Mikumi National Park

Often referred to as the "Little Serengeti" for its wide-open plains and abundant wildlife, Mikumi National Park is a fantastic safari destination that offers a classic African wilderness experience without the crowds of the Northern Circuit. Located in Tanzania's southern region, its accessibility from Dar es Salaam makes it a popular choice for both day trips and longer safaris, serving as a key gateway to other parks like Ruaha and Nyerere.

A Landscape of Diversity

Mikumi's landscape is a captivating mix of open plains, woodlands, and a unique mountainous backdrop. The park's main features include:

1. The Mkata Floodplain: This vast, open plain is the heart of the park's wildlife viewing. Its resemblance to the Serengeti's expansive savannahs is uncanny, with scattered acacia and baobab trees providing a picturesque setting. During the dry season, the Mkata River and its pools are a magnet for wildlife.
2. The Uluguru and Rubeho Mountains: These majestic mountain ranges form a dramatic backdrop to the park's plains. They are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains and contribute to the park's varied ecosystem, with miombo woodlands and afromontane forests on their slopes.
3. The Hippo Pools: Located near the main gate, these man-made pools are a favorite spot for large numbers of hippos and a variety of waterbirds, offering excellent and reliable viewing opportunities.

A Haven for Wildlife

Mikumi National Park is home to a rich diversity of wildlife. While it may not have the rhinos of the "Big Five," you have excellent chances of spotting four of them; lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes.

1. Big Game: The park's star attractions include large herds of elephants and buffaloes, often seen around water sources. Lions are a common sight, and Mikumi is even known for its populations of "tree-climbing lions," a rare behavior also found in Lake Manyara.
2. Plains Animals: The Mkata Floodplain teems with classic plains animals, including giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and impalas.
3. Unique Species: Mikumi is a great place to see some of the more unique antelopes of the southern circuit, such as the sable antelope, greater kudu, and Lichtenstein's hartebeest. The park also has a resident population of the endangered African wild dog.
4. Birdwatcher's Paradise: With over 400 recorded bird species, Mikumi is a true haven for ornithologists. You can spot everything from the colorful lilac-breasted roller and yellow-throated longclaw to larger birds like the bateleur eagle and various species of storks.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season, from June to October, is the most popular time for game viewing. The vegetation is thinner, and animals are easier to spot as they gather around the few remaining water sources.