Key facts
| Area | 3,245 km² |
|---|---|
| Location and distance from Arusha | North-eastern Tanzania in the area from Moshi to Tanga, 207 km |
| Getting there | about 4 hours from Arusha by road |
| Park fee per person per day | 30 USD, children aged 5 to 15 years 10 USD, under 5 years free, plus 18% VAT. |
| Best months | June to October, January to February |
| Typical wildlife | Elephants, giraffes, black rhinos, African wild dogs, lions |
| Accommodation | Babu's Camp, Mkomazi View Camp |
Highlights and wildlife
The park lies between the Kilimanjaro massif and the Pare Mountains and, together with Tsavo National Park in Kenya, forms a cross-border ecosystem. You drive through dry savannahs, acacia bush and open plains framed by mountain ranges. Seasonal rivers run through the area and create important habitats. Elephants move along these watercourses. Giraffes, zebras and buffalo graze in the open plains, joined by antelopes such as oryx, elands and Grant’s gazelles. The birdlife is also worth a look, including many birds of prey.
A protected reserve within the park is home to the critically endangered black rhino. Mkomazi is one of the few areas in Tanzania where this species is specifically protected. African wild dogs have also been reintroduced here; they are very shy and you need luck to spot one. Lions and leopards also live in the park, but because of its size you see them less often than in other national parks. The small number of visitors ensures that wildlife viewing remains quiet and undisturbed.
Best time to visit
The dry season lasts from June to October. The tracks are then in good condition, and the animals stay closer to the waterholes. January and February also offer good conditions for a safari. During the rainy seasons the park appears green and vast; wildlife viewing remains possible, but the game spreads out more across the area. In principle, the park can be visited all year round.
| Month | Weather | Animals |
|---|---|---|
Good safari conditions | ||
Dry season, better tracks | ||
Lush and wide open |
Fees and rules
The park fee is 30 USD per person per day. Children aged 5 to 15 pay 10 USD, children under 5 are free of charge. 18% VAT is added to these amounts. The fees are based on the official TANAPA tariff.
Getting there and combinations
You reach the park by road from Arusha or Moshi; it lies between Moshi and Tanga. Mkomazi is a quiet contrast to the busier parks in the north and complements the classic route well. You can combine the park with Kilimanjaro National Park, Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti or Saadani National Park.
