Located north of Selous, Mikumi National Park offers the chance to experience pure African nature and rich wildlife. The main feature of Tanzania’s fourth-largest national park are the floodplains. These flooded savannahs attract a great mix of wildlife and are often compared to the famous Serengeti plains. Mikumi is a perfect safari destination for those who have little time to spend, since wildlife can be viewed all year-round and it is close to Dar es Salaam.

Mkati River Floodplain

The green grassy Mktati River Floodplain, at the centre of the park, is a popular feeding ground for giraffes, elephants, zebras and wildebeest. It attracts lots of wildlife and is one of the best places in Tanzania to see the world’s largest antelope, tree climbing lions and even the Big Five. Other animals you can see in the park are baboons, crocodiles, hippos and the endangered wild dog. This is a great bird watching spot as well. The lilac-breasted roller, yellow-throated long claw and bateleur eagle are just a few of the more than 400 bird species that you can spot in this park.

Hippo pools

If you like to watch hippos snorting, splashing and playing at close range, head 5 km northwest of the main entry gate. Here you can find a couple of large hippo pools full of these mud-loving giants. It’s an impressive sight to see these hippos spewing water, grunting with often only their eyes above the water. Bird watching in this area is also worthwhile with so many water-birds present. There is a big chance you can spot other animals drinking at the hippo pools.

Larger ecosystem

Mikumi National Park is separated into two areas by a road. The vegetation in the north-west area is influenced by the Mkata River. Open grassland sprinkled with acacia-, baobab-, palm-, and tamarind trees, but also miombo woodland and rock formations. Together with the Mkati Floodplain, the beautiful mountains that border the park,dominate this park. The natural beauty of the surrounding Rubeho -, Uluguru-, and Lumango Mountains, together with the green hills creates a wonderful scene. The southeast part of the park is less rich in vegetation and wildlife, and less accessible. Mikumi is part of the much larger natural ecosystem of Selous.

Check our Travel Tips:

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