Mikumi National Park

The grassy plains of Mikumi, encircled by mountain ranges, are like a colorful bowl shimmering in a play of ever-changing skies and light. And the floor of this bowl has a prolific wildlife, in which the huge herds of animals, the elephants and the roaring of the lions are only some of the many highlights. The flood plain provides a habitat for a diverse bird fauna, with both resident species and a number of migrants that fly here to escape from the Eurasian winter.

The seemingly infinite horizon and rich wildlife make you feel like being on the Serengeti Plains-but you are not. Welcome to the Mkata Floodplain, the flagship attraction of Mikumi, safely tucked in between the Rubeho and Uluguru mountains. The light at dusk and dawn makes a visit to the plains truly mesmerizing.

Mikumi National Park was established in 1964.In 1975, it was connected to the Selous, with which it forms an integrated ecosystem. The park surface it covers 3,230 km2 and stretches 90 km from North to South. Height 430 m (Plains in the Northern sector)-700 m (average height of the hilly Southern sector). Highest point 1,290 m (Malundwe Hill).

Season times: Two well- defined seasons: a dry season from June to November and a wet season from December to May (less rainy in January – February). Bush fires occur annually in the dry season.

Little seasonal variation in the occurrence of animals. The best season to visit is June – October and the park roads passable in the dry season. Road can be difficult during wet season, but the trans-national highway that bisects the park is a good tarmac road.

Average temperature during June-September 25-28C (daytime).

November-April around 30C (Sometimes 40C). Average night-time temperature: 16-19C (Never below 12C).

Mikumi National Park the concentration of wildlife is remarkably high; no less than 15,000 large mammals roam the area. Mikumi is connected to the Selous in the South. With animas flocking through the corridor, it provides a vital artery to the park’s wildlife. Wildebeest, Eland, Zebra, Buffalo, Warthog, Yellow baboon, Vervet monkey, spotted hyena, Lion and Impala are a frequent sighting. Just as large herds of elephants. in the late 1980’s their numbers dropped rapidly after intensive poaching, but fortunately the population bounced back thanks to the efforts of TANAPA and other stake holders towards improving ant poaching in the area.

The Giraffe might be more of an elusive creature here, but it’s exceptionally light features add to the magic of a sighting. Another striking encounter you might have is with a lion. Lazily draped over a tree branch. Behavior that is typical in Manyara, yet not fully understood. Birdlife is rich and colorful; over 400 species can be seen and heard. Many migratory birds join the locals, especially during the Palearctic winter, when the abundant insects and amphibians of Mikumi form a feeding frenzy. And while hippos entertain the crowd in the pools north of the main entrance gate, they are often cheered on by many different waterbirds.

Why Visit Mikumi?

• Spectacular concentrations of mammals that are essential to the plains of East Africa
• Superbly scenic plains with might baobabs
• Easy access from Dar-es-salaam
• A popular park (15,000 visitors a year), but mostly day visits.

Major tourism activities: Game driving, walking safaris.

Mikumi national park between the Rubeho and Uluguru mountains, both rising to heights of well over 2000 meters, lies the vast Mkata plain, the appearance of which changes considerably in the course of the year. During wet season severe floods run riot over the lush green plain, while during the dry season the equatorial heat forces life on the plain to retire into its shell.