Top Things to do in Mikumi National Park
Top Things to do in Mikumi National Park: Mikumi national park is the fourth biggest national park situated between the Uluguru Mountains and the Lumango ranges bordering Selous game reserve. the national park was gazetted in 1964 and covers an area of 3230 square kilometers which is composed of Mkata plains, grassy plains dotted with iconic baobab trees, tamarind trees and palms, Miombo woodlands which act as habitats of animals such as elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, elands, impala, buffaloes zebras, greater kudus, hartebeests, roan and sable antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, primates like yellow baboons, predators like wild dogs, lions, leopards, colorful bird species among others.
Things to do in Mikumi National Park
Game drives, the national park offers day game drives which can either be done very early in the morning or in the afternoon in the comfort of a 4WD safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide. during the game drive in the park you will get an opportunity of viewing animals like elephants, buffaloes, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, elands, greater kudus, sable antelopes, enjoy beautiful views of the sunrise, landscapes, view different bird species, different vegetation types among others.
Bird watching, Mikumi national park is one of the best birding destinations in Tanzania in that it harbors over 400 including water birds, migratory species from Europe, resident bird species among others. bird watching in the park can be done in the grassy plains, Miombo woodlands and around Mkata river where bird lovers will be able to spot different bird species such as open billed stork, black bellied bustard, cattle egrets, malachite kingfisher, yellow throated long claw, Bateleur eagle, lilac breasted roller, African spoonbill, African fish eagle, African grey hornbill, Shelley’s sunbird, purple crested turaco, red billed oxpecker, northern pied babbler, long tailed fiscal, Zanzibar red bishop among others.
Night game drives, the national park is one of the few destinations in Tanzania that offers the exciting night game drive activities where visitors will get an opportunity to explore the park at night so as to view the nocturnal animals. Night game drives in Mikumi national park start at around 8:00pm after dinner and can be done in safari vehicles with spotlight torches in the company of an armed park guide who will be able to protect you from any danger. During the night game drive you will be able to enjoy the nightlife, have beautiful views of the stars, spot nocturnal animals like lions, leopards, hyenas hunting, view hippos grazing among others.
Walking safaris, Mikumi national park offers walking safaris where visitors move around the park on foot accompanied by an armed park ranger. There are long and short walks with trails passing through the savanna grasslands, Miombo woodland, Kikoboga, Vuma and Mikumi wildlife lodge taking about 3 to 4 hours. During the guided nature walks you will have spectacular views of different animals at a close range, view different plant and tree species, colorful butterflies, listen to birds singing in the trees, enjoy the peaceful and quiet environment, take great photos among others which gives you lifetime experiences.
Camping, Mikumi national park offers camping safaris which is done at the public campsites in the northern part of the park. Camping is an exciting activity that gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy nature, have great views of the beautiful stars, listen to roars of lions, view different animals moving around the tents among others.
Cultural tours, this is an interesting activity where you will be able to tour around the villages neighboring the park and interact with the local people. During the cultural tours you will get an opportunity to know more about the local peoples culture, tradition, way of living, dress code, enjoy traditional dances, music and drama , taste their local dishes, visit their farmlands, buy some souvenirs to take back home among others.
Best time to visit Mikumi national park
Mikumi national park can be visited all year round but the best time is during the dry season in the months of June to October and December to February because that’s the period when there is little rainfall in the park which makes vegetation less and also during the dry season animals congregate along the water bodies to drink water hence giving you an opportunity to have great views of wildlife.
Mikumi national park can also be visited in the rainy season during the months of March to May and November because that’s the best time for birding where you will be able to view migratory bird species.
