Mkomazi National Park, situated in northern Tanzania near the Kenyan border, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Despite being less frequented than its more famous neighbors, Mkomazi offers a unique safari experience with its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Your journey into Mkomazi begins at the park’s entrance gate, where you’ll be greeted by the sight of towering baobab trees and sprawling savannahs. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Keep an eye out for the elusive African wild dog, as Mkomazi is one of the few places where you can spot these endangered predators. As you explore further, you’ll come across the Usambara Mountains, a breathtaking backdrop to the park’s landscape. The mountains are home to a variety of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. You may also encounter the rare black rhino, which has been successfully reintroduced to the park after facing extinction.
The main Zange Gate is a few kilometres from the town of Same, about 2–3 hours by road from Moshi and 4 hours from Arusha.
Explore popular animals that easy found on this world-class destinations
Diceros bicornis
Lycaon pictus
Loxodonta africana
Giraffa tippelskirchi
Equus quagga
Litocranius walleri
Tragelaphus imberbis
Oryx beisa
Explore dry savannah and bushland beneath the Usambara and Pare mountains, looking for elephant, giraffe, zebra and dry-country specialists such as gerenuk, lesser kudu and fringe-eared oryx.
Mkomazi's fenced sanctuary protects a breeding population of critically endangered black rhinos. Visits can be arranged to learn about this conservation success.
The park is known for its work with the endangered African wild dog, and visitors can learn about the breeding and reintroduction programme.
More than 400 bird species live in the park, including many dry-country birds rarely seen elsewhere in northern Tanzania.
On clear days the park offers views of Kilimanjaro to the north-west and the Usambara Mountains to the south.
Wildlife is easier to see as animals gather near water, and the roads are in good condition. Clear days bring views of Kilimanjaro.
The bush turns green and birdlife is at its best, but heavy rain can make some roads impassable.
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