Mikumi National Park is a major protected area in southern Tanzania, known for its accessible wildlife viewing and diverse ecosystems. Part of the greater Selous Game Reserve ecosystem, it serves as a vital corridor for animal migration between the southern and eastern parts of the country.

Key facts

• Location: Morogoro Region, Tanzania

• Established: 1964

• Area: About 3,230 square kilometers

• Nearest city: Morogoro

• Managed by: Tanzania National Parks Authority

Landscape and ecology

Mikumi’s landscape is dominated by the Mkata Floodplain, a broad savannah dotted with acacia trees and baobabs. The park also includes woodland, riverine forests, and the foothills of the Uluguru Mountains and Rubeho Mountains. Seasonal rivers, including the Mkata and Ngerengere, support rich plant and animal life.

Wildlife

The park is home to a wide range of species similar to those found in Serengeti National Park. Commonly seen animals include elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, and buffalo. The floodplain attracts large herds, while hippos and crocodiles inhabit its pools. Over 400 bird species have been recorded, including lilac-breasted rollers and yellow-throated longclaws.

Tourism and accessibility

Mikumi is one of Tanzania’s most accessible parks, located about 283 kilometers west of Dar es Salaam along the main highway to Iringa and Ruaha National Park. It offers year-round game viewing, with lodges, campsites, and guided safaris available. Its proximity to Udzungwa Mountains National Park makes it part of a popular southern circuit for wildlife tourism.

Conservation significance

Mikumi contributes to the conservation of Tanzania’s southern miombo woodlands and serves as a buffer zone for the larger Selous ecosystem. Continued conservation efforts focus on mitigating poaching, promoting sustainable tourism, and preserving biodiversity across this critical habitat.