Mkomazi National Park- Southern Tanzania National Parks

Mkomazi National Park is located in northeastern Tanzania. 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 the Tanzania- Kenya border, adjacent to Tsavo National Park. this location is significant for cross-border wildlife conservation efforts and facilitates animals’ migration between two vital ecosystems.

Mkomazi was designated as a game reserve in 1951, serving primarily as a hunting ground before enhanced conservation priorities shifted, in 2006 Mkomazi was officially designated as a national park. This change was part of a larger initiative to enhance conservation efforts and protect wildlife and habitat within its boundaries. The park covers over 3,234 square kilometers and is dominated by acacia comephorid vegetation. The area commonly called ‘Mkomazi’ is actually the union of two previous game reserves, the Umba Game Reserve in the and the Mkomazi Game Reserve in the west.

Why visit Mkomazi national park?

The park is home to large mammals such as African elephants that can be seen roaming the savannahs and woodlands, Leopard is rarely seen in this park, lions, and buffaloes are the common animals, Black Rhinoceroses which are critically endangered, giraffes can be spotted in the park, other animals include Topi, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, African Wild Dogs, cheetahs, fringe-eared oryx and beisa oryx as well as the spotted hyenas are often seen scavenging or hunting in packs.

It is also a home to dry country bird species like Cobalt-crested vulture and guinea fowl. Mkomazi is home to over 450 avian species. They can be seen in different habitats like riverine coasts, forests, trees and grasslands. Other species include ground birds like ostriches, ground hornbill, Kori bustard and secretary bird. Migratory birds like the Eurasian roller tend to settle at Mkomazi National Park between November and April which is the best time for birding safaris.

Things to do in Mkomazi National Park

Game drives

Game drives in Mkomazi National Park is one of the best ways to experience and explore the hidden gems of the park.  The national park is home to a rich variety of wildlife making it a unique destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. During a game drive in Mkomazi National Park, you will get a chance to views several animals such 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. All these can be seen as you take a drive through the trails in the park enjoying the lush vegetation scenery.

Birdwatching

Mkomazi National Park is one of the best birding destinations in Tanzania, the park is home to over 450 bird species, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts. During your bird-watching tour in Mkomazi National Park, you will have the opportunity to spot colorful bird species such as Wooly-necked Stork, Saddle-billed Stork,  Marabou Stork,  African Open-billed Stork , Yellow-billed Stork, Secretary Bird, Black-shouldered kite,  Black Kite, Fish Eagle,  Palm-nut Vulture , Lesser Spotted Eagle,  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, Great Egret Grey Heron, Hamerkop, Great Cormorant, White Stork Black Stork, Ab dims Stork,  among others.

Nature walks

Nature walks in Mkomazi National Park are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the park’s rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Unlike typical safari experiences conducted in vehicle, these guided walking safaris offer an intimate and personal connection with nature, allowing visitors to experience the park’s flora bad fauna up close.

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 birds such as Ostrich, Great White Pelican, Pink-backed Pelican, Black-crowned Night Heron among others and astonishing flowering plants.

Where to stay in Mkomazi national park?

The accommodation facilities to use during your stay at Mkomazi national park include Babu’s Camp, Mkomazi Wilderness Retreat, Matembezi Safari Lodge, Elephant Motel, Mambo view point Eco Lodge, Orlando Lodge, Pangani River Camp among others.

The best to visit Mkomazi National Park

The best time to visit Mkomazi National Park in Tanzania is during the dry season, which typically runs from June to October. This is when the weather is cooler and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot wildlife. additionally, this is the time when animals are congregate around the water sources, increasing your chances of seeing a wide variety of species. It is also a good time for birds watching, as migratory birds re often present during this season. However, it is important to note that the park can get quite hot during the dry, so be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection.

How to access Mkomazi national park?

The park can be easily accessible through the Arusha-Dar es Salaam surfaced road. You a diverge to one of its gates namely; Njiro, Kivingo and Umba gates. It is about 120 kilometers from Moshi town, about 200 kilometers from the Arusha city, and about 440 kilometers from Dar es Salaam.

It is also 142km from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), 12km from Kilimanjaro National Park and 6km from the Same town. There are also chartered flights from Arusha Airport (ARK) to Kisima Airstrip are available. You can book a rail and stop at Same Railway Station.