Mkomanzi National Park
Mkomazi National Park is located in on the Kenyan border, in Kilimanjaro Region and Tanga Region established as a game reserve in 1951. The Park covers up more than 3,234km2area, it’s a set of the verdant slopes of the spectacular Usambara and Pare Eastern Arc Mountain Ranges and overseen by iconic snow – capped peak of Kilimanjaro, Mkomazi is a virgin breath-taking beauty exhibiting unique natural treasures and immense sense of space – which adds to the fulfilment of high visitor’s enjoyment expectations – a much needed bridge between northern circuit and coastal attractions.
The name Mkomazi is the combination of two words, ‘Mko and Mazi’. Mko “means” a traditional tiny wooden spoon used by the Pare people for eating, and Mazi “means” water. The Park is known best for its black rhinos but is also home to oryx, dik-dik, eland, and many birds and butterflies.
Diversity of Flora and Fauna, the only protected area where the large and visible population of Gerenuk can be spotted, and the large population of various mammals can be spotted including Wild Cats, Silver Backed Jackals, Lions, Cheetah, Leopards, Lesser Kudu, Giraffes, Grant’s gazelle, Hyenas, Hartebeest, Warthogs, Buffaloes, Elephants, and Zebra, with a good number of reptiles can be spotted including Python, crocodiles, and Agama Lizards. The Park has more than 450 bird’s species makes the place a great spot for bird viewing
Hiking at Mbula Hill Trait (5KM) which takes about 4hours to ascend and descend.
Activities
Mkomanzi National Park offers many activities to the safari tourists.
- Wildlife Safari
- Natural walk and bird watching Safari
- Mountain Biking, Trekking at Mbula(uphill) trail
- Photographic Safari, Camping Safari, Outdoor dining, picnic spots
Getting there
By road, Mkomazi is easily accessible via same, which lies on the surfaced highway connecting Arusha to Dar es Salaam. The Park is also easily accessible on special arrangement from Kilimanjaro airport, and the nearby existing tourist attractions in Eastern Arc Mountains, The Coast and Kilimanjaro Mountain.
Charter flights are available to Kisima airstrip.
Accommodation
The popular stop-off national park on the way to Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater offers several accommodations options budget, mid-range and to Luxury, A luxury treehouse-style camp, public bandas and campsites inside the park, One luxury tented camp and three lodges perched on the Rift Wall outside the park, Several lodges, camps and guest houses and campsites in nearby Mto wa Mbu.
