- Arusha, Tanzania
Mkomazi National Park is situated in a stunning location, surrounded by the impressive Pare and Usambara mountains. Depending on the weather, the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro is also visible from the park. Towards the south, the Pare and Usambara mountains create a striking backdrop, while to the north, the expansive Tsavo National Park in Kenya shares a border with Mkomazi. This shared border serves as a migratory route for herds of elephant, oryx, and zebra during the wet season. Together with Tsavo, it forms one of the largest and most significant protected ecosystems on the planet.
The name “Mkomazi” is derived from the Pare ethnic language, specifically “Mko” and “Mazi.” “Mko” refers to a traditional tiny wooden spoon used by the Pare people for eating, and “Mazi” translates to water. This conveys that the water available in the Park is so scarce that it can only fill up a small wooden spoon. The park covers an expansive area of 3,245 square kilometers.
The park hosts a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, oryx, gerenuks, hartebeests, lesser kudu, elands, impalas, and Grant’s gazelles. These animals coexist with elephants, buffaloes, and several predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the park.
WHEN TO VISIT? The best times to visit Mkomazi National Park are during the dry seasons, which occur from June to October and January to February. These periods offer excellent wildlife viewing and enjoyable safari experiences. However, it’s important to note that the park can be visited year-round, but wildlife sightings may vary during the wetter months. The long rains typically last from March to May, while the short rains occur from November to December.
Mkomazi National Park can be accessed both by road and air.
By Road: The park is located 120 kilometers from Moshi. The nearest entry gate is about 6 kilometers away on a gravel road. Additionally, the park is easily reachable through special arrangements via Njiro, Kivingo, and Umba gates.
By Air: Chartered flights are available to Kisima airstrip, conveniently located in the center of the park near the rhino sanctuary.
The animals in Mkomazi National Park are characteristic of arid regions. Giraffes, oryx, gerenuks, hartebeests, lesser kudus, elands, impalas, and Grant’s gazelles coexist in the park with elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The park’s wildlife showcases the diverse fauna adapted to the arid environment.
Mkomazi National Park offers various accommodation options both within and outside the park. Inside the park, there’s “Babu’s Permanent Tented Camp” and for those looking for a more public camping experience, there are three public campsites: Zange, Maore, and Kamakota. Additionally, there are special campsites available, namely Dindira and Mbula, providing diverse choices for visitors to enjoy their stay in the park.
Discover Tanzania’s natural beauty and rich culture, including the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Maasai culture, Mountains. It’s a life-changing experience waiting for you.
Whether you are a seasoned explorer or a first-time adventurer, we invite you to join us on an extraordinary safari experience. Let Ilchoreta Safaris be your companion in uncovering the magic of Tanzania’s landscapes, wildlife, and culture.