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

 

Graham F (Australia)

August 16, 2010

“Karen did a wonderful job with our itinerary. We exchanged very many emails over many weeks before we arrived at the final version and all the time Karen was very responsive. Within Tanzania the organisaion was just as efficient. On the few occassions the unexpected occurred we found the people on the ground very attentive and quick to respond. A2T’s expert and personalised service gave us the experience we had dreamed of.”