More than 400 bird species have been recorded in Mikumi National Park, making it a fantastic place to go birding. Colorful residents such as yellow-throated longclaw and bateleur are joined by a host of Palearctic migratory birds from November to April. The hippo pool and Mwanambogo Dam are good places to see waterbirds such as African fish eagle, African spoonbill and hamerkop, while African openbills are often seen fishing along the Mkata River.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
- African fish eagle
- African grey hornbill
- African hawk-eagle
- African openbill
- African spoonbill
- Bateleur
- Cardinal woodpecker
- Green wood-hoopoe
- Hamerkop
- Long-tailed fiscal
- Malachite kingfisher
- Mariqua sunbird
- Northern carmine bee-eater
- Northern pied babbler
- Pale batis
- Pale-billed hornbill
- Purple-crested turaco
- Red-billed oxpecker
- Shelley’s sunbird
- Southern ground hornbill
- Yellow-throated longclaw
Best Time for Bird Watching
Birdlife is good throughout the whole year, but best from November through to February. The migratory birds that arrive from Europe and North Africa in November stay until April, but rains make birding more difficult in March and April. Throughout the migratory period, resident birds may also be in breeding plumage. General wildlife viewing is best from late June to October.