Explore the Mkomazi National Park
ABOUT MKOMAZI
Mkomazi National Park is situated in the northeastern region of Tanzania, bordering Tsavo National Park. Established as a national park in 2006, it covers an expansive area of 3,230 square kilometers. This remote and wild park offers visitors the opportunity to experience wildlife in a pristine thorn bush environment, characterized by open plains and magnificent scenery.
One of the notable features of Mkomazi National Park is its vast plains, which provide a natural habitat for a variety of wildlife species. As you explore the park, you can encounter a diverse range of animals, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalos, wildebeests, and several antelope species. Predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs also inhabit the park, showcasing the dynamic interactions between predator and prey.
The landscape of Mkomazi National Park is adorned with majestic baobab trees that dot the horizon, adding a touch of grandeur to the scenery. From the park, you can enjoy breathtaking vistas with mountains visible in the distance. Notably, the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, can be seen from various parts of the park. The sight of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped summit against the backdrop of the African savannah is truly awe-inspiring.
SPECIAL SIGHT OF RARE WILDLIFE SPECIES
Being far from the more visited safari circuits you are likely to be watching wildlife there by yourself, unhurried and with time to soak up the ambience of wild Africa. Mkomazi used to be prime habitat for Black Rhino and there is a re-introduction scheme there where you can and watch these exciting mammals in their natural surroundings. The rare Cape Hunting Dog is also being re-introduced and you can get permission to watch these fascinating animals as well, some of which have been re-introduced to the wild. Besides the commoner big game species such as elephant, buffalo, giraffe and plains game, and of course the big cats, you will also find unusual antelope such as oryx, gerenuk and lesser kudu. Gerenuk, known as giraffe antelope in Swahili, are elegant medium sized gazelles with a long neck that enable them to reach high into thorn bush to browse. They even stand up on their hind legs to reach yet higher. Such details of nature are why you visit Mkomazi.
When to go. During the short green season (November / December and March / April) the flickering light of fire flies dot the wooded valleys at night
Air. Charter flights are available to Kisima airstrip in the center of the Park, near the rhino sanctuary.
Road. Moshi, the nearest large town is 120 km from Same on a good tarmac road. Same is on the tarmac highway connecting Arusha to Dar
es Salaam. Same to the nearest entry gate at Zange is 6 km on a graveled road. The Park is also easily accessible on special arrangement
through Njiro, Kivingo and Umba gates