What special about Mikumi National Park? Are you looking for what is unique about Mikumi National Park, are searching for why Mikumi National Park is famous, are you interested in knowing the interesting facts about Mikumi National Park, this articles answers all.
Mikumi national park is the fourth biggest national park in Tanzania and the most open park from Dar es salaam. It shares border with the biggest game reserve in Africa known as Selous covering an area of 75,000 square kilometer, the park is situated between the lumangongo and Uluguru mountains. Mikumi is one of the most popular National Park in Tanzania due to its easy accessibility. Mikumi national park was gazetted in 1964 and named after a sindle shaped Borassus palm tree, it has large herbs of Nyasa blue wildebeest, with over 400 bird species and different wildlife like of African wild dogs, Bush Duiker, Common Waterbuck, Bohor Reedbuck, Impala, Sable Antelope, Bushbuck, Hippopotamus, Greater Kudu, African Buffalo, African Hare. Here are some of the key features that makes Mikumi National Park a special destination for your safari in Tanzania.
Mountains
First and foremost, Mikumi National Park’s captivating scenery draws visitors from all over the world. The park is situated in the middle of mountains, Uluguru, Udzungwa and Malundwe mountains the unique formation system and the scenic view of the mountain attracts more tourists, researchers, writers and photographers. These famous Uluguru mountain is a must hike that every guest would want to try in Mikumi national park. The iconic Uluguru Mountains tower in the background, creating a stunning backdrop that changes with the light throughout the day. Sunrises and sunsets in Mikumi are nothing short of magical, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and gold. Malundwe Mountain is the largest and the highest mountain consisting of three peaks with the highest peak found on the Southern part reaching up to 1290 meters found in the center of Mikumi national park connecting to Uluguru mountains with Udzungwa mountains and Uvidunda.
Diverse Wildlife
One of the reasons Mikumi National Park is particularly special is its diverse wildlife. The park is home to a variety of animals including the Four of the “Big Fives” such as lions, leopards and buffalos, only rhinos missing here, making its s primate destination for wildlife safari in Tanzania. Visitors can expect to see other wildlife such as includes Zebras, Wildebeest, Hyenas, Sable Antelopes, Great Kudu, Hartebeest Impalas, Hippos, Baboons, Giraffe, Warthogs, Waterbucks, Gazelle, Elands, Epauletted Fruit Bat, Hollow-faced Bat, Lesser Leaf-nosed Bat, Yellow-bellied Bat, White-bellied Free-tailed Bat, Bush Baby which can be viewed throughout the year.
The park is also a home to other primate species such as Black-faced vervet Monkey, Yellow Baboon, Hunting Dog, Black-backed jackal, Bat-eared Fox, Honey Badger, Small-spotted Genet, Large-spotted Genet and Dwarf Mongoose. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians such as Nile Crocodile, African rock python, Red-headed agama, Nile monitor lizard, Africa bullfrog and Leopard tortoise can also be spotted here.
Easy accessibility
Another aspect that sets Mikumi apart is the accessibility it offers. Situated close to Dar es Salaam about 300 kilometers west of the country, Tanzania’s largest city, it is one of the most accessible national parks in the country. This means family trips or weekend getaways are very convenient, allowing more people to experience the beauty of the park without enduring long travel times.
Birdlife
Birdwatchers will also find Mikumi appealing, as the park is home to a remarkable range of bird species. With over 400 recorded bird types including migratory and the resident birds, making it’s a paradise for bird lovers while on a birding safari in Tanzania. During your birding tour here , you’ll have the chance to spot birds such as Long-tailed cormorant, Great white pelican, Pink-backed pelican, Black-headed Heron, 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 among others
Game drives
Mikumi national park is an excellent spot for seeing wildlife up lose. Game drives in this stunning park are done in the morning and afternoon, guided by a professional tour guides and ranger driver. they’ll take you through different trails to explorer the wild and appreciate the beautiful nature around you. During your game drives, you’ll have the chance to see a variety of the beautiful view of the bird species like the African grew hornbill, northern pie blabber, long tailed fiscal, African spoonbill African fish eagle among others. you’ll also see animals like buffalos, lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, elands, impalas, giraffes. This park is perfect for filming, making documentaries, or taking photography because it has rich vegetation that provide tasty trees for the elephants.
Stunning accommodations
The availability of accommodation options in and around the park is another reason why Mikumi National Park is appealing. From budget lodges to upscale camps, there’s something to suit every traveler’s needs. Some of the accommodation facilities here include Mikumi resort, Mikumi safari lodge, Ritungu camp Mikumi, Mantis lodge & camping site, Mikumi safari lodge and Mikumi adventure lodge among others
Rich culture
Mikumi National Park is not only a natural paradise but also a cultural tapestry woven from the traditions and experiences of the local communities surrounding the park. the park is primary ethnic group in the area, the Wasiungus people, has a rich cultural heritage that is deeply intertwined with the land and its wildlife. Their traditional practices and beliefs often a harmonious relationship with nature empathizing respect for the environment and sustainable living. During your visit, you’ll have the chance to learn about their culture and norms through dances, poems, drama, traditional food, local market tours, village tours for tourists to compliment with wild tourism.
In conclusion, Mikumi National Park is a captivating destination that stands out among Tanzania’s many national parks. its stunning landscape, rich biodiversity, unique cultural experiences a, and convenient access make it a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Tanzania.
