Mkomazi National Park.
Most northern parks are quite famous for a reason: Serengeti for the Great Migration, Tarangire for elephants and baobabs, Ngorongoro Crater for the Big Five, Lake Manyara for the tree climbing lions, Mount Kilimanjaro, and more. But Mkomazi is the least-known park in this famous safari zone. It’s one of the hidden places where only curious, repeat visitors go to explore virgin landscapes. In this article, we’ll discuss this pristine, remote park. Let’s dive in!
What to see in Mkomazi?
Mkomazi has plenty of things to explore for visitors. This wilderness is still virgin and only sees a few guests per year. That means you have a lot to see. Here are some beautiful things worth seeing in Mkomazi.
The Big Five.
The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater may be famous for Big Five safaris, but Mkomazi is a peaceful addition to the list. With just a few safari cars going there to find these animals, the experience is spectacular. Simply put, it’s easier to spot black rhinos in Mkomazi than in the Serengeti. There are more than 30 eastern black rhinos in this 3,230 km2 expanse under constant surveillance by experienced rangers. Regarding other animals, the African leopard is occasional. Elephants and buffalo migrate from Tsavo National Park in Kenya to Mkomazi. You can always spot them near the Umba River or the Dindira Dam, where they go to quench their thirst. Lions are also available, but not as many as in the Serengeti.
The African wild dog.
Mkomazi is home to this restless, painted canid. Back in the 1980s, these hunting dogs roamed the wilderness in abundance. However, canine distemper (a disease) reduced its population to the brink of extinction. Thanks to efforts by the Fitzjohns, these dogs are plentiful in the Tsavo-Mkomazi ecosystem. They’re nomadic in nature, moving miles a day in search of prey. Their successful collaborative hunting technique makes them 98% successful in most of their hunting endeavors.
Other animals.
Mkomazi is home to other animals besides the Big Five and wild dogs. Here, you can find giraffes, oryx, gerenuk, impala, eland, hartebeest, Grant’s gazelle, lesser kudu, dik-dik, topi, hyena, wildebeest, zebra, and cheetahs.
Things to do in Mkomazi.
Game drives.
People come here to drive through rugged, untamed terrain in search of animals and birds. The nature of Mkomazi’s landscape requires a 4WD safari vehicle for even more comfortable driving. Otherwise, you may end up being bored. Here, you can do morning drives designed to catch the illuminating sunrise and predators in action. Make your drives long enough to see the rare African hunting dog or leopard. The good news is that you can drive at night. These nighttime adventures often reveal the behavior of lions, leopards, hyenas, and other nocturnal species.
Walking safaris.
Another way to explore Mkomazi is by walking through its vast wilderness. With an armed ranger, you’ll stretch your legs along the Umba River to scan for possible animal sightings. Our guide is an expert worth relying on. So, during this little trek, you will be taught about different plant species, including ones used for medicinal purposes. Little creatures like rock hyraxes, butterflies, mice, and birds usually show up. Plus, the opportunity to think as you step forward. A walking safari is worth it.
Visiting the Rhino Sanctuary.
This project is extremely important thanks to the efforts of Tony and Lucy Fitzjohn and the government. This sanctuary began in 1991 under joint efforts by these conservationists and Mkomazi Game Reserve (by then). There’s a breeding ground specially for these historic mammals. Calves are protected until they adapt, then released in the wild. The Fitzjohns handled the project for TANAPA in 2019, and rhino tourism was made available to the public in 2021.
How to get to Mkomazi
Mkomazi lies in the northeastern side, about 120 kilometers from Moshi. Since it’s extremely remote, the best way to get there is by driving, taking about 4 hours from Moshi or 5 hours from Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. International tourists can simply get to Mkomazi by flying into the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Arusha. From there, our guide can pick you up and drive to Mkomazi through the scenic route.
When to go to Mkomazi
Mkomazi is remote compared to other parks in the North. That means accessing it during the rainy season can be a great challenge. Therefore, the best time to be in Mkomazi is from June to October, when the road conditions are great and game viewing is rewarding. January and February are also great months for 4×4 safaris, with the green landscape adding a unique flavor to your safari.
The bottom line.
The wildlife experience in Mkomazi is unmatched. Come and explore it by yourself. Our safari planners are here to help you through the planning process. Should you have more questions about our Tanzania safaris, please contact us.
