Best Self Drive Guide to Mkomazi National Park

Mkomazi National Park is situated in northeastern Tanzania, along the Kenyan border, inside the Kilimanjaro and Tanga regions. The national park was initially designated as a game reserve in 1951 and subsequently designated as a national park in 2008. The park encompasses an area of 3,500 square kilometers, consisting of dispersed grey-green scrub, savannah forest, and grassland. Mkomazi National Park is located beneath the lush slopes of the picturesque Usambara and Pare Eastern Arc mountain ranges, with the renowned snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro in view. The national park shares its northern boundary with Kenya’s Tsavo National Park and provides sanctuary for the endangered black rhinos and wild dogs, who were successfully reintroduced in the 1990s. During your safari in the park, you will have the opportunity to observe migratory fauna from Tsavo National Park, including elephants, zebras, beisa oryx, giraffes, hartebeests, buffaloes, elands, as well as other species such as gerenuk and lesser kudu.

Activities in Mkomazi National Park

Mkomazi National Park is home to a diverse array of fauna, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, elands, impalas, buffaloes, topis, fringe-eared oryx, beisa oryx, black rhinos, gerenuks, lesser kudus, and predators such as wild dogs, lions, leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs, many of which are seldom observed during game drives and nature walks.
Mkomazi National Park is home to around 450 bird species, including migratory and unique varieties, establishing it as one of Tanzania’s significant birding locales. Observables avian species encompass ostriches, Kori bustards, secretary birds, ground hornbills, cobalt-chested vulturine guinea fowl, European rollers, Shelley’s starlings, hunter’s sunbirds, black-bellied sunbirds, martial eagles, pink-breasted larks, and violet wood hoopoes, among others.

Principal activities in Mkomazi National Park

The national park provides engaging game drives, ideally conducted early in the morning to observe predators before they retreat to their concealment, and in the afternoon to witness animals grazing on the expansive grasslands. Game drives in Mkomazi National Park are conducted in a 4WD pop-up safari vehicle with a knowledgeable guide, allowing participants to observe wildlife such as elands, oryx, dik-dik, topi, zebras, hartebeest, gerenuks, and lesser kudu, as well as a variety of colorful bird species and diverse vegetation types.

Mkomazi National Park hosts around 450 bird species, including both endemic and migratory varieties, establishing it as one of Tanzania’s premier birding locales. Birdwatching in the park is most effectively conducted during the early morning and late evening with a knowledgeable bird guide who can assist in identifying various species, including Shelley’s starling, three-streaked tchagra, Kori bustard, secretary bird, European roller, ostrich, striking vulturine guinea fowl, bare-eyed thrush, black-bellied sunbird, hunter’s sunbird, martial eagle, Pringle’s puffback, red-fronted warbler, scaly chatterer, southern ground hornbill, and white-headed mousebird, among others.

Mkomazi National Park is one of the few sites in Tanzania that provides guided nature walks, enabling guests to leave the safari vehicle and explore the park on foot. Guided nature walks are most effectively conducted in the morning and evening, accompanied by an armed park ranger who ensures safety and provides direction on trekking trails. During the nature walk, you will encounter various wildlife species in the park, including giraffes, elephants, zebras, and elands. You will observe birds in flight, diverse plant and tree species, listen to birdsong, enjoy the refreshing breeze, relax, breathe fresh air, and capture photographs, among other activities.

Accommodations for your safari in Mkomazi National Park

Mkomazi National Park offers a variety of accommodations, including luxury, midrange, budget, and camping options for your safari. Notable establishments include Mambo View Point Eco Lodge, Babu’s Camp, Pangani River Camp, Tona Lodge, Mambo Cliff Inn, Elephant Motel, Mambo Guest House, Casa Lodge, Holy Night Guest House, Orlando Lodge, Hotel Kindoroko, Tumaini Guest House, and Zebra Camp, among others.

Best time to visit Mkomazi National Park

Mkomazi park is accessible year-round, although the optimal time for visitation is during the dry season from June to October. During this period, diminished rainfall in the park results in accessible roadways, sparse foliage, and animals congregating near water sources, providing opportunities for unobstructed vistas and excellent photographic captures of wildlife.

The national park is also accessible throughout the rainy season, namely from March to May and in November, as this period is optimal for birdwatching, allowing enthusiasts to observe various migrating species.

Directions to Mkomazi Park

Mkomazi National Park is accessible via both road and air transport. When traveling by road, one can drive from Arusha or Moshi to the park headquarters through the Njiro, Kivingo, or Umba gates. The park is accessible from the Eastern Arc Mountains and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Mkomazi Park may be visited via air travel, with scheduled and chartered flights available from Arusha Airport to Kisima Airstrip.

Mkomazi is a natural gem in Tanzania, featuring breathtaking vistas of wildlife, including the endangered black rhinos, charming wild canines, various predators, avian species, and stunning landscapes.