Travel to Mkomazi

The Mkomazi National Park is a hidden gem in northeastern Tanzania, below the slopes of the Para and Usambara Mountains. The Kilimanjaro can be seen on the horizon.

The relatively new park is known for its many bird species (over 400), the black rhino conservation program and the Nyika bush landscape dotted with baobabs and acacias.


  • Area 3234 km2
  • Inhabitants 0
  • Dry season June to November
  • Green season March to May

About Mkomazi National Park

Mkomazi has a diverse landscape and offers various options for safaris, hiking and bird watching.
Despite the good accessibility, Mkomazi is still far off the beaten track and you will hardly meet anyone here.

Landscape of Mkomazi

The Mkomazi National Park is located 300-1600 m above sea level and is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from savannas and dry forests to riverbanks and mountainous areas.

The nyika bush landscape is dotted with baobabs and acacia trees, interrupted by low, rocky hills.

The contrast with the dry savannah areas in the park and the green forests of the adjacent mountains of Pares and Usambara is great.

Despite its relative ease of access, Mkomazi is still well off the beaten track.

Climate & season in Mkomazi

Het klimaat in Mkomazi is tropisch en heeft afwisselende nat en droge perioden. De temperatuur in Mkomazi National Park is het hele jaar door aangenaam warm, met temperaturen van rond de 27-31 graden. De nachten zijn rond de 22 graden. De hoger gelegen gebieden zijn wel iets koeler.

Maart t/m mei
Groene maanden, met in april de meeste regen. De wegen zijn het hele jaar door wel begaanbaar.

Juni t/m september
De koelere periode breekt aan. Er valt weinig regen en de temperatuur is dan gemiddeld 27 graden overdag en 21 graden ‘s nachts.

Oktober en november
Het is het einde van het droge seizoen. Af en toe valt er een bui. Het is nog steeds goed weer. Met overdag maximaal rond de 30 graden en ‘s nachts rond de 22 graden.

December t/m februari
De warme maanden. De luchtvochtigheid is hoog en het kan erg heet aanvoelen. De middagtemperaturen zijn meestal rond de 28 graden en ‘s nachts 23 graden. Op de hoger gelegen gebieden koelt het ‘s nachts beter af. De neerslag varieert.

Interesting facts about Mkomazi

1. The Mkomazi National Park is named after the Mkomazi River that flows through it.

2. The area was established as a game reserve in 1951. In 2008, the Umba and Mkomazi Game Reserves were merged into a national park; the Mkomazi National Park.

3. The park has two protection programs for two highly endangered species; one for the charismatic black rhino and also one for the social African wild dog. The rhinos are behind an electric fence.

4. The Mkomazi National Park has a unique ecosystem, due to its connection  of the biogeographical region of the Sahara Desert with that of Central Africa. For this reason, a number of animal species in Mkomazi are not found anywhere else in Tanzania.

5. The original inhabitants of the Mkomazi area are the Parakuyo. But due to increasing overgrazing of their (80,000) cattle, nature here was seriously threatened. In the 1980s, grazing permits were withdrawn for all Parakyo and Maasai herders. No livestock farmers have lived in the park since 1988.

6. Since Mkomazi became a National Park, poaching, livestock grazing, fires and other illegal activities have decreased dramatically. Nature in the park has now been restored to good health. Together with the George Adamson African Wildlife Preservation Trust, the road network has been improved and several water catchment areas have been created.

7. The fact that this successful nature conservation effort has won is not exactly good news for the evicted residents. Return is unfortunately excluded. But working with schools and supporting other local needs improves relationships with local communities

Activities

There is plenty of peace and space in Mkomazi. Here you are visiting the black rhino and the African wild dog.

In addition to safaris by jeep, you can take beautiful walking safaris here and look for the wide variety of plants and animals.
Mkomazi is a true bird watcher’s paradise!

Mkomazi National ParkMkomazi National ParkMkomazi National Park

Walking safari

In addition to the classic jeep safari, you can also take adventurous walking safaris here. Together with a ranger you will explore all facets of the park. You won’t get any closer to nature.

The walks range from a leisurely one-hour stroll to a 3-hour walk over some hills to reach a better viewpoint.

Rhinos and wild dogs

In 1989, the government of Tanzania invited Tony Fitzjohn of The George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust to collaborate on habitat restoration and reintroduction of the endangered black rhino and African wild dog.

A rhino sanctuary – Mbula Rhino Reserve – has been established as well as a breeding program for the African wild dog in a small area nearby. Both programs have been very successful, allowing many of the African wild dogs to be released. Due to the proximity of several villages around Mkomazi National Park, the wild dogs are released in the Serengeti.

The rhinos can also be viewed up close. An electric fence has been placed around two areas where the black rhino is located. One is for breeding and one is for visitors.

Bird watching

Mkomazi National Park is home to more than 400 bird species, several of which are endemic to this area of Tanzania. These endemic species include the Violet Woodcock, the Somali Long-billed Crombec, Friedmann’s Lark and the Yellow-bellied Emomela.

Birds of prey and ground birds in particular are plentiful in Mkomazi National Park and some of the best places for bird watching are at Zange, Dindira, Mbula, Babus, Norbanda, Ngurunga and Maore.

Video

Mkomazi Rhino Guardians

Animals in the environment

In this bird paradise, returning herds of elephants can also be seen more and more often.
Besides the leopard, four of the Big Five can be seen in Mkomazi: black rhino, lion, elephant and buffalo.

Common animals include: oryx, eland, dik-dik, gerenuk, ostriches and hartebeest.
But also impalas, giraffes, zebras, vervet monkeys and cheetahs.

Click here for the wildlife overview

Dieren overzicht Mkomazi National Park

  • Antelope
  • Buffalo
  • Cheetah
  • Dik-dik
  • Diverse bird species
  • Elephant
  • Giraffe
  • Hartebeest
  • Impala
  • Kudu antelope
  • Lion
  • Moose
  • Rhino
  • Vervet monkey
  • Zebra

Imagining yourself in Mkomazi National Park yet?

Have a look at other example trips that can be fully adapted to your wishes or contact us directly!!

example trips trip advice

Properties in Mkomazi National Park

Beautifully situated among the baobab and acacia trees and overlooking the Dindira valley.

Stylish, eco and under the watchful eye of Kilimanjaro.

Mkomazi View Camp

Mkomazi National Park, North Tanzania
Tented camp
€ 205 to € 250 pppn (full board)