The Mikumi National Park near Morogoro, Tanzania, was established in 1964. It covers an area of 3,230 square kilometres and is the fourth largest park in the country.
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 north-west is characterized by the alluvial plain of the river basin Mkata where the vegetation consists of savannah dotted with acacia, baobab, tamarinds and some rare palms.
In this area there are spectacular rock formations of the mountains Rubeho and Uluguru. The southeast of the park is less rich in wildlife and not very accessible.
The fauna includes many species characteristic of the African savannah. According to local guides, chances of seeing a lion who climbs a tree is larger here than in Manyara (famous for seeing Lions that exhibit this behaviour).
The park contains a subspecies of giraffe that biologists consider the link between the Masai giraffe and the reticulated or Somali giraffe. Other animals in the park are elephants, zebras, impala, eland, kudu, black antelope, baboons, wildebeests and buffaloes.
There are two artificial pools inhabited by hippos. More than 400 different species of birds also inhabit the park.
Mikumi is the most accessible park from Dar es Salaam making is a popular option for weekend visitors or for business visitors who don’t have time for an extended safari itinerary.
