What animals are found in Mikumi National Park?
Mikumi National Park is truly a visitor’s paradise, jam-packed with wildlife and scenic landscapes. Nestled between the Rubeho, Lumango, and Uluguru Mountains, this 3,230 km2 expanse teems with wildlife such that guests gave it the nickname “little Serengeti.” And unlike the true Serengeti, which is accessible from Arusha, Mikumi is so close to Dar es Salaam, the country’s business capital.
What we love about Mikumi is its diverse habitats, ranging from mountain ranges, floodplains, miombo woodlands, and vast plains. As a result, many animals find refuge in these habitats. In this article, we feature animals found in Mikumi National Park. Let’s explore.
African elephant.
The woodlands and forests submit to this giant land animal. No doubt, it’s the world’s largest land animal. And it’s not just about size; elephants possess one of the biggest brains. Their presence in Mikumi makes miombo and acacia forests thinner, allowing other animals and tourists to pass.
You will find elephants in herds of varying size depending on the location. The leader is an old female, and in most cases, all members of the herd are her descendants.
African lion.
A brave carnivore with retractable claws rules the African savannah. In Mikumi, lions live in the Mkata plains where there’s plenty of prey animals. They form groups (prides) under the control of a large, dominant maned lion.
A pride has its territory, which may be anything between 5 and 10 hectares. If another lion enters the territory of another, there must be serious fights. You can spot lions in Mikumi on every turn you make in the Mkata plains.
Cape buffalo.
This is another common animal in Mikumi. This huge, wild cow has a gentle look and may look innocent. But guess what, it’s nickname “Black Death” doesn’t lie. When it charges, it may cause death or serious injury.
You can spot them in large herds grazing in the Mkata plains or the acacia woodlands. Solitary bulls are extremely aggressive (probably because they lost a fight over females). Be careful with them.
Giraffe.
With its long neck, legs, and beautiful coat, this tall, graceful browser usually emerges from woodlands, where it feeds on tree leaves. Giraffes may form small groups, but in most cases, you will spot them alone.
Wildebeest.
Wildebeest are remarkably present in Mikumi. Usually roaming the vast plains, these herbivores are a common sighting during game drives. They eat the nutritious grass of the Mkata plains.
And for a reason, they form large herds for protection from predators. Adult mothers may form a protective ring to protect newborns from opportunistic predators like lions and hyenas.
Leopard.
Mikumi is home to leopards. But special techniques have to be applied to spot this elusive big cat. It hates heat and avoids it by climbing up trees. But we have a clue: leopards conceal themselves in acacia or sausage trees.
It’s quite rare to spot leopards in groups. Males will leave the female after mating. It exercises no protection and takes no care for the cubs. Leopards are excellent hunters: they stalk their prey for a long time. Then they launch a powerful attempt to catch the prey.
Zebra.
Zebras are among the beautiful creatures. Their beautiful coats are attractive, and you can see them from a distance. Here’s an interesting fact: the patterns in zebra crosses are unique from each other, like human fingertips.
Zebras always stay together with wildebeest in the Mkata plains. You will find them in grass-rich plains and woodlands.
Hippo.
Hippos are present in the park’s two man-made pools. They come out in the morning to bask. Since these heavy animals are nocturnal, you can spot them if you go on a night drive.
African wild dog.
This small, painted candle is extremely rare in the North. Mikumi holds an incredible population of wild dogs. They are social animals, forming groups called packs. And they show teamwork when hunting. They would collaborate to bring down a prey (even as big as a zebra or wildebeest). They are very nomadic with the capability to cover a distance of 50 km a day.
Hyena.
This scavenger often lives near successful predators like lions and leopards to feast on the leftovers. And once it finds a potential meal, it signals other hyenas with its loud, haunting calls.
Cheetah.
Are there cheetahs in Mikumi? Yes, there are. These mysterious predators live in the floodplains and Mkata plains. They stalk and engage their prey in a high-speed chase, which they are sure of winning.
Antelopes.
Mikumi hosts a lot of antelopes. Sable antelope (one of the rarest) and eland are present in the miombo woodlands and Vuma hills. You can also spot greater kudu, Liechtenstein’s hartebeest, and blue wildebeest.
Birds.
Approximately 400 species of birds live in Mikumi. You can spot notable birds, including guineafowl, Marabou stork, black-bellied bustards, bateleur, and lilac-breasted rollers.
The bottom line.
Whether you want to search the Big Five (four of them) or want peace from the hustle and bustle of Dar es Salaam, Mikumi can satisfy all your desires. Call our expert safari planners to start planning your adventure.
