Mikumi National Park : Mikumi is among the few national parks that are found in the Southern part of Tanzania, as most of the national parks are located in the northern part of Tanzania. Speaking of the Southern Safari Circuit of Tanzania, it is national parks like Mikumi that makes the circuit a must visit safari destination. This national park is well known for its diverse and abundant wildlife and numerous bird species. Mikumi National Park is among the must-visit national parks in Tanzania, as it offers a unique safari experience on a place which is less crowded. The well-stretched landscape of open grassland, acacia woodlands and the adorable scenery of Mkata River makes it a must-visit place for you.
The abundance of wildlife in Mikumi National Park
The Mikumi National Park covers a total area of 3,230 square kilometers, most of which is located at Morogoro region in Tanzania. This area hosts diverse wild animal species, including the Big 5, which is made of the lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant and Rhinos, which are hard to sight. Other animal species that are found in this national park include the numerous wildebeests, thousands of zebras, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, hyenas and many more, to list a few of them. A perfect combination of enough land space, good vegetation cover and enough water supply from the available rivers and all the water sources makes Mikumi a safe home to different species of animals.
Mkata River
This river acts as the lifeline for the animals, plants and birds that call this national park they are home. The Mkata River acts as the magnet to bring an abundance of wildlife to this national park, especially during the dry season as they search for water, and this river serves them right. During the dry season, its riverbanks are normally crowed with animals, making dry season an ideal time to visit this national park as animals can be easily located and viewed in a distance as the vegetation cover is low.
The incredible view of the Udzungwa Mountain
Not only does the perfect view of the landscape of this national park make it unique, but also the breathtaking view of the Udzungwa Mountain from afar makes this safari worth it; the perfect view in the golden hours, sunrise and sunset make the scenery even more special.
Hippo pools
One of the unique tourism activities in this national park is to watch the hippos along the Mkata River as they cool off in the water in the afternoon sun or as they bask in the sun to gain some vitamin D in the morning sun.
Guided nature walks
Nature walks normally occur in the morning or evening, guided with armed rangers as they ensure your safety, not only that but as they show you the trails and get details of plants and different smaller animal species.
Conservation and Research Efforts at Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park isn’t only an outstanding destination for travelers but also a vital conservation area. The park supports a number of critical wildlife studies and conservation initiatives directed towards protective and retaining its biodiversity. Initiatives consciousness on natural world monitoring, anti-poaching efforts, and schooling to elevate focus about the significance of conservation. Exploring this big and pristine wilderness is a journey that serves two important aspects. Firstly, a visit to this national park quenches the travel thirst of any safari or wildlife enthusiast, by giving him or her unforgettable memory during the safari. The second is imparting the love of nature to the people, and most important is making people aware of how important our natural environment is. This is very important, as it gives people a thousand reasons to voluntarily conserve the environment, because they are aware of the price nature will reward them after properly conserving it.
While Mikumi National Park is a prime instance of East African wilderness and an important African safaris destination, it remains enormously off the beaten path in comparison to a number of other Tanzania’s national parks which are comparatively famous and well known. It is a one of kind safari destination and constrained tourism destination that offers an actual and secluded safari adventure, free from overcrowded environment as it is for most of the popular national parks in Tanzania like the ones along the Tanzania’s Northern Safari circuit.
