Black Rhino Sanctuary
Mkomazi is a vital refuge for the highly endangered black rhino.
Tanzania National Parks
Mkomazi National Park
A hidden gem between Kilimanjaro and the Usambara Mountains, Mkomazi offers dry-country wildlife, black rhinos, painted dogs and a truly exclusive safari experience.
- Location
- Between Kilimanjaro & Tanga
- Known For
- Black rhino & wild dogs
- Size
- 3,234 km²
- Birdlife
- Over 400 species
Discover Mkomazi
Wild, quiet and wonderfully natural.
Mkomazi National Park is the southern extension of Kenya's vast Tsavo West National Park and covers 3,234 km². Together they form one of East Africa's most important savanna ecosystems.
Mkomazi lies between Mount Kilimanjaro to the northwest, Tsavo West to the northeast and the Pare and Usambara Mountains to the south, and Kilimanjaro's snowy peak can be seen on clear days. This dry-country park is dominated by acacia and commiphora vegetation.
Why Mkomazi
A less crowded, more exclusive safari.
Mkomazi is a hidden gem where animals behave naturally and visitors enjoy a quiet, private experience.
Painted Dogs
A breeding programme has helped protect the endangered African painted dog.
Dry-Country Wildlife
See fringe-eared oryx, gerenuk and lesser kudu, rare elsewhere in Tanzania.
Few Visitors
Low visitor numbers mean animals act naturally and safaris feel exclusive.
Location
Where is Mkomazi National Park?
Mkomazi lies between the Kilimanjaro and Tanga regions in northeastern Tanzania, along the border with Kenya. It is easily reached by road from Moshi, Arusha or the coast at Tanga.
The park shares its ecosystem with Tsavo West in Kenya, allowing wildlife such as zebra, oryx and elephant to move between them during the wet season.
When to visit
Every season tells a different Mkomazi story.
Mkomazi can be visited year-round, with the dry season best for game viewing.
Dry Season
Good game viewing as wildlife gathers near water sources.
Short Rains
Green scenery and the start of wildlife movements from Tsavo.
Short Dry Spell
Warm weather and good birding.
Long Rains
Lush landscapes and migrations of zebra, oryx and elephant.
What is the best month to visit Mkomazi?
Every month offers something, from dry-season wildlife to green-season birdlife.
Warm and green, with good birdwatching.
A drier month with good game viewing.
Rains begin; wildlife movements increase.
Wet season; lush scenery and fewer visitors.
Rains ease; the park is very green.
Dry season begins; good wildlife viewing.
Cool and clear, with views of Kilimanjaro.
Dry and excellent for game drives.
Prime season for wildlife near water.
Warm and dry before the short rains.
Short rains bring migrants from Tsavo.
Green and lively, with excellent birdlife.
Explore the area
Discover the different faces of Mkomazi.
Plains, hills and sanctuaries in a vast dry landscape.
Northern parkAcacia-Commiphora PlainsDry-country bush where gerenuk, oryx and lesser kudu roam.
Central parkMkomazi Rhino SanctuaryA protected area where black rhinos are bred and safeguarded.
Southern parkUsambara & Pare ViewsHills and rocky outcrops with views to the mountains.
Northern borderThe Tsavo CorridorThe border with Kenya's Tsavo West, where wildlife moves freely.
Wildlife
78 species of mammals in dry country.
Mkomazi has 78 recorded species of mammals, most typical of arid areas, with fringe-eared oryx, gerenuk and lesser kudu rare elsewhere in Tanzania. Wildlife is not concentrated as in other northern parks, which makes each sighting feel special.
With over 400 bird species, Mkomazi is a gold mine for bird enthusiasts. Our golden rule: the slower you drive, the greater your chance of spotting different species. Don't rush; thickets hold secrets.
10 animals to look for
Black rhino
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Within the rhino sanctuary
Mkomazi is a vital refuge for this highly endangered species.
1 / 10
African painted dog
Chance of seeingRare
Where to look: Throughout the park
Protected through a breeding and reintroduction programme.
2 / 10
Fringe-eared oryx
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Dry plains
A striking dry-country antelope.
3 / 10
Gerenuk
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Bush and thickets
A long-necked antelope that browses standing on its hind legs.
4 / 10
Lesser kudu
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Dense bush
A shy antelope rarely seen elsewhere in Tanzania.
5 / 10
Elephant
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Throughout the park, especially in the wet season
Herds move between Mkomazi and Tsavo.
6 / 10
Zebra
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Open plains
Herds migrate within the ecosystem.
7 / 10
Lion
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Open plains
Present but less often seen than in other parks.
8 / 10
Giraffe
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Acacia woodland
Masai giraffes browse the acacias.
9 / 10
Ostrich
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Open plains
Common in the dry plains.
10 / 10
Saving Rhinos & Painted Dogs
A refuge for endangered species.
Mkomazi is famous worldwide as a vital refuge for two highly endangered species, the black rhino and the African painted dog. Breeding and protection programmes have helped bring both back to the area.
Visiting Mkomazi supports these conservation efforts and offers a rare chance to learn about the work of protecting Africa's most threatened animals.
Safaris to 中文
Mkomazi safaris
Itineraries that include Mkomazi, often combined with Kilimanjaro, the Usambara Mountains or the coast.
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The story behind Mkomazi.
Mkomazi was first protected as a game reserve in 1951 and was home to pastoralist communities for generations. Over time, conservation projects helped restore its wildlife.
It became a national park in 2008, protecting a vital part of the Tsavo ecosystem and its rhino and painted dog populations.
Is Mkomazi worth visiting?
Yes. It offers dry-country wildlife, rare species and a quiet, exclusive safari experience.
Can I see rhinos in Mkomazi?
Black rhinos are protected in a sanctuary within the park; visits may be arranged.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season from June to October is best for game viewing.
How do I get to Mkomazi?
By road from Moshi, Arusha or Tanga.
What animals can I see?
Black rhino, painted dogs, oryx, gerenuk, lesser kudu, elephants and more than 400 bird species.
Can Mkomazi be combined with other places?
Yes, with Kilimanjaro, the Usambara Mountains, Pangani or a northern circuit safari.
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