Mikumi National Park

Following the expansion of Katavi National Park, Mikumi is now the fourth largest in Tanzania (at 3230 square kilometres) and creates the northern border of the immense Selous Game Reserve. A fair degree of natural migration occurs between the two conservation zones, making the smaller Mikumi essentially an extension of the privately operated Game Reserve, albeit under government control. Mikumi is one of Tanzania’s most popular destinations due to the accessibility offered by the Tanzam Highway post-1964, although most of the park is inaccessible to tourists. The majority of operations occur in the north-western sector of the park, and specifically focus around the Mkata River and its associated floodplain – the best game viewing in the area.

The Mkata floodplain is an open grassland with sporadic patches of acacia woodland and baobabs, and is the closest northern alternative to Southern Tanzania. A good area for lion, the predator can sometimes be seen perched in trees trying to avoid the muddy ground during the wet season. Various man-made observation towers allow visitors to clamber up above the treeline and observe the panoramas of the plains below; complete with strong herds of buffalo, elephant, zebra, giraffe, hartebeest and wildebeest. A 60 kilometre game viewing loop gives easy game viewing from vehicles.

Mikumi is home to various European migrant birds, and reaches about 400 species during the wet months, and it’s worth a visit to the woodland areas if birding is a key interest of yours.

Consistent game viewing and easy access, coupled with cheap (by national standards) accommodation make Mikumi a popular destination, and being only four hours away from Dar es Salaam by vehicle, it’s a good choice if your itinerary is short for time.

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