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
“Without Access2Tanzania we probably never would have gone to Africa. A2T made it possible. Everyone we encountered A2T was friendly and helpful, both here in the US and in Tanzania. We were very pleased with the itinerary that was set for our trip. It was perfect. The range of parks and reserves was varied and interesting. The accommodations were comfortable and gave us great insight into choosing places to stay for our next trip (hopefully). Inserting the experience of going to Nyamuswa was a wonderful counterpoint to our time in the parks with the animals and birds. It really made the trip special. Our guide Mussa was friendly, knowledgeable and resourceful. We never got tired of spending nearly 12 hours a day with him. He may have gotten tired of us.”