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
“Was a brilliantly organised trip. Casey gave good, honest advice and managed to fit everything into our itinerary. I felt well prepared before my trip and during. We had Fulgence as our guide and could not have had anyone better. He was so organised and so fun to be around. Given that our party consisted of 3 girls, he was very patient and joked around with us, which made our trip even better. Our cook ‘Big’ was great as well. A really good cook and was fun to be around too. We did not stop laughing for a week. The safari was amazing. Fulgence had eyes like a hawk – I have no idea how he spotted some of the animals he did. Overall we would recommend Access 2 Tanzania to anyone looking for a safari to Tanzania.”