Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park was established in 1964, covering an area of 1070 square kilometers; it was later extended in 1975 to cover the current area of 3,230 square kilometers. Mikumi National Park is located to the North of the famous Selous Game Reserve. The park is the fifth largest national park in Tanzania and the most accessible from Dar es Salaam throughout the year.
The park shares a common border and ecosystem with Selous Game Reserve to the south, lying astride the main highway to Zambia, and en route to the National Parks of Udzungwa Mountains, Ruaha and Kitulo.
The landscape of Mikumi is often compared to that of the Serengeti. The road that crosses the park divides it into two areas with partially distinct environments. The area north-west is characterized by the alluvial plain of the river basin Mkata, eventually merging with the Miombo woodland covering the lower hills.
The vegetation of this area consists of savannah dotted with acacia, baobab, tamarinds, and some rare palm. In this area, at the furthest from the road, there are spectacular rock formations of the mountains Rubeho and Uluguru. The southeast part of the park is less rich in wildlife and not very accessible.
Mikumi National Park hosts buffaloes, giraffes, elephants, lions, pythons, zebras, Elands, leopards, crocodiles, warthogs, bush buck, waterbuck, reedbuck, grater kudu, wildebeest, impalas, and other residents. Over 300 species of birds have been observed in this park.
The best time to visit Mikumi National Park is during dry season which is June to February. During the rainy season (March to May), some of the park roads are impassable. However the park is accessible all year round.
