MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK

Mikumi National Park: astonishing wildlife

With a landscape of iconic baobab trees, tamarinds, acacias and grassy plains, Mikumi is located between the Uluguru Mountains and the Lumango Mountains, not far from the Indian Ocean. The park abuts the northern border of the Selous Game Reserve, and shares its abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, leopards, crocodiles and African hunting dogs.

The wildlife viewing centerpiece of the park is the Mkata River floodplain northwest of the main road. The islets of shade provided by the acacia trees that fringe the Mkata River are favored by large herds of elephants.

The two waterholes north of the park’s main entrance gate attract a steady stream of buffalos and elephants, but the star attraction here are hippos, usually joined by an ever-changing cast of waterbirds, including open-billed storks.

Tanzania’s Mikumi National Park is one of the most reliable places in Africa for sightings of the eland, the world’s largest antelope. Sable and kudu antelopes can be spotted in the Miombo woodlands. Impalas, wildebeests, buffalos and Burchell’s zebras can be found on the grassy plains, and lions, which often prey on these animals, can occasionally be seen too. You can also find jackals, Liechtenstein’s hartebeests, spotted hyenas and even yellow baboons near Kiboga, at the southern end of the park.

With over 400 bird species, Mikumi is a paradise for both amateur birdwatchers and professional ornithologists. Here you can find lilac-breasted rollers (Coracias caudatus), yellow-throated longclaws (Macronyx croceus) and bateleur eagles (Terathopius ecaudatus).