Mikumi National Park is one of the largest and most popular national parks in Tanzania, located in the southern part of the country. It covers an area of 3,230 square kilometers and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and many others. The park is also known for its diverse bird species, with over 400 recorded species.
Mikumi National Park is situated at an altitude of 300-1,230 meters above sea level, which influences its climate. The park experiences a tropical savanna climate with two distinct seasons, the wet season and the dry season. The wet season usually starts in November and lasts until May, with the heaviest rains occurring between February and April. During this time, the park is lush and green, and the wildlife is abundant.
The dry season, which runs from June to October, is the best time to visit Mikumi National Park for wildlife viewing. The vegetation is sparse, and the animals tend to congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. The temperature during the dry season is usually hot during the day, but it can get chilly at night, so visitors are advised to bring warm clothing.
The park’s topography includes the Mkata River floodplain, which is the park’s main source of water for wildlife. The floodplain is surrounded by hills and mountains, such as the Uluguru Mountains to the northeast and the Lumango Mountains to the west. The park is also home to the Mkata Plain, which is an open grassland area that is ideal for game drives and wildlife watching.
Mikumi National Park is easily accessible by road from Dar es Salaam, which is the largest city in Tanzania. The park is located about 283 kilometers west of Dar es Salaam and can be reached by car in approximately 4-5 hours. The park also has an airstrip that can accommodate small aircraft for those who prefer to fly in.
