Mkomazi National Park

Mkomazi National Park is a an expansive National Park in Tanzania, covvering approximately 3,500 square kilometres in northern part of the country. This National Park was once remote and difficult to access however as of today, it is very accessible. The Mkomazi National Park was originally established in 1951 but did not receive the level of financial support afforded to more famous wildlife areas such as the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park. It was only in 1989, when the Tanzanian Government re-evaluated the reserve’s status and declared it a National Priority Project, that the park’s true ecological and conservation value began to gain recognition.

Today, Mkomazi National Park spans about 3,234 km² (1,249 sq mi) and is characterized by Acacia–Commiphora vegetation and vast, untamed wilderness. The National Park shares a boundary with Kenya’s Tsavo West National Park, creating an important cross-border ecosystem. Mkomazi is the result of combining two former game reserves: the Umba Game Reserve to the east and the Mkomazi Game Reserve to the west. Of the two, Mkomazi is larger, with greater diversity in terrain and habitats, as well as a longer shared border with Tsavo West. The term “Mkomazi” refers to both the Mkomazi and Umba areas together.

Mkomazi is a spectacular wilderness. To the northwest, Mount Kilimanjaro rises majestically, while to the south, the Pare and Usambara Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop. To the north, Kenya’s expansive Tsavo National Park borders Mkomazi, allowing migratory herds of elephants, oryx, and zebras to move freely during the wet season. Together, these areas form one of the largest and most significant protected ecosystems in the world.

Wildlife and other attractions in Mkomazi National Park

Although generally, this National Park is not a prime destination for Tanzania Wildlife Safaris/Tanzania Big Five viewing safaris like the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro, it host a number of different wildlife species. Among the commonly encountered are the Giraffe, 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 in Mkomazi National Park..

Black rhinos and wild dogs have been re-introduced, but both are held captive for security. Other wild dog packs sometimes roam the area. The odd looking gerenuk is sometimes found browsing while standing on its hind legs. Lesser kudu is another special antelope that can be found in thicker bush.

Birds in Mkomazi National Park

Mkomazi is a fantastic destination for birdwatchers. It is listed as an Important Bird Area. It has more than 450 bird species recorded, among them dry-country endemics such as the cobalt-chested vulturine guineafowl, large ground birds such as ostrich, kori bustard, secretary bird, ground hornbill and some migratory species including European roller. Migrants are present from November to April.