Perfect things to do in Mkomazi National Park
Things to do in Mkomazi National Park: Mkomazi National Park offers a compilation of tourist activities that you will engage in throughout your safari excursion in Tanzania. Mkomazi National Park is situated in Tanzania‘s Tanga region and borders Kenya’s renowned Tsavo National Park, facilitating the migration of elephants, Oryx, and zebras between the two parks. The Park was established through the amalgamation of two game reserves: Umba Game Reserve to the east and Mkomazi Game Reserve to the west.
Mkomazi National Park originated as a game reserve in 1951 and was subsequently designated as a national park in 2006. The snow-covered summit of Mount Kilimanjaro overlooks the park, which spans 3,234 square kilometers. Following the Serengeti-Mara environment, it constitutes a segment of the Mkomazi-Tsavo ecosystem, the second-largest transboundary habitat in East Africa.
The dry season, occurring from June to October, is the optimal period to visit the National Park for exceptional wildlife observation and avian watching opportunities. Animals migrating from Tsavo National Park are also seen at Mkomazi. The park merits a visit during the rainy season, when the lush vegetation and migratory birds create breathtaking views.
Activities to undertake while a safari at Mkomazi National Park, Tanzania
Game Drive
Game drives are among the tourism activities offered in Mkomazi National Park. Mkomazi offers morning, afternoon, and night game drives, the latter allowing for the observation of nocturnal species. A variety of species, including as elephants, impalas, dik-diks, rhinoceroses, topis, smaller kudus, and others, are observable during a game drive in Mkomazi National Park. All of this can be observed while traversing the park’s pathways and appreciating the abundant flora that encircles it.
Avian observation
Mkomazi National Park ranks among Africa’s premier bird-watching locales. The park, featuring over 450 bird species, ranks among Africa’s premier birding locations, alongside Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Mkomazi National Park hosts the Martial Eagle, Ostrich, Weavers, Kori Bustard, and various other prevalent avian species. These and other species may be observed while traversing the park or during a game drive.
Walking Safari.
Mkomazi National Park offers a distinctive experience through walking safaris. A walking safari enables you to explore the park on foot accompanied by a knowledgeable ranger. Examine the park’s fauna and avian species closely while capturing images. This is the sole safari activity in Mkomazi National Park. It enables intimate encounters with wildlife and the African ecosystem. A knowledgeable, armed park ranger will accompany you, providing guidance and protection from dangerous wildlife.
Slumbering amidst the distant cackling of hyenas, the grunting of wildebeest, and the sporadic roar or trumpet of Africa’s larger fauna possesses an indescribable essence. Camping serves as an excellent alternative for those seeking to experience the finest offerings of Tanzania while being budget-conscious or desiring a profound connection with nature. Mkomazi National Park offers many campsites that deliver a distinctive and memorable outdoor camping experience, guaranteeing a comfortable stay.
Expedition on foot.
Hiking is a delightful pursuit in Mkomazi National Park. The Mkomazi hiking safari will guide you along various trails in the Mkomazi forest. This enables proximity to nature. Hiking is optimally undertaken in the early morning or late evening. This facilitates relaxation in the evening. Hiking the mountain ranges in Mkomazi National Park is optimally undertaken during the dry season. This is when the trails are arid and the park provides stunning vistas. An armed park ranger will accompany you on your hiking safari in Mkomazi. He/she guarantees your protection from perilous animals, including lions and other predators.
Exploring Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary
The Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary has achieved global recognition for its rhino rehabilitation efforts and offers travelers opportunities for observation and education. During your safari in Tanzania, you will observe black rhinos, an endangered species seldom encountered in Africa. Mkomazi National Park is the optimal location to observe these cherished artisans. The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are other national parks in Tanzania where rhinoceroses can be observed.
Mkomazi National Park is accessible throughout the entire year. The optimal period for observing large creatures and birds is from late June to early September. The Mkomazi safari seamlessly integrates into the Arusha – Usambara – Tanga – Pangani – Saadani – Dar es Salaam/Zanzibar circuit, or it may be explored as an independent destination from Arusha or subsequent to ascending Mount Kilimanjaro.