Tanzania Destination Guide
Mkomazi National Park
A tranquil park with a remarkable story
Tanzania Destination Guide
A tranquil park with a remarkable story
3,245 km² (1,240 mi²)
1951 (Game Reserve) | 2006 (National Park)
All year (Jun–Oct recommended)
Mkomazi National Park may not boast the dense herds of bigger Tanzanian parks, but its rugged charm is undeniable. Backdropped by the Pare and Usambara Mountains, it also offers glimpses of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days. Bordering Kenya’s Tsavo National Park, Mkomazi’s ecosystem hosts important wildlife migrations. Yet the park’s hallmark is its inspiring conservation success—once depleted by poaching, it now reintroduces Black Rhinos and African wild dogs through visionary rehabilitation efforts.
Positioned in northeastern Tanzania between Moshi and Tanga, Mkomazi transformed from a depleted reserve into a shining example of wildlife revival. Poaching had nearly eradicated elephants and rhinos, but in 1989, partnerships with the George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust fueled a turnaround. Fences were built, anti-poaching units established, and reintroduction programs for Black Rhinos and Wild Hunting Dogs began. Today, Mkomazi stands as a testament to bold conservation, with visitor opportunities to witness this progress firsthand.
Black Rhino Sanctuary: Explore a secure enclosure safeguarding this iconic species. Engage with rangers and learn how rhinos are monitored and protected from poachers.
Wild Hunting Dogs: Mkomazi’s successful breeding program has reestablished one of Africa’s rarest carnivores in this once-struggling habitat, boasting ~200 wild dogs at peak times.
Scenic Mountain Vistas: Feast your eyes on the Pare and Usambara Mountains with occasional glimpses of Kilimanjaro—a spectacular backdrop few parks can match.
Mkomazi National Park is open year-round, but June to October offers the driest conditions and best wildlife visibility. Water sources attract elephants, giraffes, and oryx, while moderate temperatures favor relaxed game drives. From March to May, the rainy season enriches vegetation but can hamper some road access; still, birders enjoy migratory species in full breeding plumage.
June–October
Rhino sightings & mild weather
March–May
Lush bush & migratory birds
Seeking tranquility and a profound conservation story? Mkomazi National Park presents a hidden gem, away from typical tourist circuits. Watch Black Rhinos and wild dogs thriving again in Tanzania, underscored by sweeping views of towering mountains. If you’re near Kilimanjaro or the Usambara region, Mkomazi’s serene ambiance and unique wildlife make it a rewarding detour from busier destinations.
Game drives are your gateway to discovering elephants, giraffes, and—if lucky—elusive predators. The Rhino Visitor Centre showcases the park’s pioneering breeding and monitoring efforts. Birding is likewise excellent, with ~450 species, including ostriches, hornbills, and lovebirds. For adventurous souls, hiking in the Pare or Usambara Mountains near Mkomazi adds a scenic twist.
Mkomazi’s arid savannah and acacia bush host ~500 elephants, plus giraffes, zebras, buffalos, and oryx. Predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas lurk in lower densities. Yet the stars remain Black Rhinos (in a fenced sanctuary) and African Wild Dogs—testaments to unwavering conservation. Over 450 bird species fill the skies, and distinctive flora—baobabs, Commiphora trees—dots the restored rangelands.
Situated ~252 km from Arusha (~4-hour drive), Mkomazi National Park can be reached via the Zange Gate near the Rhino Sanctuary or Njiro Gate closer to rhino enclosures. Accommodation options near Zange range from basic campsites to comfortable tented lodges. Pair Mkomazi with climbs on Mount Kilimanjaro or visits to the Pare & Usambara Mountains for cultural immersion and scenic hiking.