Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park is lying just to the north of Nyerere National Park which was formally known as the famous Selous Game Reserve. Gazetted in 1964 covering an area of 1070 square kilometres, it was later extended in 1975 to cover the current area of 3,230 sq km, the Park is the fifth largest National Park in Tanzania after the Ruaha (20,226 sq km), Serengeti (14763 sq km), Katavi (4471 sq km) and Mkomazi (3245 sq km). It is in one ecosystem with Selous making the animals (Elephants, buffalos and Zebras) migrate to and from the northern part of the reserve into the park.

The Park Shares the name ‘Mikumi’ with the village just beyond its Western border of the Dar es Salaam – Iringa highway, which traverse the Park for 50km. The small town in turn takes the name from the (Borassus spp.) palm, which ones grew there in profusion but no stem is visible in the village. The park lies in a horseshoe of towering mountains enclosed foot hills, which almost enclose the flood plain of the Mkata River. To the East rise the 2,743 metres massif of the Uluguru ranges while to the southwest are the craggy peaks of the Vidunda hill.

Location

Mikumi National Park is located 288km (about 173miles) west of Dar es Salaam and 107 km (67miles) from Morogoro town by the highway (which traverses the Park for 50km) from Dar es Salaam to Iringa Southern Tanzania and neighbouring Southern countries.

Climate

The Park has a bi- modal rain season, characterized by short rain in October to early November, followed by long rain lasting for five/six months, although the rainfall pattern is very unpredictable.

However, there is always a definite dry period between January and February. The wet months are associated with a hot humid weather, where temperatures reach up to 30degrees centigrade. Dry months are always cooler with temperature between 20 and 25degree centigrade. Annual average temperature is 25.5 degree centigrade.

Accessibility

The Park can be accessed by road, air and railways

By road

from the city of Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, Iringa and from other southern countries (Malawi, Msumbiji and Zambia). The highway from Iringa to Dar es Salaam makes easily and comfortably reached by vehicles. Also from Selous Game Reserve via Pwaga and Mahondo Ranger Post to the Main entrance gate.

By air

Air craft with the capacity of 4 to 30 seater through airstrip which is located at Kikoboga near the park headquarters.

By railway

From Dar es Salaam to Man’gula and from Man’gula using road to reach the Park

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the Park is during the dry season. However, the northern part of the park is accessible through-out the year.