Mkomazi National Park
A resurgent wilderness at the foot of the Usambara Mountains ÔÇö home to a vital rhino sanctuary and African wild dog breeding programme.
Mkomazi National Park is a 3,245 square kilometre savannah wilderness that shares its northern boundary with Kenya's Tsavo West National Park. Together, they form one of East Africa's largest contiguous ecosystems. After decades of poaching pressure, Mkomazi has been restored to health and now stands as a powerful conservation success story.
The park's headline attractions are its rhino sanctuary and African wild dog breeding programme ÔÇö two of Africa's most endangered large mammals finding refuge in this rejuvenated landscape. The Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary, established by the George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust, protects both black and white rhinoceros behind a secure perimeter within the park.
Beyond the conservation projects, Mkomazi offers genuine off-the-beaten-path safari experiences. The semi-arid landscape of acacia-commiphora bushland backed by the dramatic Usambara and Pare mountain ranges creates a visually striking environment. Gerenuk, lesser kudu, and fringe-eared oryx ÔÇö species rarely seen in the Northern Circuit ÔÇö are regularly spotted.
For visitors travelling between Arusha and the coast, or those seeking a less-trafficked alternative to the Northern Circuit's major parks, Mkomazi offers an authentic and rewarding experience.
Safari Tours in Mkomazi National Park
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Mkomazi's semi-arid ecosystem supports specialist species rarely seen elsewhere in northern Tanzania. Gerenuk, lesser kudu, fringe-eared oryx, and Grant's gazelle inhabit the bushland. Elephant herds move between Mkomazi and Tsavo, and giraffe, buffalo, eland, and hartebeest are present.
The rhino sanctuary houses both black and white rhinoceros. The African wild dog breeding programme has successfully released packs back into the wild. Lion, leopard, cheetah, and spotted hyena are the key predators. Over 450 bird species have been recorded ÔÇö Mkomazi is an outstanding birding destination, with dry-country specialists and Somali-Maasai biome endemics.
How to Get There
Mkomazi's main gate (Zange Gate) is approximately 3.5 hours from Arusha via the road to Same and Dar es Salaam. The park can also be accessed from Moshi (3 hours). There is a small airstrip for charter flights. Mkomazi combines well with Kilimanjaro treks or trips to the Usambara Mountains.
Park Fees & Regulations
Park entry fees are $35.40 per adult per 24 hours (non-resident). Rhino sanctuary visits require a separate fee. The park is significantly less expensive than the Northern Circuit parks, offering excellent value for a genuine wilderness safari.