From Airport
1 hour
Size
3,245 km²
Hidden Gems
Discover Offbeat places
Photo Spots
Best wildlife photo locations
Accommodation
lodges and camps nearby
Overview
Mkomazi National Park is located in northeastern Tanzania, bordering Kenya and lying between Kilimanjaro and the coast. Covering over 3,245 square kilometers, it forms a vital ecological link between the savannahs of Tsavo in Kenya and the dry plains of northern Tanzania. Declared a national park in 2008, Mkomazi is one of Tanzania’s newer and lesser-known parks, offering a peaceful and uncrowded safari experience. The park is easily accessed from the towns of Same or Moshi by road.
Tourist Attractions
- Black Rhino Sanctuary
- Mkomazi is home to a secure black rhino sanctuary, making it one of the few places in Tanzania where visitors can see this critically endangered species up close. The sanctuary plays a key role in rhino conservation and education.
- African Wild Dogs
- The park is also a protected area for the rare African wild dog. Visitors have a chance to witness these elusive and endangered predators in their natural habitat — a rare treat on any safari.
- Scenic Landscapes and Open Savannahs
- The park features vast, open savannahs with views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Pare and Usambara Mountains. Its dry, semi-arid climate creates a unique contrast to the greener parks in the north.
- Wildlife Viewing
- Mkomazi is home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, oryx, hartebeest, eland, dik-diks, and various antelopes. Predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs also roam here, though they are harder to spot due to the park’s size and thick bush.
- Birdwatching
- With over 450 recorded species, Mkomazi is a paradise for bird lovers. It features dry-country birds such as hornbills, bustards, guinea fowls, and the striking vulturine guineafowl.
Fun Facts and Why It Differs from Other Places
- Rhinos and Wild Dogs in One Park
- Mkomazi is the only park in Tanzania where both black rhinos and African wild dogs are specifically protected and viewable — making it a key conservation hotspot.
- Fewer Tourists, More Nature
- Unlike Serengeti or Ngorongoro, Mkomazi sees very few tourists, making it perfect for those seeking a more private, off-the-beaten-path safari experience.
- Linked to Tsavo National Park (Kenya)
- Mkomazi shares its ecosystem with Tsavo West National Park in Kenya, creating a vast wildlife corridor and migration route for large animals like elephants.
- Dry, Arid Beauty
- The landscapes here are more similar to Kenya’s northern frontier — dry, golden savannahs, acacia woodlands, and dramatic mountain backdrops — offering a different visual experience from other Tanzanian parks.
Best Time to Visit
- Dry Season (June to October):
- The dry months are the best time for wildlife viewing as animals congregate near water sources and vegetation is sparse. This also offers the best chance to see wild dogs and rhinos.
- Wet Season (November to May):
- The park becomes lush and green, perfect for birdwatchers and landscape photographers. However, some roads may become less accessible after heavy rains.
Best Accommodations Found at This Place
- Babu’s Camp
- Located within the park, this tented camp offers a classic safari experience with comfort and views of the plains. Great for wildlife enthusiasts wanting to stay close to the action.
- Mkomazi Wilderness Retreat
- A newer eco-lodge offering simple but comfortable accommodations and guided game drives. The retreat focuses on sustainable tourism and personalized service.
- Elewana Collection – Tented Camps in Nearby Areas
- For travelers combining Mkomazi with Kilimanjaro or the Usambara Mountains, nearby luxury tented camps from the Elewana Collection offer premium safari comfort.
- Hotels in Same or Moshi
- For day trippers or budget travelers, local hotels and guesthouses in Same or Moshi provide good overnight options before heading to or from the park.
FAQs
The park is easily accessible by road from Moshi (about 3 hours) or Arusha (around 4–5 hours). The closest town is Same, which is located just outside the park entrance.
No, not all Big Five animals are present here. While Mkomazi has rhinos, elephants, and lions, it lacks buffalo in large numbers and leopards are rare. However, it offers unique wildlife like wild dogs and oryx.
Yes. The park is safe and managed by TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks Authority). Game drives and treks are conducted by experienced guides and rangers.
Mkomazi National Park is a true hidden gem for nature lovers, conservation enthusiasts, and safari travelers looking for something different. With rare wildlife, few tourists, and striking dry landscapes, it offers a tranquil and authentic safari experience away from the crowds. Whether you’re on the trail of the elusive wild dog or learning about rhino conservation, Mkomazi invites you to explore Tanzania’s wild frontier.
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