Tanzania Northern Safaris
 

Mkomazi National Park

Situate below the verdant slopes of the spectacular Usambara and Pare Eastern Arc Mountain ranges and overseen by iconic snow – capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mkomazi National Park which covers 3,245 sq km (1,240 sq miles) is a virgin breathtaking beauty exhibiting exceptional natural treasures and immense sense of space - adds to the fulfillment of high visitor enjoyment expectations – a much needed bridge between northern circuit and coastal attractions.

A game reserve since 1951, this new National Park takes its name from Pare tribe's word for “scoop of water”, referring to little water. It is a fantastic destination for birdwatchers, with more than 400 avian species recorded, among them dry – country endemics such as the cobalt – chested vulturine guineafowl, other large ground birds such as ostrich, kori bustard, secretary bird, ground hornbill and some migratory species including Eurasian roller.

Mkomazi National Park supports several dry – country specialists species that are rare elsewhere in Tanzania; these include the

spectacular fringe – eared oryx, with its long back – sweeping horns, and the handsome spiral – horned lesser kudu. Oddest of all is the gerenuk, a gazelle distinguished by its slender neck, bizarre alien – like head, and habit of standing tall on its hind legs stretch for acacia leaves that other browsers cannot reach.

The park is vital refuge for two highly endangered species, the charismatic black rhino and sociable African wild dog, both of which were successfully reintroduced in the 1990s. Nomadic by nature, wild dog might be seen almost anywhere in the park, but black rhino are restricted to a fenced sanctuary, ensuring their safe keeping for future generations enjoyment and prosperity.

Everyday, thousands of people pass within a few kilometers of Mkomazi on one of Tanzania's busiest highways. These and northern circuit safari – goers are now most welcome to discover the treasures of this wedge of hilly semi – arid savannah – home of large herds of giraffe, eland, hartebeest, zebra, buffalo and elephant.

How to get there
By road, Mkomazi is easily accessible via Same, which lies on the surfaced highway connecting Arusha to Dar es Salaam. The Park is also easily accessible on special arrangement through Njiro, Kivingo and Umba gates. Park can also be easily accessed from nearby/close existing tourist attractions in Eastern Arc Mountains, Coast and Kilimanjaro Mountain. Charter flights are available to Kisima airstrip.

What to do
Game drives, camping, site seeing, bird watching, walking safari, and hiking (uphill). Learn more about conservation and rhinoceros at Mkomazi rhino sanctuary.

         
    Mountain Kilimanjaro National Park  
    Mkomazi National Park  
    Arusha National Park  
    Tarangire National Park  
    Lake Manyara National Park  
    Ngorongoro Crater  
    Serengeti National Park