Guide of visiting Mkomazi National Park : The Mkomazi National Park is a remarkable park covering an area of about 3,234 square kilometre national park in northern Tanzania. Remote and initially inaccessible, it was established in 1951 as a game reserve and was later converted to a national park in 2006. this change was part of a larger initiatives to enhance conservation effort and protect wildlife and habitat within its boundaries. The national park lies approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Moshi, the gateway town for Mount Kilimanjaro treks. The Mkomazi National Park is located close to Tanzania- Kenya border, adjacent to Tsavo National park, making common ground for migratory herds of elephant, oryx and zebra during the wet season. This location significant for cross-border wildlife conservation effort and facilitates animals’ migration between tow vital ecosystems.
Mkomazi national park is home to a 78 species of mammals have been recorded including Giraffe, oryx, gerenuk, hartebeest, lesser kudu, eland, impala and Grant’s gazelle share the reserve with elephant, buffalo, and numerous predators, including lion, leopard and cheetah among others. In addition to wildlife, the park also host over 450 recorded species for instance Doves, hornbills, weavers and guinea-fowl are all present in large numbers – as well as such striking species as the martial eagle and violet wood-hoopoe.
The ideal time to visit Mkomazi National Park for various activities is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. This is the best period for spotting wildlife, as animals tend to come together near waterholes. If you enjoy bird watching, the best time is from November to April when migratory birds make their appearance. Each season brings its own special experiences, so it’s important to plan your trip based on what you want to do.
Things to Do on Your Mkomazi National Park Safari in Tanzania
Birding tours
Mkomazi National Park is a fantastic place for bird watchers in Africa. Home to more than 450 different bird species, it stands out as one of the best spots for birding on the continent, right up there with the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Birding in Mkomazi is done along the riverine coasts, forests, trees and grasslands. During your birding tours , you’ll have the chance to sight bird such as Tawny Eagle , Steppe Eagle, Ostrich, Great White Pelican , Pink-backed Pelican, Black-crowned Night Heron , Cattle Egret , Squacco Heron , Green-backed Heron , Yellow-billed egret , Wooly-necked Stork , Saddle-billed Stork, Marabou Stork, African Open-billed Stork , Yellow-billed Stork, Secretary Bird, Hamerkop, Great Cormorant, White Stork Black Stork , Abdim’s Stork, Black-shouldered kite, Black Kite, Fish Eagle, Palm-nut Vulture , Lesser Spotted Eagle, Great Egret and Grey Heron among others.
Game drives
Going on a game drive in Mkomazi National Park is one of the best ways to discover the park’s hidden treasures. This national park boasts a wide variety of wildlife, making it a fantastic spot for anyone who loves nature and animals. While on a game drive, you’ll have the opportunity to see many animals, as lions, buffaloes, leopards, dik-dik, rhinoceros, Topi, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, African Wild Dogs, cheetahs, fringe eared oryx, beisa oryx and lesser kudu among others. As you journey through the park’s trails, you’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery of lush vegetation while observing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
Hiking trips
Hiking is a wonderful way to explore Mkomazi National Park. On a hiking trip in Mkomazi, you’ll walk along various trails in the Mkomazi forest, bringing you closer to the beauty of nature. It’s ideal to hike either in the early morning or late evening, as these times are more peaceful and enjoyable. During the dry season, hiking the mountain ranges is especially rewarding since the paths are dry and the views are breathtaking. You will have an armed park ranger joining you on your hike to ensure your safety from potentially dangerous animals like lions and other predators.
Guided nature walks
Guided nature walks in Mkomazi National Park allow you to explore the wild on foot, giving you a unique view compared to driving tours. Led by experienced rangers, these treks highlight the smaller details of nature, such as different plants, animal tracks, and signs that creatures have been around. While a guided nature walks safari in the park, you’ll have the chance to encounter with different wildlife species such as lions, buffaloes, leopards, dik-dik, rhinoceros, Topi, zebras as well as colorful bird sech as Ostrich, Great White Pelican, Pink-backed Pelican, Black-crowned Night Heron among others and astonishing flowering plants. Typically, these safaris last a few hours and can be adjusted to suit different fitness levels.
Visiting the Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary
Mkomazi National Park is home to a Black rhino sanctuary, part of Tanzania’s conservation offers to protect this critically endangered species. This sanctuary plays a crucial role in the broader conservation efforts in Tanzania and represents a significant hope for the recovery of this species. Established in the 1990s as a response to the severe decline in black rhinoceros’ populations due to poaching and habitat loss. While on a safari in Tanzania, you’ll have a chance to see these rare black rhinos in their natural environment, as Mkomazi is one of the best places for such sightings. While there are other national parks, like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, where you can spot rhinos, Mkomazi is particularly special. During your visit, you might also learn about the ongoing efforts to conserve rhinos and, in some cases, even join guided tours focused on wildlife conservation.
Best accommodation safaris at Mkomazi National Park
Mkomazi National Park offers various places to stay during your safari, catering to different budgets. You can find options that fit your needs, whether you’re looking for something affordable, a bit more comfortable, or even a luxury experience. Some of the accommodations include Tona Lodge, Mambo Cliff Inn, Elephant Motel, Mambo Guest House, Casa Lodge, Holy Night Guest House, Hotel Kindoroko, Tumaini Guest House, Mambo Viewpoint Eco Lodge, Babu’s Camp, Pangani River Camp, Orlando Lodge and Zebra Camp to name a few.
Getting There
You can easily reach Mkomazi National Park by road through Same, which is connected by a paved highway that links Arusha and 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.
