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
“First of all, I love that it is associated with Project Zawadi. It felt good enjoying the tour and knowing we were contributing to educational projects in Tanzania. Everything was done professionally and very much catered to our needs. Our guides were fabulous! We asked them hundreds of questions and they could answer about most everything – animal habits, climate, geography. My companion was older and a good friend, but I found she often relied on my to carry her things, help her with her camera or help her in and out of the jeep. It wasn’t long before Wilfred noticed and stepped in. And he did it in a way that made her feel special. His taking on this extra responsibility allowed me to more freely enjoy myself and not miss some of the opportunities I might have if he had not been looking out for her. Ray told us, “You came us our guest but we left as friends.” I couldn’t agree more.”