Conservation stars
Black rhino live in the protected sanctuary; visits are arranged separately and depend on sanctuary rules. Wild dogs range across the wider park.
North-eastern Tanzania
Mkomazi National Park – Rhino, Wild Dogs & Off-the-Beaten-Track Safari
A wild, little-visited park between the Pare and Usambara mountains — home to a black rhino sanctuary, African wild dogs and dry-country wildlife, with almost no other vehicles.
North-eastern Tanzania · about 2½–3 hrs by road from Moshi
Overview
About Mkomazi National Park
Mkomazi is one of Tanzania’s least-visited national parks — and that is exactly its charm. Covering around 3,245 km² of semi-arid savanna and bush along the Kenyan border, it forms one ecosystem with Kenya’s Tsavo West National Park, framed by the Pare and Usambara mountains.
Once a game reserve badly affected by poaching, Mkomazi has been carefully restored and became a national park in 2008. It is known for its conservation work, particularly the fenced rhino sanctuary, where critically endangered black rhinos are protected and bred, and a breeding programme for African wild dogs.
The wildlife here is different from the classic northern circuit: gerenuk, fringe-eared oryx and lesser kudu thrive in the dry bush, and you can drive for hours without seeing another vehicle. Mkomazi is a wonderful addition to a Kilimanjaro climb or a route towards the coast and the Usambara Mountains.
Highlights
Top reasons to visit Mkomazi
- 01
Real solitude
One of the quietest parks in Tanzania — often you will have sightings entirely to yourself.
- 02
Black rhino sanctuary
A protected sanctuary for critically endangered black rhino, an important conservation success story.
- 03
African wild dogs
Mkomazi has played a key role in protecting and reintroducing this endangered predator.
- 04
Dry-country species
See gerenuk, fringe-eared oryx and lesser kudu — animals rarely found on the northern circuit.
- 05
Mountain backdrop
The Pare and Usambara mountains frame the plains, with Kilimanjaro visible on clear days.
- 06
Close to Moshi
An easy addition before or after a Kilimanjaro climb.
Wildlife & birdlife
Animals of Mkomazi
Mkomazi’s wildlife is adapted to dry conditions and is often shy. Patience is rewarded with species that are hard to see elsewhere in Tanzania.
Dry-country antelope
Gerenuk, fringe-eared oryx, lesser kudu and Grant’s gazelle are typical, along with giraffe, zebra and eland.
Predators
Lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena are present but less habituated than in the big parks.
Birdlife
Over 400 species, including many dry-country birds such as vulturine guineafowl, golden-breasted starlings and hornbills.
Look out for
- Black rhino
- African wild dog
- Gerenuk
- Fringe-eared oryx
- Lesser kudu
- Masai giraffe
- African elephant
- Lion
- Cheetah
- Leopard
- Eland
- Vulturine guineafowl
- Golden-breasted starling
Landscapes & ecosystems
The land itself
Mkomazi is a landscape of red earth, dry acacia and commiphora bush, open grassland and rocky inselbergs. After the rains it turns briefly green and flowers bloom across the plains; in the dry season it fades to soft greys and golds.
To the south-east rise the Usambara Mountains and to the west the Pare Mountains, while to the north the land runs on, unfenced, into Tsavo. On clear mornings, Kilimanjaro floats above the horizon.
Experiences
Things to do in Mkomazi
- 01
Game drives
Explore a wild, quiet park in your private vehicle, with long views and few other visitors.
- 02
Rhino sanctuary visit
Learn about the conservation of black rhino in the sanctuary, subject to arrangements and conditions on the day.
- 03
Birdwatching
A great park for dry-country birds that are rare elsewhere in northern Tanzania.
- 04
Combine with the Usambaras
Continue to the green Usambara Mountains for walking and village visits.
When to go
Best time to visit Mkomazi
The dry season from June to October is best for game drives and wildlife viewing. The green months bring flowers and birds, but some tracks can be difficult after heavy rain.
Green season
January · Warm, green and lively
A short dry spell between the rains. Mkomazi is lush, skies are clear between showers and many animals have young.
Green season
February · Calving and birdlife
Warm days, green landscapes and excellent birding, with migratory species still present. A quieter, good-value month.
Long rains
March · Rains arrive
Rain brings green grass and flowers, but some tracks become difficult. Wildlife disperses.
Long rains
April · Wet season
The wettest period. Visits are possible but less rewarding for game viewing.
Long rains
May · Rains ease
Showers ease towards the end of the month and the bush is deep green. A peaceful time to travel with flexible plans.
Dry season
June · Dry season begins
Cooler, clearer days. Vegetation starts to thin and wildlife viewing improves week by week.
Dry season
July · Excellent game viewing
Dry and pleasant, with cool mornings and evenings. One of the most popular months — book early.
Dry season
August · Prime viewing
Dry and clear. Animals gather near water and the views are wide open.
Dry season
September · Golden and dry
Very dry landscapes and superb wildlife concentrations. Warm days, beautiful light for photography.
Dry season
October · Late dry season
Hot, dusty and rewarding. Water sources are few, so predators and prey meet often. Fewer visitors than August.
Short rains
November · Short rains
Brief showers refresh the land and bring migrant birds. The bush turns green quickly and rates soften.
Short rains
December · Green and festive
Green landscapes, newborn animals and warm days with passing storms. Festive dates book up early.
- Dry season
- Green season
- Short rains
- Long rains
Getting there
Getting there & getting around
Mkomazi’s main entrance, Zange Gate, is near the town of Same, about 2½–3 hours by road from Moshi and around 4 hours from Arusha along the main road to the coast.
It combines well with Moshi and Kilimanjaro, or as a stop on a road journey towards the Usambara Mountains, Tanga or Pangani on the coast.
Accommodation
Where to stay in Mkomazi
Accommodation in and around Mkomazi is limited and intimate, which keeps the park wonderfully quiet.
Before you go
Essential travel information
Park fees
Park fees are set by Tanzania National Parks and are included in our quotes. Rhino sanctuary visits may have their own arrangements.
How long to stay
One or two nights are ideal to enjoy the park at an unhurried pace.
Expect the unexpected
Wildlife is less habituated than in the famous parks. Mkomazi rewards patience and curiosity.
Health
Mkomazi is in a malaria area — speak to your doctor about prevention before travelling.
Fees, rules and opening times can change. For the latest official information, visit Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) ↗
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Questions
Mkomazi safari FAQs
Can’t find your answer? Our team in Moshi is happy to help.
Ask on WhatsAppIs Mkomazi worth visiting?
Yes, if you value quiet wilderness, conservation stories and unusual dry-country wildlife. It is very different from the busy northern circuit.
Can you see rhinos in Mkomazi?
Black rhinos live in a protected sanctuary within the park. Visits depend on the sanctuary’s rules and arrangements, which we confirm in advance.
How far is Mkomazi from Moshi?
About 2½–3 hours by road to Zange Gate near Same.
When is the best time to visit Mkomazi?
June to October, during the dry season, is best for game drives.
What animals live in Mkomazi?
Dry-country species such as gerenuk, fringe-eared oryx and lesser kudu, plus giraffe, elephant, zebra, lion, cheetah and wild dogs, and over 400 bird species.
How many days do you need in Mkomazi?
One or two nights are ideal. It combines well with Moshi, a Kilimanjaro climb or a journey to the Usambara Mountains.
Photo gallery
Start planning
Explore quiet Mkomazi
Add Tanzania’s best-kept wilderness secret to your Kilimanjaro climb or coastal journey — tell us your plans.
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