WHERE TO STAY IN MIKUMI PARK

In general, on nature holidays to Africa, you can opt for one of the three levels of AfricanMecca Safari Tier accommodations, Supreme luxury, deluxe or comfort budget, in the form of tented camps or lodges. Lodges are usually stone-built, whilst tented camps consist of canvas suites, some thatched with makuti shading. These designations are decided by the levels of exclusivity, service, amenities and location.

For example, a sumptuously appointed suite with chandeliers or others rustically luxurious, standalone bath, butler service, gourmet dining and superb exclusive wildlife location with first-rate guides will be designated Safari Tier 1.



Anything falling short on some of these standards will be Tier 2 and properties with value facilities and experiences balanced by other shortfalls will be Tier 3, such as a no-frills camp in a dream location which has modest rooms and adequate filling food with average to good guides, or a well-designed and furnished suite in a large complex which caters for many customers, necessitating a high level of standardization with less personalization.

In Mikumi National Park, there are no true luxury East African travel accommodations as Tier 1. Set a Tier 2, Stanley’s Kopje Camp is smaller – twelve tents and more personalized, although only four kilometers from the Tanzam Highway. A traditional ethnic ambience is created by design and complemented by the true wilderness atmosphere engendered by a much-frequented small waterhole and breathtaking plains outlook.



Guests are requested to economize on water and electricity as a solar-powered camp. Buffet breakfast and lunch are usual with fixed evening dinner menus. Because of the difficulty of access during the wet season, the camp is only open from June to February.

By contrast, the Tier 3 value, comfort tented camps include Vuma Hills Camp, one of a string of camps and lodges including Stanley’s Kopje owned by members of the Fox family, renowned for their experience of practical Tanzanian safari hospitality. Sixteen large, insect-proof tents with en-suite bathroom facilities and large private balconies sit on raised wooden decks above a small, shaded swimming pool in a wilderness setting.



The camp is visited by a great assortment of wildlife, including genet and bush babies who visit the central bar, lounge and dining area at night. The camp atmosphere is relaxed. Catering is fresh and simple, and services are limited by the number of guests accommodated.

Mikumi Wildlife Camp at also Tier 3 is in fact a basic, accessible, no-frills lodge with its former name - Kikoboga Lodge, featuring six simple stone-built thatched bandas with en-suite bathroom, a fan and turndown service which entails spraying with insecticide and keeping your window quarters closed throughout the night to maintain its repellent effect.

Despite a faint rumble of traffic from the main access road less than 100 meters distant, the grounds and waterhole are visited by a good selection of wildlife and the surrounding wilderness area offers an excellent starting point for game-viewing trips in Mikumi. There is a small swimming pool and airy central bar, lounge and dining complex.