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

 

Top photo credit: Lee Ann Zobbe

 

Christine M. (USA)

January 13, 2016

“We truly enjoyed our trip to Tanzania with Access to Tanzania. From the beginning, Karen did an excellent job of listening to our needs and explaining everything we had questions about. She even called us after her usual work hours so it was more convenient for us to plan our trip. She created an itinerary for us based on her knowledge of Tanzania and what we wanted to do. Everything on our trip went smoothly. We couldn’t be more pleased with our choice in companies and would refer Access to Tanzania to anyone interested in visiting this wonderful place. There are many companies out there to choose from. We used the internet reviews to pick Access to Tanzania, and we are so very glad that we did. Their slogan is “No worries. We know Tanzania.” Their slogan is very true. They do know Tanzania, and they know what they are doing in terms of planning the best safari vacation that one could experience.”