Mkomazi National Park | Wildlife Safaris & Rhino Sanctuary in Tanzania
Location, History and Facts about Mkomazi National Park
Mkomazi National Park, is located in northeastern Tanzania near the Kenyan border in the Tanga region. So, it’s just beneath the eastern slopes of Para and Usambara mountains. Also, Mkomazi lies between Mount Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean. Hence, it forms part of the larger Tsavo ecosystem, which extends into Kenya’s Tsavo National Park. Hence, this national park offers top tourist attractions in Tanzania for sightseers to witness and be thrilled by.
Mkomazi National Park Tanzania was first gazetted as a game reserve in 1951. So, this was aimed at protecting the numerous wildlife in Tanzania that were found in the perimeter. Later, when it continued to expand, Mkomazi was upgraded to a national park in 2008 to enhance conservation efforts. Mkomazi Park Tanzania, is particularly famous for its rhino sanctuary. This plays a vital role in protecting the critically endangered black rhinoceros in Africa.
Mkomazi National Park is under the protection of TANAPA, which is a government organization managing the 22 Tanzania National Parks. This park is one of the least-visited national parks in Tanzania. In addition, this is because Mkomazi is located in a remote area. Mkomazi in Tanzania sits on approximately 3,200 to 3,500 km². It also provides the most unique and lesser-known wildlife to see during your safari in Tanzania.
There is a lot to discover about Mkomazi National Park. Here are the details to help you plan your safari to this park. Therefore, you’ll have a better idea and prepare efficiently for the Mkomazi safari.
How to get to Mkomazi National Park - Entry Gates & Access
Just like all Tanzania National Parks, Mkomazi also has its main gates and access points. Also, we shall explore the different ways how to get to this national park in Tanzania. So, visitors to Mkomazi Tanzania, access the park by road and air as explained below.
- By Road: Mkomazi park in Tanzania is accessed by road, about a 6-hour drive from Arusha and 2 hours from Moshi to Xange (Zange) Gate. Also, visitors using road means Mkomazi National Park can use Njiro, Kivingo, and Umba Gates as well.
- By Air: You can air means of transport to get to Mkomazi in Tanzania. Visitors can use International flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport and take a road transfer to Mkomazi np. Then use domestic flights to Kisima Airstrip, which is right next to the rhino sanctuary within this park.
Mkomazi National Park Map
Climate and Weather in Mkomazi Park in Tanzania
Unlike other Tanzania national parks, Mkomazi National Park experiences a semi‑arid climate with warm temperatures year-round . This climate in Mkomazi is characterized by warm to hot temperatures year-round. Also, has two major seasons (wet and dry season). Mkomazi in Tanzania has short rains mostly in the months of October to December. Yet again, it has longer periods of rain in the months of March to May.Dry seasons in Mkomazi Np are in the months from June through October. Also, most cases occur in the month of January.
The temperature in Mkomazi National Park Tanzania, usually ranges from afternoon highs:27 °C (81 °F), to nighttime lows: 16 °C (61 °F) in the dry seasons. Also, afternoon temperatures:29 °C (84 °F) and nighttime lows:19 °C (66 °F) in wet seasons. Hence, making it very comfortable for wildlife safaris at the Mkomazi National Park.
But it should as well be noted that mkomazi national park is majorly influenced by this type of weather. Additionally, because of its location (northeastern Tanzania) and due to its topological diversity, it creates a semi–arid climate. The Usambara mountains intercept moisture-laden clouds, which results in Mkomazi being in the rain shadow. Hence causing the this national park’s aridity in Tanzania.
To make the most of your visit to Mkomazi National Park, consider booking a guided tour to the Rhino Sanctuary
Worst/Best time to visit Mkomazi National Park Tanzania
Before visiting Tanzania for your safari to Mkomazi National Park, make sure you know the best and worst time.
Best Time to Visit Mkomazi for a safari tour
The best months to visit Tanzania for a safari in Mkomazi Park are from June to October during the dry season. Additionally, it’s because there is less rain, hence making it easy to navigate the national park. Roads are dry so navigation into the Mkomazi NP is easy. So, enjoy natures walks from the different trails in the park like Dindira Trail and Mbula Hill Trail, permitting you a better view of this park’s attractions in Tanzania.
Animals tend to gather around the water sources like umba river, kisma dam, and human made water infrastructures in Mkomazi national park. So, this makes it very possible to track and spot animals as they are taking water. This kind of safari experience in Mkomazi is truly mind-blowing and excellent to be a part of through game drives.
