What is in mikumi national Park? Mikumi national park is one of the protected areas found in southern part of Tanzania, Being The fourth largest in the country, it is the most accessible Tanzania safari destination with great wildlife experience though not famous , from Dar-el-salaam and Not far from the shores of the Indian Ocean. The park is situated south of the famous Selous Game Reserve near Morogoro in Tanzania Covering the total area of 3,230 Kilo meters squared Between Uluguulu Mountain in the North east side and The Rubeho and Udzungwa Mountains on the south western side. The part was established in 1964, surrounded by Mountains , the hills and beautiful landscape .
The park provides habitat for different wildlife that includes; elephant, giraffe, buffalo, Burchell’s zebra, sable, the largest antelope family ,spotted hyenas, eland, Liechtenstein’s hartebeest, lion, leopard among others. The park is well known for its beautiful scenic plains, baobab and home to various wildlife and bird species . Bird viewing is rewarding since it’s the home of over 400 species of birds in the park such as the African fish eagle, Lilac-breasted eagle, Bateleur eagle, …the Jackson’s Francolin, Sparrow hawks, goshawks, eagles, sunbirds and plovers among others . June to October are the best months to explore the park with low vegetation, limited water source quite easy to capture wildlife. The park has top sites that includes; Uluguru mountains, choma waterfalls ,Lupanga, acacia and baobab trees and stunning landscapes. The park is worth visiting since it kinda resembles Serengeti national park
How to get there; it’s the closet park from Dar-el salaam taking approximately 4-5 hours (300km) on a nice tarmac road using A7 Tanzania highway to Mikumi national park . You can fly from Arusha to Dar-el-salaam then drive to the park or use flight from arusha directly to Mikumi national park airstrip . There are also flights connecting all the parks of the southern safari circuit, Flights from Arusha Town and northern safari circuit are also available. Please note you can use road transport from arusha to ruaha national park its very far.
The park has 2 different gates that are found on the opposite directions. one gate is found in the North and it’s the most popular gate, This gate is birding destination especially for water birds that are found in two artificial water pools that are found around the park and the southern gate that can easily be accessed when one is from Dar-el salam . For one to access the park promises has to have permission letter that is given at any of the gate.
Mikumi national park charges Entrance fee; that’s the money charged by (government body) TANAP Tanzania national parks Authority in charge of Tourism from Tourists Before accessing the park promises. The entrance fee is valid for 24 hours when one is staying inside the park and when one is staying outside the park you pay per entry.
Entrance fee include; Non foreign residents are charged 30USD per person above 16 years of age 2023/2024 rate and children are charged 10usd per child between 5 -10 years , Foreign residents in Tanzania pay 15Usd per adult per day and 5$ per child per day . East African citizen pay 5,000tsh per adult per day aged above 16 years and 2,500TSH per child per day aged between 5-15years .Park Entrance permits are given at All the gates
There are more different activities to do while in Mikumi national park which include;
_Game drives / Viewing both in the night and during the day in the park which enables you to spot different animals like African elephants , hyenas, the big five especially during dry season
Birding /bird watching activity especially for bird lovers since the park has many species of birds include; Black headed lap wing, Black Billed Barbet, hornbill, yellow fronted tinkerbird, long –toed lapwing, long tailed nightjar among others.
Other activities include ; Hand craft safaris especially the masaai , Camping grounds for camp lovers , Flying safaris, night walking safaris, bush walks, cultural visits in the local villages that will entertain you with traditional dances, visiting the water falls , climbing and hiking mountains.
Mikumi national park has different categories of accommodations/lodges/hotels/guesthouses that includes;
Here are some of Budget lodges , Mid- range lodges and luxury accommodations include; Vuma hill tented lodge, Bastian camp , Tan –swizz campsite and lodge , Voyage village camp, Angalia tented camp, Asante Africa camp , Mikumi adventure camp , Mmatembezi safari lodge, Mikumi wildlife camp ,Mikumi resort , stanely kopjes camp among others.
