Mkomazi National Park occupies over 3,234 km² and is located in the north-eastern part of Tanzania, between Moshi and Tanga. The park lies in a beautiful setting at the foot of the green slopes of the Pare and Usambara Mountains that dominate its borders. Depending on the weather, Mount Kilimanjaro can also be seen from the park. Despite its striking beauty and vastness, this park remains one of Tanzania’s least known natural treasures.
A nature reserve since 1951, this new national park takes its name from the Pare tribe’s word for “small body of water”. Today, Mkomazi is easily accessible and has some truly spectacular scenery with its semi-arid savannah, acacia-covered slopes and grassy plains that are home to large herds of giraffe, eland, hartebeest, zebra, buffalo and elephants, to name just a few. Visitors can see a total of 78 recorded mammal species in this park.
The park is also a fantastic destination for bird watchers with over 400 recorded species living here. These include species such as Shelley’s starling, three-striped chagra, hornbills, weaverbirds, guinea fowl, martial eagles and hoopoe. Mkomazi National Park is also the only place in Tanzania where you are likely to see the impressive vulturine guinea fowl. Large birds of the grassy plains include ostrich, kori bustard, secretary and southern hornbill. In addition, migratory species such as the European redstart are present from November to April.
Best time to visit Mkomazi National Park
For optimal viewing of large mammals and birds, the best time to visit this park is between late June and early September, while the beauty of the flora is at its peak from March to June.
Top Highlights
- You will have a chance to spot the endangered black rhino.
- Beautiful views of the picturesque mountains surrounding the park and of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance on clear days.
- Fantastic destination for bird watchers.
- 78 different species of mammals can be seen here.
