Mkomazi National Park

Mkomazi National Park

Mkomazi National Park is a magnificent, 3,500 square kilometre land cover national park in northern Tanzania set below the verdant slopes of the spectacular Usambara and Pare Eastern Arc Mountain Ranges and overseen by the iconic snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro. Remote and initially inaccessible before the 90s Mkomazi is a virgin breathtaking beauty exhibiting unique natural treasures and immense sense of space.

It never attracted the financial support provided for the better known wildlife strongholds such as the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Parks, not until later when the Tanzanian Government re-examined the reserve’s status and designated it a National Priority Project, and from then it’s true significance and importance has been recognized which adds to the fulfillment of high visitor’s enjoyment expectations– a much needed bridge between northern circuit and coastal attractions.

Every day, thousands of people pass within a few kilometers of Mkomazi on one of Tanzania’s busiest highways. These and the northern circuit safari-goers are now most welcomed to discover the treasures of this wedge of hilly semi-arid savannah, home of large herds of giraffe, eland, hartebeest, zebra, buffalo and elephant found in the northwest of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest summit. To the south, the Pare and Usambara Mountains form a dramatic backdrop and, to the north, Kenya’s vast Tsavo National Park shares a border with Mkomazi, making common ground for migratory herds of elephant, oryx and zebra during the wet season. Together with Tsavo, it forms one of the largest and most important protected ecosystems on earth.

What most visitors don’t know is that Mkomazi is a vital refuge for two highly endangered species, the charismatic black rhino and the sociable African wild dog, both of which were successfully reintroduced in the 1990s. Nomadic by nature, wild dogs might be seen almost anywhere in the park, however the black rhinos are restricted to a fenced sanctuary, ensuring their safe keeping for the enjoyment and prosperity of future generations.

Mkomazi supports several dry-country specialists’ species that are rare elsewhere in Tanzania; these include the spectacular fringe-eared oryx, with its long back-sweeping horns, and the handsome spiral-horned lesser kudu. Oddest of all is the gerenuk, a gazelle distinguished by its slender neck, bizarre alien-like head, and having the habit of standing tall on its hind legs as it stretches for acacia leaves that other browsers cannot reach.

For bird lovers, Mkomazi is even more numerous, with over 400 recorded species. Doves, hornbills, weavers and guinea-fowl are all present in large numbers including the martial eagle and violet wood-hoopoe striking species.

Why should you go to Mkomazi park?

• The park is not well known and because of that it has its charme. It’s not crowded and the animals are acting typically natural.
• Almost all species can be found.
• Mkomazi is vital refuge for two highly endangered species, the charismatic black rhino and sociable African wild dog
• It’s a cheap alternative for the northern national parks and a perfect out move for Wilderness Day Trips

Location: Northern Tanzania split between Kilimanjaro and Tanga administrative regions. The park borders on the west the Tsavo 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 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. The park can also be easily accessed from the nearby existing tourist attractions in Eastern Arc Mountains, The 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.

Accommodation

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