Region: Kilimanjaro
Access: By road or flight
Attractions: Black rhinos, wild dogs, wild animals
Activities: Safari
Accommodation: Available within the park and nearby
Best time to visit: All year round
Useful link: Mkomazi National Park - TANAPA
The name Mkomazi comes from the Pare-ethnic language, specifically from the words "Mko" and "Mazi". "Mko" refers to a small wooden spoon that they use for eating, while "Mazi" means water. This suggests that the water available in the park is so scarce that it wouldn't even be enough to fill up a tiny wooden spoon
Mkomazi National Park is situated in a stunning location, surrounded by the majestic Pare and Usambara mountains. On clear days, visitors can even catch a glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park shares its northern border with Kenya’s Tsavo National Park, creating a vast and important protected ecosystem that attracts migratory herds of elephants, oryx, and zebras during the wet season. Together, Mkomazi and Tsavo form one of the largest and most significant protected areas on our planet
The landscape of Mkomazi resembles that of a desert, marking the southern tip of the Sahel zone. The park name, Mkomazi, also comes from the Pare-ethnic language, specifically from the words “Mko” and “Mazi”. “Mko” refers to a small wooden spoon that they use for eating, while “Mazi” means water. This suggests that the water available in the park is so scarce that it wouldn’t even be enough to fill up a tiny wooden spoon. During the dry season, the park has special arrangements of pouring water into some of the ponds and locations within the park so the animals can at least be hydrated due to the shortage of water in the area
Mkomazi National Park boasts a remarkable inhabitant, the black rhinoceros. These endangered creatures, known as part of the big five, have adapted to the arid environment by grazing during the cooler parts of the day and seeking shade when the sun is at its peak. They also indulge in refreshing mud baths when they’re not busy munching on vegetation. To protect their dwindling population, a dedicated sanctuary within the park ensures their safety with round-the-clock surveillance
Another captivating sight in Mkomazi is the African wild dogs. These unique canines stand out with their long legs and four toes per foot, distinguishing them from other dog species. Living in close-knit packs, they communicate through physical contact, actions, and vocalizations. Witnessing the abundance of these fascinating creatures is an extraordinary experience that awaits visitors to Mkomazi National Park
In addition to the black rhinos and African wild dogs, Mkomazi is teeming with a diverse array of 450 species. During an exciting game drive, visitors have the opportunity to spot various animals, including the vibrant go-away birds and majestic ostriches. The park is also home to an abundance of doves, weavers, and guinea fowl, adding to the rich tapestry of wildlife that thrives in this unique ecosystem
Mkomazi National Park is situated in a stunning location, surrounded by the majestic Pare and Usambara mountains. On clear days, visitors can even catch a glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park shares its northern border with Kenya’s Tsavo National Park, creating a vast and important protected ecosystem that attracts migratory herds of elephants, oryx, and zebras during the wet season. Together, Mkomazi and Tsavo form one of the largest and most significant protected areas on our planet
The landscape of Mkomazi resembles that of a desert, marking the southern tip of the Sahel zone. The park name, Mkomazi, also comes from the Pare-ethnic language, specifically from the words “Mko” and “Mazi”. “Mko” refers to a small wooden spoon that they use for eating, while “Mazi” means water. This suggests that the water available in the park is so scarce that it wouldn’t even be enough to fill up a tiny wooden spoon. During the dry season, the park has special arrangements of pouring water into some of the ponds and locations within the park so the animals can at least be hydrated due to the shortage of water in the area
Mkomazi National Park boasts a remarkable inhabitant, the black rhinoceros. These endangered creatures, part of the Big Five, have
adapted to the arid environment by grazing during the cooler parts of the day and seeking shade when the sun is at its peak. They also indulge in refreshing mud baths when they’re not busy munching on vegetation. To protect their dwindling population, a dedicated sanctuary within the park ensures their safety with round-the-clock surveillance
Another captivating sight in Mkomazi is the African wild dogs. These unique canines stand out with their long legs and four toes per foot, distinguishing them from other dog species. Living in close-knit packs, they communicate through physical contact, actions, and vocalizations. Witnessing the abundance of these fascinating creatures is an extraordinary experience that awaits visitors to Mkomazi National Park
In addition to the black rhinos and African wild dogs, Mkomazi is teeming with a diverse array of 450 species. During an exciting game drive, visitors have the opportunity to spot various animals, including the vibrant go-away birds and majestic ostriches. The park is also home to an abundance of doves, weavers, and guinea fowl, adding to the rich tapestry of wildlife that thrives in this unique ecosystem
Mkomazi National Park, known for its diverse wildlife including the big five, is located within the Mkomazi-Tsavo ecosystem. This ecosystem is the second largest transboundary ecosystem in East Africa, after the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem
Interesting facts about Mkomazi National Park
- Each black rhino in Mkomazi National Park has a name and is identified using ear notches and/or natural marks
- The name Mkomazi is derived from the Pare-ethnic language, specifically from the words “Mko” and “Mazi”. “Mko” refers to a small wooden spoon that they use for eating, while “Mazi” means water. This suggests that the water available in the park is so scarce that it wouldn’t even be enough to fill up a tiny wooden spoon
- Mkomazi National Park is home to over 450 types of birds, and the only spot in Tanzania where you can see the magnificent vulturine guinea fowl
Getting to Mkomazi National Park
The Park can be reached by both road and air. If you choose to travel by road, it is approximately 120km from Moshi, Kilimanjaro, or about 500km from Dar es Salaam. Once you arrive in Same, you can access the nearest entry gate, which is 8km away. Additionally, the Park can be easily accessed through Njiro, Kivingo, and Umba gates with prior arrangements. On the other hand, if you prefer to travel by air, there are chartered flights available to Kisima airstrip, located in the center of the park near the rhino sanctuary
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