Mikumi National Park, located in southeastern Tanzania near the town of Morogoro, is the fourth largest national park in the country, covering about 3,230 square kilometers. Often referred to as the “little Serengeti” of Tanzania, Mikumi offers a wilder, less crowded safari experience with open savannahs, acacia woodlands, and rolling hills, making it a perfect destination for wildlife lovers and photographers.
The park forms part of the Selous-Mikumi ecosystem, which connects to the larger Selous Game Reserve, allowing seasonal wildlife migrations and natural predator-prey dynamics.
Mikumi’s Mkata Floodplain is the heart of the park and a hotspot for wildlife sightings. Visitors can encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalos, wildebeests, lions, hippos, and elands. Lions are often seen resting on the edges of termite mounds, while hippos gather in large pods around the Hippo Pools. The park hosts more than 400 bird species, including open-country raptors, waterbirds, and colorful bee-eaters, making it ideal for both casual and dedicated bird lovers.
Visitors explore Mikumi through guided game drives, including morning, afternoon, and full-day safaris across the floodplains and hills. The Hippo Pools near the park entrance offer close-up views of hippos and crocodiles throughout the day. Birdwatching is especially rewarding along rivers and wetlands. Because of its location, Mikumi is often combined with nearby destinations like Udzungwa Mountains, Ruaha National Park, or Nyerere National Park for multi-park itineraries.
Mikumi offers a variety of accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges and tented camps to budget-friendly options near the park’s entrance. Many properties are conveniently close to the gate, allowing for early-morning starts. A few mid-range and luxury lodges inside or near the park provide beautiful views of the plains and wildlife-rich areas.
Nairobi road, Arusha, Tanzania, East Africa
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