Mkomazi National Park Tanzania flag

5 Tours 0 Hotels & Lodges

Starting from

$495PP

Overview

The Mkomazi National Park is a spectacular wilderness. Within sight to the northwest is Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest summit. To the south, the Pare and Usambara Mountains form a dramatic backdrop and, to the north, Kenya’s vast Tsavo National Park shares a border with Mkomazi, making common ground for migratory herds of elephant, oryx and zebra during the wet season. Together with Tsavo, it forms one of the largest and most important protected ecosystems on earth.

High Season
June to October
Best Time to Go
June to October

Pros & Cons

  • Vital refuge for two highly endangered species, the charismatic black rhino and sociable African wild dog
  • It’s a cheap alternative for the northern national parks
  • Stunning scenery with views of Mt. Kilimanjaro
  • Important bird area with several northern dry-country endemics
  • Its not crowdy and the animals are acting natural
  • A lovely tented camp is the perfect get-away
  • Very few options for wildife viewing
  • Very limited accommodation options are available

Map in Tanzania

Mkomazi National Park map

Wildlife & Animals

Mkomazi is the southern tip of the Sahel zone. It is a classic dry-country reserve of grey-green nyika bush, ancient baobab trees and isolated rocky hills. The animals, too, are typical of the arid nyika. Giraffes, oryx, gerenuk, hartebeest, lesser kudu, eland, impala and Grant’s gazelle share the reserve with elephant, buffalo, and numerous predators, including lion, leopard and cheetah. In all, 78 species of mammals have been recorded.

Wildlife Highlights

Mkomazi is vital refuge for two highly endangered species, the charismatic black rhino and the sociable African wild dog, but both are held captive for security. The odd-looking gerenuk is sometimes found browsing while standing on its hind legs. The lesser kudu is another special antelope that can be found in the thicker bush.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time to visit for Wildlife experiences is in the Dry Season from June to October. Wildlife is simpler to spot since vegetation is more slender and animals assemble around predictable water sources. During the Wet season (November to May) many animals migrate out of the park again, and wildlife viewing is not as good. 

Birds

The birds of Mkomazi are even more numerous, with over 400 recorded species. Doves, hornbills, weavers and guinea fowl are all present in large numbers – as well as such striking species as the martial eagle and violet wood hoopoe. It is also the only place in Tanzania where you are likely to see the striking vulturine guineafowl.

Best Time for Birding

The best time to do bird watching is from November to April when migratory birds from Europe and North Africa are present. This is also the time for nesting; so many resident birds can be seen in their breeding plumage.

Best Time to Visit – Mkomazi National Park

The best time to visit for Wildlife experiences is in the Dry Season from June to October. Wildlife is simpler to spot since vegetation is more slender and animals assemble around predictable water sources. During the Wet season (November to May) many animals migrate out of the park again, and wildlife viewing is not as good. 

High Season
June to October
Low Season
Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas
Best Weather
Typically during dry months; check local patterns
Worst Weather
Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

  • Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August

November to April (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
  • There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

No FAQs available for this park yet.

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