Zebra, wildebeest, impala and buffalo inhabit the grassy plains of Mikumi National Park. Lion, which prey on these animals, are also quite often seen. Giraffe browse the isolated acacia trees that fringe the Mkata River, where you should also see elephant. Mikumi’s famous and much-studied yellow baboons are plentiful. Rhino disappeared from the park in the 1990s, but the park authorities have announced plans to reintroduce the species.
Wildlife Highlights
Most wildlife activity occurs around Mikumi’s waterholes, where hippos are joined by thirsty herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest. Mikumi’s grasslands rank among Tanzania’s best places to see eland, the world’s largest antelope. The equally impressive greater kudu and sable antelope feed in the park’s hills, which are covered in . The unusual Lichtenstein’s hartebeest is also present. Ask your guide or park rangers about the plans to reintroduce rhino.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
The Dry season runs from June to October and late June to October is the best time for wildlife viewing in the park. This is when wildlife is easier to spot because vegetation is thinner and animals gather around the Mkata River, the hippo pool and other waterholes. During September and October, these waterholes are almost constantly visited by big herds of buffalo and elephant as well as other wildlife.
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