Mkomazi National Park
Dry bush country below the Pare and Usambara Mountains, brought back from serious decline and now a refuge for black rhino and African wild dog. Mkomazi is a conservation success story, and one of the quietest parks in the north.
At a glance
- Getting there
- By road from Moshi or Arusha, or as part of a journey between Kilimanjaro and the coast. About 5 hours by road from Saadani
- Best for
- Conservation, birdlife, very few other visitors
- Best time
- June to October
- Became a national park
- 2008
Why go
Mkomazi is semi-arid savannah, with acacia and commiphora bush, baobabs and views of the mountains. It is home to dry-country animals that are hard to find elsewhere in Tanzania, such as fringe-eared oryx, lesser kudu and gerenuk, along with elephants, giraffes and zebra. Over 450 bird species have been recorded here.
Game viewing is less easy than in the big northern parks, but you will often have it to yourself.
Highlights
- A black rhino sanctuary, visited by prior arrangement
- African wild dog conservation
- Dry-country wildlife such as fringe-eared oryx and lesser kudu
- Over 450 bird species
- Views of the Pare and Usambara Mountains
The conservation story
By the 1980s, overgrazing and poaching had badly damaged Mkomazi. Over the following decades the land was rested and protected, and wildlife returned. Black rhinos were brought back into a fenced, guarded sanctuary, and African wild dogs were bred and released here. In 2008 Mkomazi became a national park. Visiting supports this recovery, and shows that protecting land like this can pay its way.
How your visit helps. The park and conservation fees in your trip price go to the authority that protects this place, paying for rangers, anti-poaching patrols and park upkeep. We hire local guides and staff and use locally owned suppliers wherever we can.
A trip built around Mkomazi
We do not have a set itinerary here yet, so we plan each visit around you: how long you have, how you like to travel, and what you most want to see. Mkomazi fits well between Kilimanjaro or Arusha and the coast, or with a stay in the Usambara Mountains.
When to go
The dry season, June to October, is best for wildlife, as animals stay closer to water. The park is hot all year, so morning and late-afternoon drives are best. Rhino sanctuary visits must be arranged in advance.
Where to stay
We choose your lodges and camps to suit your budget and travel style, from simple tented camps to luxury lodges, and name them in your personal itinerary and quote.
Combine with: Arusha National Park · Saadani
Ready to plan your visit to Mkomazi?
Tell us your dates and how you like to travel, and we will send you a personal itinerary and quote. No obligation to book.
Adventure That Gives Back
Private safaris, treks and beach holidays across Tanzania, planned by a Tanzanian team.
Forest Hill, Kihimbwa St, Morogoro, Tanzania
Talk to us
WhatsApp +255 622 191 154
ecolegacy@ecolegacy-africa.com
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Tourism licence No. 035908
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