Top Reasons Why You Should Visit Mkomazi National Park : Top reasons why you should visit Mkomazi National Park, Mkomazi National Park a vital refuge for two highly endangered species, the black rhino and the sociable African wild dog, both of which were successfully reintroduced in the 1990s. However, the black rhino are restricted to a fenced sanctuary, ensuring their safe keeping for the enjoyment and prosperity of future generations.
This incredible park is located in Tanga area, in northern Tanzania. It is one of the most thrilling national parks to visit in Tanzania. The area became a game park in 1951 and was officially designated as a national park in 2006, making it one of the newest national parks in the country. Mkomazi National Park is about 3,234 square kilometers in size and is part of the Mkomazi-Tsavo environment, the second largest transboundary ecosystem.
Mkomazi National Park offers visitors a chance to see a wide variety of wildlife. The park is home to more than 78 species of mammals, including leopards, lions, elephants, buffalos, dik diks, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, oryx, lesser kudus, grant’s gazelles, elands, antelopes, wild dogs, black rhinos, hartebeests, cheetahs, impalas, and more. The Park is also a great place for birding tours, with over 450 bird species. Visitors can see many beautiful and rare birds here, including the ostrich, golden-breasted starling, vulturine guinea fowl, kori bustard, bare-eyed thrush, von der Dickson’s hornbill, and martial eagle, among others.
However, this article details about the Top reasons why you should visit Mkomazi National Park. They include;
Game drives in Mkomazi National Park
Game drives are one of the most enjoyed activities for those visiting Mkomazi National Park. These guided tours let you explore the park’s varied landscapes while riding in comfortable 4×4 vehicles, making it a great way to see animals in their natural settings. The game drives typically happen in the early morning and late afternoon, which are the best times to spot wildlife since animals are more active during the cooler parts of the day.
On a game drive, you can expect to see a wide range of animals, including lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, black rhinos, giraffes, impalas, wildebeests, topis, zebras, and spotted hyenas, among others. The park’s different ecosystems, such as savannahs and woodlands, also offer fantastic opportunities for birdwatching, with over 450 species recorded in the area.
Birding
Mkomazi National Park is an incredible spot for bird watching in Tanzania. With over 450 different species of birds, it’s also the only place in the country where you can see the beautiful vulturine guinea fowl. While exploring this amazing national park, you’ll have the opportunity to discover various bird species, such as yellow-breasted apalis, red-fronted warbler, Abyssinian white-eye, African paradise flycatcher, northern grey, tit white-bellied tit, black-headed batis , pygmy batis, northern white-crowned shrike, black-crowned Tchagra , brown-crowned Tchagra, four-coloured bush-shrike , grey-headed bush shrike, ostrich, golden-breasted starling, vulturine guinea fowl, kori bustard, bare-eyed thrush and long-tailed fiscal among others.
Wildlife in Mkomazi National Park
Wildlife in the park is not abundant and tends to be quite cautious. When taking a game drive, you can expect to see animals like giraffes, dik-diks, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, and eland, along with topi antelope and others.
These animals are typical for the dry landscape. The park is home to giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, oryx, lesser kudus, grant’s gazelles, elands, antelopes, wild dogs, elephants, buffalos, dik diks, black rhinos, hartebeests, impalas, and various predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. In total, there are 78 different species of mammals documented here.
Black rhinos and wild dogs have been brought back to the area and are kept nearby for safety, as they could pose dangers to other wildlife and people, but they still roam freely and their calls can be heard throughout the park. The unique gerenuk and lesser kudu are other special types of antelope you might spot in this region.
Hiking
Hiking is a wonderful way to explore Mkomazi National Park. When you go on a hiking safari here, you’ll walk along various trails in the Mkomazi forest, which brings you closer to nature. It’s ideal to hike early in the morning or later in the evening; this timing lets you unwind as the day comes to a close. If you’re planning to take on the mountain ranges, the best time to do so is during the dry season when the paths are clear and the views are stunning. An armed park ranger will join you on your hike to keep you safe from any potential dangers, like lions and other predators.
Guided nature walks
For those who want a deeper connection with nature, guided nature walks in Mkomazi National Park offer an exciting chance to explore the area and see wildlife up close on foot. While participating in these safaris, tourists can stray from the usual paths, immersing themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of the African bush. This experience also helps visitors understand the local ecosystem. Typically lasting a few hours, these walking safaris let guests wander trails that vehicles can’t reach. Participants need to pay close attention, as guides will highlight things like animal tracks, droppings, and local plants that might be missed during a regular game drive. This thrilling adventure allows visitors to discover smaller wildlife such as insects, birds, and reptiles, as well as enjoy the stunning beauty of the area’s plants.
Visiting the Mkomazi Black rhino sanctuary
Black rhinoceroses are permanent residents of Mkomazi National Park, making it one of the few places in Africa where you can see them. This park is a special spot for visitors who want to see these impressive animals up close. At the Rhino Sanctuary, you can easily observe these large creatures and learn more about their lives and habits.
Camping
Mkomazi National Park provides a special and unforgettable camping experience in nature that ensures you’ll be comfortable during your stay. Camping in the great outdoors is an exciting adventure, allowing you to enjoy life away from home, and visiting Mkomazi National Park offers the perfect opportunity for that.
When to visit Mkomazi national Park.
The best time to visit Mkomazi National Park for fantastic wildlife viewing and birdwatching is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. During this time, you’ll notice animals moving from Tsavo National Park to Mkomazi since they are close to one another. However, you can also visit during the wet season to enjoy the stunning green landscapes and see migratory birds.
Accommodation at Mkomazi National Park.
The park has got accommodation facilities in lodges that rank from luxury, mid-range and budget. Some of the accommodation options available here includes, Elephant Motel, Mambo Guest House, Casa Lodge, Holy Night Guest House, Tumaini Guest House, Zebra Camp, Mambo Viewpoint Eco Lodge, Babu’s Camp, Pangani River Camp, Orlando Lodge, Tona Lodge and Mambo Cliff Inn among others.
How to get to Mkomazi National Park?
Access to Mkomazi national park can be either by air or road means of transport
By air: Charter flights are available to Kisima Airstrip in the center of the park near the rhino sanctuary.
By Road: The Park is 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.
