Mkomazi National Park
Description: Set below the verdant slopes of the spectacular Usambara and Pare Eastern Arc Mountain ranges and overseen by the iconic snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro, Mkomazi is a breathtaking park, exhibiting unique natural treasures and an immense sense of space. 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. Mkomazi is a 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.
Location: Northern circuit, 3.5 hours from Moshi
Things 2 Do: Game Drives, Guided Walks, Night Game Drives, Sundowners, Visits to Conservation Projects
Time: 2 nights is optimal given the transit time to get to/from the park.
Animals: Giraffe, oryx, gerenuk, hartebeest, lesser kudu, eland, impala and grant’s gazelle share the park with elephants, buffalo and numerous predators including lions, leopards and cheetah. With over 450 species of birds recorded at the park, it is a birder’s paradise. And don’t forget the conservation work being done with black rhinos and wild dogs!
Accommodations:
$$$
Babu’s Camp
Mkomazi Wilderness Retreat
“Incredible. If you’re planning a safari, look no further—Access 2 Tanzania delivers a truly exceptional experience from start to finish. The company is both highly professional and refreshingly personal. We loved that we had a single point of contact throughout the process—Karen, the owner—which made planning seamless and stress-free. Communication was excellent; they were always available for questions but also consistently one step ahead, guiding us through everything from visas to immunizations. Their client-first approach was clear in every interaction. The accommodations they selected for us were outstanding, and early in the process we appreciated being able to explore different options and costs to find what worked best for us. We felt supported, informed, and excited every step of the way.”