Worst months to visit Mkomazi Park Tanzania
The worst time for a safari in Mkomazi national park, is in months March–May (long rains) and (November–December (short rains). Since this is the wet season, the roads, trails like Dindira Trail and Mbula Hill Trail become very slippery and hard to navigate. Hence, become hard to hike and get to the park theferore leading to bad safari experiences on your trip to Mkomazi.
The long rains create other temporary water ,sources making it so that animals not need to gather in just one area. So, this makes it hard to track animals from the normal water sources like those in the dry season.
Wildlife in Mkomazi national park Tanzania
When it comes to wildlife in mkomazi national park, its highlights is the 30 % of Tanzania’s total black rhino population. On a Mkomazi safari safari tour, expect to see lots of mammals, birds and lots more. Below is the wildlife existing at this national park.
- Mammals: Mkomazi is has over 78 mammal species in Tanzania. These mammals are spotted everywhere in the park. They include some Tanzania big 5 safari animals like black rhinoceros, elephants, buffalo. Other mammals are African wild dogs,giraffes, eland, hartebeest, Grant’s gazelle, impala, lesser kudu, fringe‑eared oryx, gerenuk. Mammals that are predators in Mkomazi include lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas but not commonly sighted.
- Birds: Mkomazi in Tanzania has about 400 to 450 bird species. Among these species carries along endemic dry-country and migratory species. Some of birds to see include Vulturine Guinea Fowl, Shelley’s Starling, three‑streaked tchagra, secretary bird, and kori bustard.
Activities and things to do in Mkomazi
In order to have the best safari experience at Mkomazi national park, engage in its activities. The top Tanzania things to do within the park include; game drives, birding, nature walks and floral studies. Here is what to know about these top four safari activities to do in Mkomazi national park Tanzania with family, couples and kids.
1. Game Drives:
Game drives are the most sought for Africa safari activity in Mkomazi park. Additionally, these game drives in mornings and afternoons in our strong 4×4 vehicles in Tanzania. Witness wild animals during these game drives in Mkomazi NP like the big 5 safari animals in Tanzania,zebras, giraffe, oryx, and antelopes. Also, see the open savannahs of this Tanzania park.
2. Bird Watching in Mkomazi
Since Mkomazi national park has over 400 to 450 bird species, its perfect for birdwatching tours in Tanzania. Spot birds in this parklike Vulturine Guinea Fowl, Shelley’s Starling, three‑streaked tchagra, secretary bird, and kori bustard.
3. Guided Nature Walks
Engage in nature walks which are led by well-trained safari guides through the different trails of Mkomazi Tanzania. Also, these nature walks permit you to closely see the flora and fauna found in the national park. Have nature walks through acacia‑combretum woodland, Dindira Trail (4 km, ~3 hrs) and Mbula Hill Trail (5 km, ~4 hrs) within Mkomazi national park.
4. Rhino Sanctuary Visits
Visit the rhino sanctuary in Mkomazi National Park Tanzania. See and study about the thecritically endangered black rhinos under supervision within fenced conservation zones.
Mkomazi Gate Entry Fees
Mkomazi park is visited at a cost and these gate entrance fees paid help in the mentainance of the national park’s perimeters. It should also be noted that these fees are not fixed and they can change at any given time of the year they are as below;
- Non‑resident adult entry fee: Likely in the $50–60 per day range.
- East African residents & children: Usually discounted (e.g. $25–30, with Tanzanian citizens paying less in local currency).
Accommodations in Mkomazi, Tanzania
Mkomazi national park continues to attract visitors to wake up in the wilderness. Get ready to sleep under canopy stars and wake to the call of the wild. This park offers accommodations, including luxury lodges, tented camps, and cheap hotels in Tanzania. Seeking a rustic charm, eco luxury or and exciting bush adventure.
There are options to select from depending on your budget of your safari in Mkomazi Park in Tanzania. The most recommended accommodation opyions in this park include the following below;
Luxury and Mid‑range lodges in Mkomazi, Tanzania
Mmid-range and luxury lodges in Mkomazi National Park offer the best kind of services to clients at the park. They include Babu’s Camp, Kisima Ngeda Tented Camp and Mambo Viewpoint Eco-Lodge.
Budget / Camping in Mkomazi NP Tanzania
There are campingsites around Mkomazi national park which offer great services to sightseers at a budget. Talk to our trip experts from Tanzania National Parks Safari Company if you want camping safaris in Mkomazi Tanzania.
Affordable Luxury Mkomazi National Park Safari Packages
Want to go for a safari to Mkomazi Park in Tanzania? Well, we got you. We have affordable luxury safari packages for Mkomazi National Park which you can customise. Reserve now, get a quotation ASAP and plan your Tanzania safari tour to Mkomazi in time.
