Mkomazi National Park

Mkomazi National Park

Nestled below the Usambara and Pare Mountain Ranges, with the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro in the distance, Mkomazi National Park is a pristine wilderness rich in natural beauty. It serves as a bridge between Tanzania’s northern safari circuit and coastal attractions, offering visitors breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Thousands pass within a few kilometers of Mkomazi daily along one of Tanzania’s busiest highways, yet few stop to explore its hilly semi-arid savannah, home to giraffes, elands, hartebeests, zebras, buffaloes, and elephants.

Mkomazi is a critical sanctuary for two endangered species—the black rhino and the African wild dog, both reintroduced in the 1990s. While nomadic wild dogs roam freely, black rhinos are protected within a fenced sanctuary, ensuring their survival for future generations. The park also supports rare dry-country species, including the fringe-eared oryx, lesser kudu, and the distinctive gerenuk, a long-necked gazelle that stands on hind legs to browse acacia leaves.

A game reserve since 1951, Mkomazi became a National Park, its name derived from a Pare tribal word meaning "scoop of water," reflecting its arid landscape. It’s a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting 450 recorded species, including vulturine guinea fowl, ostriches, kori bustards, secretary birds, ground hornbills, and migratory species like the Eurasian roller.



Location: Northern Tanzania split between Kilimanjaro and Tanga administrative regions. The park borders on the west the Tsavo National Park in Kenya. The Zange entrance gate lies 112 km (69 miles) from Moshi, 550 km (341 miles) from Mwalimu J. K. Nyerere International Airport – Dar es Salaam, 142 km (88.7 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport, 120 km (75 miles) from Kilimanjaro National Park and 6 km (3.7 miles) from the town of Same.

Mkomazi National Park Facts

Mkomazi National Park lies on the Kenyan border, spanning Kilimanjaro and Tanga regions in Northern Tanzania. Originally established as a game reserve in 1951, the park covers over 3,234 square kilometers. It was formed by merging two former reserves—the Umba Game Reserve in the east and the Mkomazi Game Reserve in the west—creating a vast, ecologically rich conservation area.

Interesting Facts about Mkomazi :

• The name Mkomazi originates from a combination of two words: "Mko" and "Mazi." In the Pare language, "Mko" refers to a small traditional wooden spoon used for eating, while "Mazi" means water. This unique name reflects the cultural and geographical heritage of the region.
• The National Park is located in Northern Tanzania within two Regions of Kilimanjaro and Tanga.
• The national park is spread across 3,245 sq km.
• Flowers and butterflies are the best attraction of the park and best seen from December to April.
• Mkomazi National Park is home to an astonishing 90% of Tanzania’s botanical species, making it one of the country’s richest biodiversity hotspots. Its diverse plant life supports a thriving ecosystem, providing shelter and sustenance for a wide range of wildlife