Attractions in Mikumi National Park
- October 14, 2023
- 45
- Travel Inspiration
Mikumi National Park is one of the largest national parks in the Republic of Tanzanialocated in the southern region of the country. Established in 1964, the park is Tanzania’s fourth largest national park covering 3,230 square kilometers (1,250 square miles).
Mikumi National Park sits in an area of impeccable biodiversity: the park borders Tanzania’s largest park – Selous Game Reserve to the south, the Uluguru Mountains to the northeast, and Uduzungwa Mountains to the west. Within Mikumi National Park is Malundwe Mountainwhich has three peaks – with its southern peak being the highest point in the park (1,290 m above sea level.
National Park has a diverse ecology and is also passed by Tanzanias A-7 Highway which divides the park into two regions: northwest and southeast. Both regions of the park have varied ecosystems; but with little in common, for example, the North West is characterized by broad alluvial plains with more Acacia trees and Baobabs.
Mikumi is one of the best national parks in Tanzania, despite being relatively unknown; the park has an array of wildlife that can be easily spotted on every game viewing safari in the park. Furthermore, Mikumi’s vicinity to Dar-es-salaam makes the park a perfect choice for travelers who have limited time but want to encounter wildlife.
Mikumi wildlife and birds
Wildlife: Mikumi National Park is a rich habitat for wild animals including four of the big five animals: buffalo, elephant, lion, and leopard. The park also boasts an incredible number of zebras, wildebeest, impalas, giraffes, warthogs, waterbucks, hippos, Greater kudu, wild dogs, Sable antelopes, and baboons, among many others. Mikumi National Park also offers sightings of reptiles such as pythons, crocodiles and monitor lizards.
Birds: With over 400 recorded bird species, Mikumi National park is a great birding destination for Tanzania birding safaris. The best bird sightings in the park are caught around the Mkata River and floodplains. Bird species in Mikumi National Park include Black-bellied Bustard, Malachite and Pied kingfishers, Guinea fowls, Bateleur Eagle, Verreaux;s Eagle, Martial Eagle, Superb Starling, Secretary Bird, ox-peckers, Cattle Egret, Francolin, Marabou stork, Long-tailed fiscal, and Lilac-breasted roller, among others.
Mountains: Mikumi National Park lies amid mountains, making mountains one of the park;s most significant attractions. The most frequent and well-known mountains are the Uluguru Mountains, which every visitor to Mikumi National Park wants to explore while on a Tanzania safari to the park. Other scenic mountains in the park include the Udzugwa Mountains and the Malundwe Mountains, which are the biggest and tallest. The Malundwe Mountains are situated in the heart of the national park, linking the Uluguru, Udzungwa, and Uvidunda mountains. Malundwe Mountains are made up of three peaks, the tallest of which lies in the southern portion and rises to 1290 meters.
Culture: The surrounding local neighborhood of Mikumi National Park offers an exceptional African cultural experience. Cultural experiences around Mikumi National Park are conducted by the Chilunga cultural tourism, whose offices are located in the nearby town of Morogoro, only a few minutes’ drive from the park;s main gate.
The organization has local expert guides who are well-versed in their history and culture. Some of the cultures that may be found throughout Mikumi National Park include the Maasai culture, Kinole, Choma, and Madola, to mention but a few.
While on cultural tours in Mikumi, you will interact with the locals and participate in local community events such as traditional dances, cuisine, and other activities. Because residents are actively involved in tourist management, cultural tourism is one method of fostering sustainable tourism.
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