Overview

Nestled at the foot of the Pare and Usambara Mountains, and bordering Kenya’s famous Tsavo West National Park, Mkomazi National Park remains one of Tanzania’s best-kept safari secrets. This arid yet breathtaking wilderness is a sanctuary for rare and endangered species, offering visitors a quieter, more exclusive safari experience far from the crowds. Its golden plains, acacia woodlands, and dramatic mountain backdrops create a setting of wild beauty and peaceful solitude.

Wildlife & Landscape

Mkomazi’s unique ecosystem bridges the dry savannahs of northern Tanzania and southern Kenya, supporting a fascinating variety of life. You can expect to encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, oryx, gerenuk, eland, buffalo, and a variety of predators including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas. The park is also home to two important conservation projects — the African Wild Dog Sanctuary and the Black Rhino Sanctuary, both contributing to the revival of these critically endangered species in Tanzania.

Its landscape — dotted with umbrella-shaped acacias and rugged hills — changes hues with the sun, shifting from golden dawns to fiery sunsets that light up the savannah.

Activities & Experiences

A day in Mkomazi offers a blend of wildlife adventure and raw connection with nature. Game drives provide excellent photographic opportunities without the bustle of large tourist groups. Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled by the park’s 450+ bird species, from ostriches and secretary birds to hornbills and kingfishers.

Visitors can also explore cultural encounters with the Pare and Sambaa communities, whose villages dot the nearby hillsides, or take guided nature walks for a deeper appreciation of the park’s ecology.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season (June to October) is best for game viewing, as wildlife gathers around the park’s few water sources. During the green season (November to April), the park transforms into a lush paradise, ideal for birdwatching and photography with Mount Kilimanjaro often visible in the distance.

Getting There

Mkomazi is located about 6–7 hours’ drive from Arusha and can also be reached from Moshi in approximately 4 hours. The journey takes travelers through scenic rural Tanzania, with glimpses of local life and the dramatic landscapes of the Eastern Arc Mountains.

For those short on time, charter flights from Arusha or Dar es Salaam can land at Kisima Airstrip near the park’s boundary.