Things To Do in Mkomazi National Park
Mkomazi takes this prestigious opportunity to welcome you, as we are excited and fortunate to have you with us. We are confident that our quality services will bring you the utmost satisfaction. Welcome and have a splendid stay! This park with Sahel habitat finds itself in a beautiful setting with both the Pare and Usambara Mountains towering above its boundaries. 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. Together with Tsavo, it forms one of the largest and most important protected ecosystems on earth. Depending on the weather, Mount Kilimanjaro can also be seen from the park.
The area was gazetted as a national park in 2008 with an area of 3,245sq km. The name was derived from Pare tribe’s word for “scoop of water” meaning little water as the area is too dry, especially during the dry season. The park is renowned for a variety of attractions ranging from unique landscapes to wildlife species, especially those found in arid or semi-desert habitats. More so, this stunning park is home for large concentrations of black rhinos. other animals that you might also spot includes giraffe, oryx, gerenuk, hartebeest, lesser kudu, eland, impala and grants gazelle share the park with elephants, buffalo and numerous predators, including lions, leopards and cheetahs.
However, this article presents to you some od the detailed explained safari activities to do while on a Tanzania or Kenya safari. They include
Bird Watching:
Mkomazi National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 450 bird species. During your birdwatching tours, you will have the chance to spot different bird species such as Ostrich, White-faced Whistling-Duck, Knob-billed Duck, Eastern Crested Guineafowl, Shelley’s Francolin, Mourning Collared-Dove, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Kori Bustard, White-bellied Go-away-bird, White-browed Coucal, Red-chested Cuckoo, Sombre Nightjar, Great Cormorant, African Woolly-necked Stork, African Openbill, Lesser Moorhen, Spotted Thick-knee, African Jacana, Three-banded Courser and Lesser Flamingo among others . Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times for birding, as the birds are most active then. You can sit quietly near waterholes or in the bushes to observe their behaviors and listen to their enchanting songs.
Game Drive:
A game drive in Mkomazi National Park allows you to witness wildlife in their natural habitat. Game drives in Mkomazi national park can be morning, afternoon, or night game drives, with the latter providing the opportunity to witness nocturnal species. You can hop into a 4×4 vehicle with a knowledgeable guide who’ll share fascinating insights about the animals. While on a game drive safari, tourists have the chance to encounter with different animals’ species such as giraffe, oryx, gerenuk, hartebeest, lesser kudu, eland, impala and grants gazelle as well as different bird species and stunning views of the landscape. The park’s unique landscape provides stunning views and the chance to see animals as they interact with their environment. A game drive typically lasts a few hours, giving you ample opportunity to capture photographs and create lasting memories in this beautiful wildlife haven.
Walking Safari:
Experience the wilderness up close by taking a walking safari in Mkomazi National Park. A walking safari allows you to tour the park on foot with an expert ranger. Guided by an experienced ranger, you’ll hike through varied terrains and learn about the flora and fauna. Leaving your safari vehicle and taking a walk in this unspoilt nature with no sign of human intrusion leaves one with everlasting memories. Walking safaris in Mkomazi National Park allow you to have up close encounter with different animals, birds, birds, and plants. Walking safaris often incorporate breaks to appreciate the sights and sounds around you, making it a memorable adventure for nature lovers.
Hiking Safari:
Hiking is a fantastic way to experience Mkomazi National Park. Mkomazi’s landscape is rich in hills, which in hand makes it irresistible to be on top for great mind-blowing Views. On a hiking safari here, you’ll explore various trails within the lush Mkomazi forest, bring you closer to the beauty of nature. Hiking is best done early in the morning or late in the evening. The dry season is the most suitable time for hiking the mountains in Mkomazi, as the paths are easier to navigate and the views are truly breathtaking. During your hiking adventure, you’ll have an armed park ranger by your side to keep you safe from any potentially dangerous animal-like lions and other predators.
Visiting Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary:
The Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary, within the park, is a vital conservation effort to protect the endangered black and white rhinos. A visit here allows you to learn about these magnificent creatures and their ongoing protection from poaching. Guided tours often include information about the sanctuary’s breeding program and the challenges rhinos face in the wild. Watching these incredible animals in a safe, natural setting is both inspiring and educational. The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Craters are two more national parks in Tanzania where rhinos can be seen.
Cultural Encounter:
Engaging with local communities near Mkomazi National Park can offer a rich cultural experience. You can visit villages to learn about traditional lifestyles, customs, and crafts. This interaction allows you to experience the warmth and hospitality of the indigenous people while also supporting their economy. You might participate in activities like cooking local dishes, traditional dancing, or crafting. Such encounters provide a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage and promote appreciation for the local culture. It’s a chance to connect with people and stories that add a unique dimension to your travels.
Best time to visit Mkomazi National Park
Mkomazi is usually dry and warm to hot, the warmest months are October to April and coldest months are May to September. It also experiences two wet seasons, the long rains which are from March to May and short rains are from October to November. Mkomazi National Park can be visited all year round. Late June to early September is the best time for large mammals and bird watching
Where to stay while on a safari in Mkomazi National Park
There are comfortable cottages, a permanent tented camp and designated public and private camping sites. For those wishing to stay outside the park, there are hotels and guest houses in the nearby Same Town including Johnson Villa, Nzoroko, Yassir and Elephant Motel.
How to get to Mkomazi National Park
By air: You can take a charter flights direct to Kisima Airstrip, which is located in the heart of the park, close to the rhino sanctuary.
By Road: The Park is located about 142km from Kilimanjaro International Airport, 202km from Arusha City and 550km from Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA). Zange entry gate is 6km from Same Town. The Park is also easily accessible on special arrangement through Njiro, Kamakota and Umba Gates
