to see the animals, and many of the water sources have dried up, causing the majority of the animals to gather around the few water sources that are still available.