Mkomazi National Park

Location: Northeastern Tanzania, Kilimanjaro and Tanga Regions, near Same town
Best Time to Visit: June to October (dry season) and November to April (green season for birdwatching)
Famous For: Black Rhino Sanctuary, African wild dog reintroduction, arid savannah landscapes, rich birdlife
Ecosystem: Semi-arid savannah, thornbush, dry acacia woodlands, South Pare Mountains
Key Wildlife: Black rhinos, African wild dogs, elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, over 450 bird species

Overview

Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Tanzania, Mkomazi National Park is one of the country’s lesser-known treasures. Covering over 3,200 square kilometers, Mkomazi borders Kenya’s Tsavo West National Park, forming a critical transboundary conservation corridor. It offers sweeping vistas of arid savannah, scattered acacia woodlands, and views of both Mount Kilimanjaro and the Pare Mountains.

Mkomazi is especially significant for its conservation efforts, including a Black Rhino Sanctuary and a successful wild dog reintroduction program. Though not as densely populated with wildlife as Serengeti or Ngorongoro, Mkomazi is rich in biodiversity and ideal for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path safari with a strong ecological message.

Location and Accessibility

Mkomazi lies in northeastern Tanzania, in Kilimanjaro and Tanga Regions, with the main entrance near the town of Same, about 112 km southeast of Moshi and 200 km from Arusha. It’s easily accessible by road from northern Tanzania, often used as a peaceful extension after exploring Mount Kilimanjaro or the northern safari circuit.

• By road: 3–4 hours’ drive from Arusha or Moshi.
• By air: Charter flights are available to nearby airstrips like Kisima or Same.

Landscape and Climate

The park features semi-arid savannah, thornbush, and dry acacia woodlands typical of East Africa’s lowland regions. It’s part of the Sahel biozone, similar to the landscapes of Tsavo and Samburu in Kenya.
Mkomazi also encompasses parts of the South Pare Mountains, creating a dramatic visual contrast and offering a cooler, more forested habitat at higher elevations.
The climate is hot and dry, with most rainfall between March and May. The dry season (June to October) is the best time for game viewing, as animals concentrate around water sources.

Wildlife

Though historically underdeveloped and underprotected, Mkomazi has seen a remarkable ecological recovery since being upgraded to national park status in 2006. Today, it is a vital refuge for rare and endangered species, including:

Flagship Species:

• Black rhinos – Protected within a secure sanctuary, not seen on standard game drives but visitable with special arrangements.
• African wild dogs – Reintroduced successfully and often spotted hunting in packs.

Other Mammals:

• Elephants, giraffes, zebras, eland, oryx, dik-dik, and hartebeest
• Buffalo, lesser kudu, impala, and warthogs
• Predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas are present, though elusive due to low visitor numbers and vast space.

Birdlife

Mkomazi is a birding paradise, with over 450 species recorded. It’s particularly rewarding for lovers of dry-country and migratory species. Notable birds include:

• Vulturine guinea fowl
• Kori bustards
• Carmine bee-eaters
• Secretary birds
• Hornbills, eagles, sunbirds, and weavers

The park’s birdlife is active year-round, making it one of the best areas in Tanzania for ornithology.

Unique Conservation Projects

Mkomazi’s transformation from an overgrazed reserve to a thriving national park is largely thanks to public-private conservation partnerships, particularly involving the George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust and Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA).

The Rhino Sanctuary
Established in collaboration with international partners, this secure area is home to black rhinoceroses that are bred and protected with hopes of eventual rewilding. Special guided visits to the sanctuary can be arranged in advance.

Wild Dog Project
African wild dogs were reintroduced to Mkomazi in a landmark conservation project. Populations are carefully monitored and have adapted well, often forming large hunting packs visible during game drives.

These programs not only protect key species but also serve as models for wildlife conservation across East Africa.

Activities

• Game Drives: The park offers excellent driving routes across open plains and along the base of the Pare Mountains.
• Guided Walks: Available in certain areas with park rangers, especially for birding and learning about plant ecology.
• Rhino Sanctuary Tours: With prior arrangement, visitors can enter the secure area and observe rhinos from safe viewpoints.
• Birdwatching: Bring binoculars — birdlife here is rich and rewarding.
• Photographic Safaris: Mkomazi’s light, scenery, and solitary feel make it a dream for landscape and wildlife photographers.

Lodging and Accommodation

Tourism infrastructure in Mkomazi is still developing, making it a haven for those who prefer remote, uncrowded safaris. Options include:

• Tented camps with spectacular views of Kilimanjaro
• Lodges near Same offering mid-range comfort
• Bush camps inside or near the park boundaries
• Self-catering or camping for adventurous travelers

It’s also possible to stay in Moshi or Usambara Mountains and do a full-day excursion.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (June–October): Best for wildlife viewing, especially for large herbivores and predators.
• Green Season (November–April): Lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching, especially migratory species.

Though Mkomazi is open year-round, road conditions may be rough during the rainy season (March–May).

Conservation Importance and Future Prospects

Mkomazi is a conservation success story. Once degraded and neglected, it now serves as a stronghold for rare species and a buffer zone against poaching and habitat encroachment. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining the Tsavo-Mkomazi ecosystem, allowing for wildlife migration and genetic exchange across the Kenya-Tanzania border.

Ongoing efforts to increase community involvement, promote sustainable tourism, and expand protected areas are helping secure Mkomazi’s future. It’s a shining example of what long-term commitment and collaboration can achieve in conservation.

Quick Facts

• Location: Northeastern Tanzania, Kilimanjaro and Tanga Regions
• Size: 3,200+ km²
• Elevation: Includes South Pare Mountains
• Best Time to Visit: June–October (dry), November–April (green season)
• Famous For: Black Rhino Sanctuary, African wild dogs, birdwatching
• Key Wildlife: Black rhinos, wild dogs, elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, 450+ bird species
• Activities: Game drives, guided walks, rhino sanctuary tours, birdwatching, photography
• Accessibility: 3–4 hours by road from Arusha or Moshi; charter flights to Kisima or Same