Summary
Immerse yourself in the captivating narrative of Mkomazi National Park, a name derived from the language of the Pare people – “Mko and Mazi.” Imagine “Mko” as a symbol of a wooden cooking spoon and “Mazi” translating to water, collectively painting a poignant portrayal of the park’s essence: water so scarce it barely fills that cherished wooden spoon.
Surrounded by the grandeur of the Pare and Usambara mountains, this 3,230 km² park is a canvas of beauty. On clear days, even the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro makes a guest appearance. Mkomazi was established as National Park in 2006. It shares its northern border with Kenya’s expansive Tsavo National Park, forming a shared sanctuary for migrating herds of elephants, oryx, gerenuk, and zebras during the wet season. Together, Mkomazi and Tsavo constitute one of the largest and most crucial protected ecosystems.
Mkomazi also serves as a vital sanctuary for two highly endangered species: the Black Rhino and the African wild dog. Mkomazi used to be a prime habitat for black rhino. The park now has a re-introduction scheme where you can watch these animals in their natural sorroundings. The rare cape hunting dog is also being introduced and you can get permission to watch these fascinating animals as well. Furthermore, Mkomazi is a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting numerous bird species.
Other tourist activities include walking safaris, hill hiking and rhino viewing in a sanctuary located inside the park. Mkomazi is an ideal wildlife safari option enroute to the Usambara Mountains or further towards Southern Tanzania.
