Safari at Mikumi

This past weekend I experienced my first African Safari, as I traveled with two other WorldTeach volunteers to Mikumi National Wildlife Park.  It would be an understatement to say that it was definitely one of the highlights of my time here so far.  We were fortunate enough to see some of the amazing Tanzanian landscape, as well as many many remarkable wild animals up close in their natural environment.

Our Safari Vehicle

On Saturday morning we were picked up bright and early at 6:30 AM in a Safari Land Rover and traveled from Morogoro town to Mikumi National Park, which was only about 60 miles away.  As we entered the border of the park (which is over 3,000 sq km), we immediately spotted a few animals along the road, including some large baboons, impalas and even the occasional giraffe. 

We arrived at the main gate that led into the entrance to the park, and we were greeted by our guide Rashidi, who guided us through the park both Saturday and Sunday.  As we journeyed through the park we saw many animals including zebras, giraffe, elephants, warthogs, water buffalo, hippo, wildebeest and impala.  

Giraffe

Elephants

Wildebeest

Zebras and Impalas

Baboon

Water Buffalo

Hippos

Later in the morning we were fortunate to come across a really amazing find when we saw a female lion and her three cubs feeding on a freshly caught zebra.  Apparently this was rare to see, according to our guide, so we took many pictures and felt fortunate to see such an amazing sight.  It was hard to take my eyes of what we were seeing, and I had to keep reminding myself that this wasn’t a zoo, and we were actually watching these incredible animals as they live in their natural environments.

Mother and her cubs with a fresh kill

Taking a rest and a drink

As the day continued we traveled along the vast roads through the park, and saw many more animals up close and personal.  It was quite serene just driving along the fields and enjoying the landscape.  Besides other safari vehicles, there were no signs of civilization nearby and with the car roof open and the wide open fields and sky it was hard not to feel totally calm, relaxed and at peace.

Once the day finished, we headed to our nearby hotel and got some rest for the next day.  We were picked up bright and early the next morning to head back into the park for some more animal gazing, and we were not disappointed, especially considering all that we got to see the day before.  In the late morning, we were lucky enough to see a male lion resting with two other females in the shade.  Apparently it’s difficult to find a male lion in the park, and people have gone days and weeks without seeing one.  Maybe it was beginner’s luck!

The lions taking a rest

The male lion and his meal

In front of the lion pack

When Sunday evening approached, we left the park, said goodbye to our guide and headed home.  For my first Safari, it was an awe inspiring and truly humbling experience.  It was certainly one of those moments that felt a bit surreal and made me realize how fortunate I am to have this experience in such a remarkable country like Tanzania.