Mikumi National Park (Selous Game Reserve)
“Wildlife at a Glance"
Mikumi National Park is located in southern Tanzania and covers an area of 1,250 square miles ( 3,230sq km). Mikumi borders Nyerere (Selous) National Park on the northwestern side, part of the Nyerere/Selous ecosystem. The park is divided into two parts by A-7 Tanzania. The Mikumi landscape is similar to that of Serengeti, offering a unique ecosystem. The Northwest area is characterized by the alluvial plain of the river basin Mkata and a diverse vegetation consisting of dotted savannah with baobab, acacia, tamarind and palm trees. However, the southern side of Mikumi has less wildlife and is inaccessible. While touring the park, you will see some striking rock formations of the mountains Uluguru & Rubeho. The park is home to a unique species of giraffe compared to its counterparts, with a mix of the Masai giraffe and the reticulated giraffe. Mikumi Park is the best place to see eland, “the world's largest antelope”. Other unique animals are the greater kudu, sable antelope and Lichstenstein’s hartebeest. Mikumi National Park is more accessible for those people seeking a day trip from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. If you enjoy peace and tranquillity, Mikumi is less crowded than other parks in the northern circuit. The park is worth visiting for an exciting and unforgettable safari experience for two or more nights, especially towards the end of the dry season when large herds of wildlife are similar to those of Ruaha and Nyerere.
The Mikumi National Park Highlight:
Eland - Mikumi Park is the best place to see eland, “the world's largest antelope”.
Experience the Mikumi National Park
Underrated Mikumi National Park is known for its open horizons and abundant wildlife, especially across the Serengeti-like expanses of the Mkata Floodplain. The hippo pool and Millennium area are particularly popular, with good reason. The Dar–Ruaha road bisects Mikumi and it can get busy during the Dry season. To escape the crowds, the park’s south has a wild wilderness feel, and is known for its elephants and lions.
Best time to visit: Mikumi National Park
Wildlife Experience
Mikumi National Park has scores of wildlife. The park is famous for its unique giraffe species, a cross between the Masai and the reticulated giraffe. The park has abundant elephants, giraffes, buffalos, zebras and wildebeests. Buffalo & Leopard), the only missing animal is the Rhino. However, it is rare to spot cats such as (leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs. You might occasionally spot lions and cheetahs in the park if you are lucky. There are also primates such as vervet monkeys and yellow baboons. The best area to spot wildlife is around Mkata Plains
Birdlife
Mikumi has magnificent birdlife, and over 400 species of birds are recorded in the park. The park is one of the top destinations in Tanzania for birdwatching activities and is home to the rare Eleonora’s Falcon, found during December and January. Other species of birds include bee-eaters, raptors, hornbills, Egyptian goose, Red-billed Teal, African black duck, helmeted guinea fowl, scaly francolin, little grebe, Namaqua dove, yellow-throated sandgrouse, fiery-necked nightjar, alpine swift, Jacobine cuckoo, black crake, white-bellied bustard, Great Egret, European night-jar, Hadada ibis, Bateuler, lizard buzzard scarce swift, Livingstone’s Turacogrey go away bird among others.
Best time to visit
The weather patterns in Mikumi National Park are different compared to those of Nothern Tanzania & Kenya, with the rainy season kicking in from November to May. Mikumi is an all-year-round park that one can visit anytime due to various attractions. However, the best times to visit Mikumi National Park for magnificent wildlife viewing are from June to October, a dry season with the greatest overall concentration of wildlife. For avid bird watchers, the best times to visit the park are during the rainy seasons of November to April.
Getting There?
By Air: Mikumi National Park is accessed by air from Dar es Salaam Julius Nyerere International Airport to Kikoboga Airstrip, the only airstrip in Mikumi which serves connecting flights to Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park and Zanzibar. Safari Air Link is the only flight that flies to Kikoboga Airstrip in Mikumi National Park. The flight time from Dar es Salaam is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
By Road: Due to its proximity to Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park can be accessed for day visits and quick safaris. Nearly all Mikumi safaris start from Dar es Salaam, and guests fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport. The drive time from the airport to the park using Morogoro Road takes approximately 4-5 hours, covering a distance of about 310km. The drive takes the scenic route, where you will glimpse the Udzungwa Mountains.
By Railway: The third option is to travel to Mikumi by train. The journey starts from Dar es Salaam and travels through the park’s interior. Due to the train's slow speed, you will enjoy breathtaking scenery and wildlife along the way.
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