About Mikumi National Park
Size: 3,230 sq km (1,250 sq miles), the fourth-largest park in Tanzania, and
part of a much larger ecosystem centred on the uniquely vast Selous Game
Reserve. Location: 283 km (175 miles) west of Dar es Salaam, north of Selous, and en
route to Ruaha, Udzungwa and (for the intrepid) Katavi.
The first shafts of sun colour the fluffy grass heads rippling across
the plain in a russet halo. A herd of zebras, confident in their camouflage at
this predatory hour, pose like ballerinas, heads aligned and stripes merging in
flowing motion.
Mikumi National Park abuts the northern border of
Africa's biggest game reserve - the Selous – and is transected by the surfaced
road between Dar es Salaam and Iringa. It is thus the most accessible part of a
75,000 square kilometre (47,000 square mile) tract of wilderness that stretches
east almost as far as the Indian Ocean.
More than 400 bird species have been recorded, with
such colourful common residents as the lilac-breasted roller, yellow-throated
longclaw and bateleur eagle joined by a host of European migrants during the
rainy season. Hippos are the star attraction of the pair of pools situated 5km
north of the main entrance gate, supported by an ever-changing cast of
waterbirds.
The open horizons and abundant wildlife of the Mkata
Floodplain, the popular centrepiece of Mikumi, draw frequent comparisons to the
more famous Serengeti Plains.
Lions survey their grassy kingdom – and the zebra,
wildebeest, impala and buffalo herds that migrate across it – from the
flattened tops of termite mounds, or sometimes, during the rains, from perches
high in the trees. Giraffes forage in the isolated acacia stands that fringe
the Mkata River, islets of shade favoured also by Mikumi's elephants.
How to get there
A good surfaced road connects Mikumi to Dar es Salaam via Morogoro, a roughly 4
hour drive. Also road connections to Udzungwa, Ruaha and (dry season only) Selous. Charter flight from Dar es Salaam, Arusha or Selous. Local buses run from Dar
to park HQ where game drives can be arranged.
Accommodation
Two lodges, three luxury tented camps, three campsites. Guest houses in Mikumi town on the park border. One lodge is proposed at Mahondo and one permanent tented camp at Lumaaga.
Two lodges, three luxury tented camps, three campsites. Guest houses in Mikumi town on the park border. One lodge is proposed at Mahondo and one permanent tented camp at Lumaaga.
Have a good day and welcome again!
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