Mkomazi is one of Tanzania’s least visited national parks. It lies in the north-east, along the border with Kenya’s Tsavo West, in dry bushland below the Pare and Usambara mountains. It became a national park in 2008 and is best known for conservation work: a black rhino sanctuary and a breeding programme for African wild dogs.
Mkomazi at a glance
| Size | about 3,200 km² |
| Location | North-east Tanzania, bordering Tsavo West in Kenya |
| Best known for | Black rhino sanctuary, wild dogs, dry-country species |
| Best time | June to October, January to February |
| Recommended stay | 1–2 nights |
Conservation in Mkomazi
By the 1980s, poaching and overgrazing had badly damaged the area. Long-term conservation work since then has restored much of it. Two projects stand out:
- Black rhino sanctuary. A fenced, guarded area where black rhinos are protected and bred, with some moved to other parks.
- African wild dog programme. Wild dogs have been bred and released to help restore populations in the region.
Visits to the sanctuary are limited and arranged in advance. Ask us when you plan.
Wildlife
- Dry-country antelopes: gerenuk, lesser kudu and fringe-eared oryx, which are rare elsewhere in Tanzania.
- Elephants and giraffes, which move across the border with Tsavo.
- Predators: lions, leopards, cheetahs and wild dogs, though sightings are less frequent than in the north.
- Birds: more than 400 species, including many dry-country birds.
Mkomazi compared with the northern parks
| Mkomazi | Northern circuit | |
|---|---|---|
| Wildlife density | Lower | High |
| Vehicles | Very few | More, especially in peak season |
| Special species | Gerenuk, oryx, lesser kudu | Migration herds, big cats |
| Landscape | Dry bush, hills, baobabs | Plains, crater, lakes |
Best time to visit
The dry months from June to October are best for spotting animals, and the short dry spell in January and February is also good. Rain in April and May can make some tracks difficult. On clear mornings, Kilimanjaro is visible to the north-west.
How to include Mkomazi
- After Kilimanjaro: it is close to Moshi and a quiet way to rest after a climb. See our Machame Route.
- With the Usambara Mountains: hiking, villages and forest a short drive away.
- On the way to the coast: Mkomazi sits on the road towards Tanga and Pangani.
It suits travellers who have already seen the classic parks. For a first trip, start with the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire, or our Grand Northern. For rules in all parks, read Tanzania national park rules.
Frequently asked questions
Mkomazi has a fenced black rhino sanctuary inside the park. Visits are by arrangement and are not guaranteed, so ask us when you book.
About four to five hours by road, via Moshi and Same. It is closer to Kilimanjaro and the Usambara Mountains.
It works best as an extra on a second trip or after a Kilimanjaro climb. Game is thinner than in the northern parks, but it is very quiet.
