Mikumi National Park is the closest national park in the southern circuit and very near to the biggest city of Dar es salaam, it borders Selous Game Reserve on the south, the two areas forming a unique ecosystem. Two other natural areas bordering the national park are the Udzungwa Mountains and Uluguru Mountains. Malundwe Mountain is within the park, the highest of a belt of hills that run east and west through the park, connecting the Uluguru Mountains to the northeast with the Uvidunda and Udzungwa mountains to the west. Malundwe Mountain consists of three peaks along a ridge running north and south. Malundwe’s south peak is the highest point in the park, reaching 1290 meters elevation.

A group of baobab trees in Mikumi National Park

The landscape of Mikumi is often compared to that of the Serengeti. The road that crosses the park divides it into two areas with partially distinct environments. The area north-west is characterized by the alluvial plain of the river basin Mkata. The vegetation of this area consists of savannah dotted with acacia, baobab, tamarinds, and some rare palm. In this area, at the furthest from the road, there are spectacular rock formations of the mountains Rubeho and Uluguru. The southeast part of the park is less rich in wildlife, and not very accessible.

The fauna includes many species characteristic of the African savannah. The park contains a subspecies of giraffe that biologists consider the link between the Masai giraffe and the reticulated giraffe. Other animals in the park are elephants, zebras, impala, eland, kudu, black antelope, baboons, wildebeests and buffaloes. At about 5 km from the north of the park, there are two artificial pools inhabited by hippos. More than 400 different species of birds also inhabit the park.

Game drives are when tourists ride off-road vehicles in national parks to view and experience wildlife in their natural habitat from a safe space. The Mikumi National Park offers a game drive experience in a 4WD safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide. You can book your safari tour early in the morning or in the afternoon. Some animals you will encounter during your game drive in the park are hippos, giraffes, elephants, zebras and lions.

The Tanzanian Mikumi National Park is one of the few places to offer night game drives, which start at eight after dinner. The night tour is done with spotlight torches and armed guards to secure you from any dangers. During your night drive, you will view the beautiful night sky with stars, a rare occurrence for city folks. You will also have the opportunity to witness lions, leopards and hyenas in action.

There are over 500 bird species in Mikumi Park. Though bird-watching is available throughout the year, the best time would be from November to April. Some notable bird species are the black-bellied bustard, cattle egret, long-tailed fiscal, marabou stork and saddle-billed stork. The Hippo Pool, Mwanambogo Dam and Mkata River are ideal places to spot aquatic birds like the African fish eagle and African spoonbill.

Mikumi National Park has two camping grounds which offer public and private camping, respectively. The public campsite is located at Nkta Plains, and the private campsite is located at the Vuma Hills. The best time to go camping would be during the dry seasons, from June to November. However, camping facilities are available all year round.

The national park offers a walking safari, where visitors can explore the park on foot, along with an armed park ranger. There are long and short walking trails passing through Miombo woodland, Kikoboga and Vuma. While on the nature walk, you will view several tree and plant species and various local and migratory birds. You might even come across some animals on your trail.

This activity consists of touring neighbourhood villages and interacting with the local people. During your cultural tour, you will learn about the local culture, traditions, lifestyle and cuisines. It will be an unforgettable experience.