Mkomazi National Park is located in the North Eastern Part of Tanzania at the base of the Usambara and Pare Mountains, offering visitors an authentic, unspoiled experience of East African wildlife and wilderness. Covering an area of approximately 3,230 square kilometers, Mkomazi is rich in biodiversity, spectacular terrain landscapes and wildlife sightings.

Mkomazi National Park is situated North East of Tanzania bordering Kenya to the North within the  Tanga region. The park is suitably positioned between the Usambara Mountains to the west and the Pare Mountains to the east and within Kilimanjaro National Park to the South. The terrain landscape at Mkomazi National Park is diverse with a combination of open savannah, scrubland and scattered woodland.

Wildlife in the Park

Mkomazi National Park inhabits various wildlife animal species which include; the African wild dog, black rhino, elephants, Giraffes, lions, cheetahs, antelopes, elands, gazelles, impalas.

Birdlife in the park

Mkomazi National Park is an ideal bird watchers paradise as there are various species that fly around their natural forest habitat. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in the park and these inhabit the wetlands, woodlands and savannah. The bird species you watch include; bustards, vultures, eagles, hawks etc.

Other than bird species, you can watch reptiles i.e snakes, lizards, frogs, toads etc. The terrain landscape includes dry semi arid climate with flora like Savannah, Woodlands, Rivers, Wetlands, Mountains and Hills.

Activities in the Park

Mkomazi National Park offers remarkable activities and adventures travelers can engage in and these include;

Game Drives

Game drives in the park are exceptional as you get to watch many wildlife animals wander around their natural vegetation habitat. These are scheduled morning and late afternoon and are led by a park ranger guide who informs you about the park as well as the many wildlife animals. You watch wildlife animals wander around their natural habitat as you transfer from one point to another seated in a 4×4 wheel drive taking many photos to keep.

Birdwatching

Bird watching in the park is also exceptional for avid birders as there are over 400 bird species that have been recorded in the park. There are both resident and migratory species i.e Go away birds, Ostriches, Long Crested Eagles, Hoopes, Bustards, Doves, Hornbills, Weavers and Guinea-Fowl, martial eagle and violet Wood-Hoopoe etc.

Walking Safaris

Walking Safaris are incredible to do and are led by park ranger guides who inform you about the park as well as the various safari adventures you can do in the park. For a more immersive experience, visitors can join guided walking safaris. The wildlife animals you watch include; Black Rhinos, wild dogs and more than 450 bird species. All the walking safaris start from the main gate.

How to Get There

Mkomazi National Park can be accessed by use of both road and air transport as the park is located about 200 kilometers from the coastal city of Tanga which is nearby the closest major urban center. It is also accessible by road from Dar es Salaam, Tanga and Moshi.

By Air, travelers can fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (about 150 kilometers away) or directly into Tanga Airport, where they can then drive to the park.