Death Railway | Kanchanaburi

Information

Landmark: Death Railway
City: Kanchanaburi
Country: Thailand
Continent: Asia

Death Railway, Kanchanaburi, Thailand, Asia

Mikumi National Park is a protected area located in the Morogoro Region of Tanzania, approximately 280 kilometers southwest of Dar es Salaam.

Visual Characteristics

The park is characterized by a large, flat, and open grassland plain, often referred to as the "Serengeti of Mikumi." This central plain is bordered by the Uluguru Mountains to the northeast and the Rubeho Mountains to the northwest. The vegetation consists primarily of grassland, acacia woodlands, and miombo woodlands. Seasonal rivers and swamps are present, supporting diverse flora and fauna. The landscape is generally open, offering clear sightlines across the plains.

Location & Access Logistics

Mikumi National Park is situated along the A-7 highway, which connects Dar es Salaam to Iringa. The main entrance is directly accessible from this highway, approximately 280 kilometers from Dar es Salaam. Travel time from Dar es Salaam is typically 4-5 hours by road. There is a designated parking area at the main park gate. Public transport options to Mikumi town are available from Dar es Salaam's Ubungo Bus Terminal, with onward arrangements for park entry and game drives needing to be made locally.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Mikumi National Park was established in 1964. It is part of a larger ecosystem that includes the Selous Game Reserve to the south. The park's ecological significance lies in its role as a corridor for wildlife migration between the Selous and the Ruaha National Park. The landscape is a savanna biome, supporting a wide array of African wildlife.

Key Highlights & Activities

Game drives are the primary activity, with vehicles traversing designated tracks across the plains and through woodland areas. Bird watching is possible throughout the park. Walking safaris are permitted in specific zones under armed ranger escort. Photography of wildlife and landscapes is a common pursuit.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the main park entrance and at designated picnic sites. Shade is provided by acacia trees and purpose-built shelters at picnic areas. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is intermittent and generally unreliable within the park boundaries. Basic food and drink vendors are located near the park entrance and in Mikumi town, but not within the park itself.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season, from June to October, when animals congregate around water sources. The wet season, from November to May, offers lush vegetation and is ideal for bird watching. The best time of day for photography is early morning and late afternoon, due to softer light and increased animal activity.

Facts & Legends

Mikumi National Park is known for its large elephant population and is one of the few places where the four-spotted snake (Psammophis trigrammus) is commonly observed. A local legend speaks of a giant baobab tree within the park that is said to possess healing properties.