Mikumi National Park is one of the largest and most accessible wildlife reserves in Tanzania, located in the southeastern part of the country. Here's an overview of Mikumi National Park:
Location: Mikumi National Park is situated in the Morogoro Region of Tanzania, near the town of Mikumi, about 283 kilometers (176 miles) west of Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania.
Size: The park covers an area of approximately 3,230 square kilometers (1,250 square miles), making it the fourth-largest national park in Tanzania.
Wildlife: Mikumi National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including a wide variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Common sightings include elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, lions, leopards, and crocodiles. The park is also home to over 400 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Landscape: The landscape of Mikumi National Park is characterized by open grasslands, acacia woodlands, and miombo forests, interspersed with seasonal floodplains and rocky outcrops. The Mkata River flows through the park, providing a vital water source for the wildlife.
Activities: Visitors to Mikumi National Park can enjoy a range of activities, including game drives, guided walks, and birdwatching tours. The park offers several designated picnic sites and camping grounds for overnight stays.
Accessibility: Mikumi National Park is easily accessible by road from Dar es Salaam, with a drive of approximately 4-5 hours. The park can also be reached by air, with charter flights available to the nearby airstrip in Mikumi town.
Accommodation: There are various accommodation options available near Mikumi National Park, including lodges, tented camps, and campsites, offering a range of facilities and services to suit different preferences and budgets.
Overall, Mikumi National Park offers a fantastic opportunity to experience Tanzania's wildlife and natural beauty in a relatively accessible and less crowded setting compared to some of the country's larger national parks, like Serengeti and Ngorongoro.