Mkomazi National Park

Set beneath the verdant slopes of the spectacular Usambara and Pare Eastern Arc Mountain ranges and overseen by Kilimanjaro’s iconic snow-capped peak, Mkomazi National Park is a virgin breathtaking beauty exhibiting unique natural treasures and an immense sense of space – adds to the fulfillment of high visitor enjoyment expectations – a much-needed bridge between the northern circuit and coastal attractions.

On one of Tanzania’s busiest routes, hundreds of people pass within a few kilometers of Mkomazi every day.

The richness of this wedge of mountainous semi-arid savannah – home to enormous herds of giraffe, eland, hartebeest, zebra, buffalo, and elephant – are now open to visitors on these and northern Tanzania Tours And Safaris circuits.

The majestic black rhino and the friendly African wild dog, both of which were successfully reintroduced in the 1990s, rely on Mkomazi National Park for their survival. Wild dogs, which are nomadic by nature, may be found virtually everywhere in the park, while black rhinos are confined to a gated sanctuary, insuring their safety and prosperity for future generations.

With our Tanzania Safari Packages, you can see everything that this massive national park has to offer.

The magnificent fringe-eared Oryx, with its long back – sweeping horns, and the beautiful spiral – horned lesser kudu are two dry-country specialists seen in Mkomazi that are uncommon elsewhere in Tanzania Safari. The gerenuk, a gazelle with a thin neck, strange alien-like head, and habit of rising erect on its hind legs to reach acacia leaves that other browsers can’t reach, is the oddest of them.

This new Mkomazi National Park, which has been a game reserve since 1951, gets its name from the Pare tribe’s phrase for “scoop of water,” which refers to a little amount of water. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking for a Tanzania Wilderness Adventure or if you’re a birdwatcher. Dry-country endemics like the cobalt-chested vulturine guineafowl, other big ground birds like the ostrich, kori bustard, secretary bird, ground hornbill, and some migratory species like the Eurasian roller are among the more than 450 avian species documented.

Are you seeking for tranquility in the great outdoors? Then join Materuni Tours for a trip to Mkomazi National Park.

About The Mkomazi National Park

Size: 3,245 sq km (1,240 sq miles)

Location: Northern Tanzania split between Kilimanjaro and Tanga administrative regions.

The park also borders Tsavo west National Park in Kenya. The Zange entrance gate lies 112 km (69 miles) from Moshi, 550 km (341 miles) from Mwalimu J. K. Nyerere International Airport – Dar es Salaam, 142 km (88.7 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport, 120 km (75 miles) from Kilimanjaro National Park – the roof of Africa and 6 km (3.7 miles) from the town of Same.

How To Get There?

By road, Mkomazi is easily accessible via Same, which lies on the surfaced highway connecting Arusha to Dar es Salaam. The Park is also easily accessible on special arrangement through Njiro, Kivingo and Umba gates. Park can also be easily accessed from nearby/close existing tourist attractions in Eastern Arc Mountains, Coast and Kilimanjaro Mountain. Charter flights are available to Kisima airstrip.

What To Do?

Game drives, camping, site seeing, bird watching, walking safari, and hiking (uphill). Learn more about conservation and rhinoceros at Mkomazi rhino sanctuary.

When To Go?

Late June – early September is best for large mammal and bird watching. Scenic beauty is at its peak in March – June.

Accommodation

One semi – permanent tented camp near the Park headquarters. Few designated basic campsites where one must bring his/her camping gears and food. There are several small hotels and guest houses in Same town.