MKOMAZI NATIONAL PARK

Mkomazi National Park is in north-eastern Tanzania on the Kenyan border. It is a 32,3400-square-kilometer national park and home to many wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, and buffalo. The park is also home to rare and endangered species like the black rhinoceros and the Grevy's zebra.

Mkomazi is a relatively young National Park established in 1951, originally designated as a game reserve but was announced as a national park in 2006. The location of Mkomazi National Park is in a semi-arid region, and the vegetation is a mix of savanna, woodland, and scrubland.

Mkomazi is a popular destination for safaris. The park is home to many animals, and it is relatively easy to see them. The park is also an excellent place for birdwatching, with over 400 species of birds recorded.

Things to see in Mkomazi National Park:

Black rhinoceros: Mkomazi is one of the few places in Africa where you can see black rhinoceroses in the wild. The park has a breeding program for black rhinos and offers special tours to see them up close.

Wild dogs: Mkomazi is one of the best places in Tanzania to see wild dogs. These rare and endangered carnivores are known for their complex social behavior and hunting techniques.

Gerenuk: The gerenuk is a unique antelope known for its long neck and ability to stand on its hind legs to reach leaves from tall trees. They are relatively common in Mkomazi National Park.

Beisa oryx: The beisa oryx is another unique antelope in Mkomazi National Park. They are known for their long horns and distinctive black and white stripes.

Other wildlife: Mkomazi National Park has other wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and antelopes.

Things to do in Mkomazi National Park:

  • Game drives:
    • Game drives are the best way to see the wildlife in Mkomazi National Park. Several tour operators offer game drives in the park.
  • Walking safaris:
    • Walking safaris offer a more intimate experience of the wildlife in Mkomazi National Park.
    • Armed rangers and experienced guides will help you spot and identify the animals.
  • Birdwatching:
    • Mkomazi is home to over 400 species of birds. You can enjoy doing a birdwatching.
  • Cultural experiences:
    • There is an opportunity to learn about the local Maasai culture while visiting Mkomazi National Park.

When to go:

The best time to visit Mkomazi National Park is during the dry season, from June to October. At this time, the weather is sunny and mild, and the animals are more easily spotted as they congregate around the remaining water sources. The vegetation is also thinner, making it easier to see the animals.

However, Mkomazi is one of the parks that is good to visit year-round. During the wet season, from November to May, the park is lush and green, and the elephants migrate from Tsavo National Park to Mkomazi in search of food and water. It is a great time to see large herds of elephants and other wild animals like lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Booking:

Book your safari in advance, especially if your plan to visit is during peak season.

What to take:

Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, a charger, a backup battery, a backup memory card, long sleeves, a hat, a headlamp or a torch, and insect repellent.

What to follow:

  • Respect the wildlife and the environment.
  • Obey the National Parks rules.
  • Do not litter or feed wildlife.