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Mikumi National Park, located in Morogoro is part of the Southern Tourism Circuit of Tanzania and is the fourth largest national park in the country. This enchanting park lies about 300 km from the port city of Dar es Salaam, which is the commercial capital of Tanzania.
Established in 1964, Mikumi National Park spans an area of 3,230 sq km (1,250 sq mi) and is administered by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA).
Mikumi National Park borders the Selous Game Reserve, currently called Nyerere National Park on the south. The Nyerere National Park forms a unique ecosystem with the Mikumi National Park. The Mikumi is part of the larger Selous Ecosystem, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its ecological significance.
In the west, the Mikumi is bordered by the Udzungwa Mountains, whilst in the northeast, it is fringed by the Uluguru Mountains.
Running across the Mikumi, the A-7 Road cleaves the park in two parts, the northwest and southeast. These two parts of the park have partially distinct ecosystems.
The northwest side is characterized by the alluvial plains of the river Mkata basin. In this section of the park, the vegetation is predominantly savannah interspersed by trees such as acacia, baobabs, tamarinds, and some occasional palms.
On the other hand, the southeast part of the park has dense vegetation dominated by shrubs. This side of Mikumi National Park is not very accessible and is less rich in wildlife.
Prominent features of Mikumi are the Mikumi floodplains and the mountain ranges that border the park on two sides.
Mikumi National Park can easily be accessed by a tarmac road that runs through the middle of the park and also by plane because there is a small airstrip that is situated near the park headquarters.
The nearest major city is Dar es Salaam.
As a result of its proximity to the commercial capital of Tanzania, the port city of Dar es Salaam, and the relatively easy accessibility as it sits astride the main road leading to Zambia, Mikumi National Park is, without doubt a popular safari destination for day excursions, especially for people with limited time.
There are a number of accommodation facilities established within and on the periphery of Mikumi National Park. There are budget public campsites which are located within the park and managed by park authorities and there are also some private owned facilities outside but close to the park.
The Mikumi National Park is endowed with a rich variety and remarkable densities of wildlife. Both predators and prey thrive in this park. Big game that can be viewed in this sanctuary include among others, elephants, elands, buffalos, giraffes, impalas, wildebeests and zebras. The big cats such as lions, leopards and cheetah are resident in this park.
As a result of its abundant wildlife, the Mikumi National Park is often compared to the Serengeti National Park.
The park has two artificial pools which are just about 5 km from the north of the main gate. Hippos are resident in these pools. The pools also attract a myriad of waterbirds. Crocodiles too, inhabit the waters bodies of the Mikumi National Park.
The Mikumi National Park is famous for its wildlife diversity. It has different species of mammals, reptiles as well as many bird species.
Commonly spotted small to medium wildlife includes baboons, monkeys, warthogs, banded mongoose, badgers and many others.
With over 400 bird species documented, Mikumi National Park, unquestionably, is a beautiful birdwatching destination.
Big birds and small birds, migratory birds as well as resident birds, arboreal birds and terrestrial birds, birds of prey and birds that are preyed on are all found in Mikumi National Park.
Bird species such as bateleur eagles, lilac-breasted rollers, saddle-billed storks, yellow-throated longclaws, among many others are a common sight in this national park.
The Mkata River offers splendid viewing spots for open-billed storks and marabou storks. Cattle egrets, red-black-bellied bustards, francolins, guinea-fowls, hornbills and malachite kingfishers, and red-billed oxpeckers are also a common sight.
Mikumi National Park is never short of activities to undertake. Game drives, birdwatching, nature walks are just a few of the many activities to surely engage in.
Like in many major parks, game drives are the primary activity in Mikumi National Park. These certainly give visitors an opportunity to explore and observe the rich fauna and flora.
Birdwatching is also a popular activity due to the rich variety in bird species. Avian enthusiasts would undoubtedly find birdwatching in Mikumi to be a rewarding experience.
The dry season, from late June to October, is considered the best time to visit Mikumi National Park. During this period, wildlife is more concentrated around water sources, making it easier to spot.
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