Classic Tours Destinations Voted The Best Safari Tours In Africa
Mikumi National Park is Tanzania’s fourth largest national park and was established in 1964. The park is relatively undeveloped and covers an area of 3897 sq km. This area includes grassland, mountains, lakes, rivers, dry forest, caves, and large herds of animals such as lions, elephants, zebras, and buffalo. Hippos are also commonly seen in the park.
So what activities can you do in this park and how can you make your visit an unforgettable one? Here are a few things to keep in mind but first let us get to know more about the animals found there.
The Animals At Mikumi National Park
The animals that can be found in Mikumi National Park are lions, elephants, zebras, buffalo, hippos, warthog, and a variety of other animals. These animals can be seen while on safari in the park.
The lions are the largest and most famous of the animals in the park. They are usually easy to spot due to their size and coloring. Male lions have a thick mane of hair that surrounds their head and make them easily identifiable. Female lions do not have a mane and are usually smaller than males.
Elephants are one of the most fascinating animals in the park. They can weigh up to two tons and are the largest land animals in Africa. They are especially easy to spot because of their distinctively large ears.
Did you know that elephants have very unique fingerprints that can be used to identify each elephant even if you cannot see its face?
The zebras in the park are easily identified by their black and white stripes. They are smaller than elephants but larger than most other animals in the park. There are three different types of zebras, Grevy’s zebra, Crawshay’s zebra, and Eland.
Buffalo can be found throughout Mikumi National Park, especially near rivers. They are easy to identify due to their short legs, large bodies, and horns that curve upward toward the tips.
Hippos spend most of their time in or around water. If they need to move over the land they will do so slowly since they have very short legs for their big bodies. Hippo calves can usually be seen in their mothers’ mouths while they are swimming.
Mikumi National Park’s Landscape
Most of the scenery found at Mikumi National Park is dry, but there are several areas that contain more water such as lakes and rivers. Visitors who want to do activities such as fishing should check out one of these areas for a better view.
Lake Nzerakera lies near the southern border of the park and is home to many species of fish. The area around it looks very much like a desert because there is not much vegetation, but it may be a great place for people looking to do some fly fishing.
River Rufiji runs through the center of the park and is usually filled with hippos and crocodiles. It is a less common place to go fishing, but it may be worth the risk for visitors looking for another aquatic experience.
Another area that provides some greenery is Mzombe Plain. The land there is very flat and usually has fewer trees than other areas of the park. Visitors will often spot wildlife such as zebras, wildebeest, impala, and gazelle on this plain.
Types of activities available at Mikumi National Park
Camping: Campers can explore different parts of the park by pitching their tents in designated camping areas and taking short hikes while they are out in the bush.
Safaris: Another way to explore Mikumi National Park is by going on a safari in one of the many different types of vehicles that they provide. Visitors will enter the park with an experienced guide and view animals such as lions, elephants, zebras, buffalo, hippos, warthog, and a variety of other animals while riding in their safari vehicle.
Fishing: People who enjoy fishing can take advantage of the different rivers and lakes in the park to try to catch some fish. Lake Nzerakera and River Rufiji are good places for both fly-fishing and sight-fishing. Just remember not to leave any trash behind when you leave!
Things That Make Mikumi National Park Special
Mikumi National Park has many things that make it a special place for visitors. One of these things is the wide variety of animals that can be found within its borders. Tourists who visit the park will see many different species. While taking a safari you could even spot some of Mikumi’s famous big 5: elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros, leopard, and lion!
Another thing to know about this park is that there are many types of landscapes you can explore while you’re here. There are several different regions including mountains, grasslands, wetlands, and dry forests. Each type of area has its own set of plants and wildlife that makes them unique from the others.
When you visit Mikumi National Park, I highly recommend that you stay within the boundaries of the park and do one of their activities such as camping, fishing, or going on a safari. If you go off exploring on your own, it is possible for you to get lost if you don’t know where you’re going and/or don’t have a guide to tell you where certain spots are located.
It might be a good idea to bring plenty of sunscreen, insect repellent, and at least 2 liters of water per person with you when you visit this beautiful park! You never know if somebody could fall sick from the heat or lack hydration during your trip. It is also important not to litter while you’re here or else you could ruin this wonderful place.
Mikumi National Park is definitely worth a visit! It is also included in our 6-day tour package.