What to know about Mkomazi National Park
Tanzania Safari Blog
Mkomazi National Park and its distance from Moshi, Arusha, Dar es salaam and Tanga.
Mkomazi National Park is one of the most famous National parks in Tanzania and now globally! It is estimated to be about 3234 square kilometers. It is located in northeastern Tanzania and it borders Kenya with Tsavo West Game Reserve. Mkomazi takes about 200 kilometers from Arusha, around 445 kilometers from Dar es salaam, 125 kilometers from Moshi and around 260 from Tanga. Mkomazi also has access to an airstrip. Of course, if you are not interested in taking the long scenic route, the airplane might just be the perfect solution for you! The park has its own unique and extreme beauty. Hills and mountains surround it and it has a really good view of nature, which is expressed by the surrounding green all around.
Mkomazi National Park is the only National Park in Tanzania where you are guaranteed to see black Rhino. In the past, Mkomazi was a Game Reserve Area where hunting was possible and was allowed by the government. However, it became infamous for the poaching and illegal hunting that took place. In 2006, it was established to a national park from a Game Reserve by the government through Tanzania National Parks Authority. The Mkomazi National Park of yesterday is not the same as the one of today. Visit and see all by yourself!
There are a lot of controversies between a National Park and a Game Reserve. A Game Reserve is an area set aside that is managed by a certain group of people or rather privately owned by a group of people. However, it could also be owned and managed by the government. A game reserve is a bit more flexible to activities like hunting and guided walks aside from game drives. A National Park, on the other hand, is a large area that is protected by the government. This makes it a very strict area where no hunting can take place and people cannot live within. There are strict measures taken when handling a national Park than handling a game reserve.
The changing of Mkomazi from a Game Reserve to a National Park kept it safe from unlicensed hunting and poaching. Mkomazi is now one of the holders of the most elephants in the country. The park also has a Rhino Project that focuses on the increase in number of rhinos after they had almost been wiped out in the previous years. The best part is that, with this project, you are able to have a close-up personal experience with the Rhinos.
In the past, due to disturbances caused by guns while hunting, animals would hide and cross to the Kenyan border. However, after it was changed to a national park, the animals started roaming freely and closer to view. It is easier to spot the big five here than in any other national park due to its serene environment. We will also not fail to mention the mesmerizing view at the picnic point that allows you to see both the Tanzanian side and Kenyan side.
The minister of tourism launched the first ever black Rhino home in Tanzania in July 2021 after the project had been in progress for the past 20 years. The aim of the sanctuary is to give more opportunity to tourists who would like to see the black Rhino in Tanzania and to allow an increase of the number of black rhinos in the park.
Mkomazi National Park accommodates all the famous animals that you have ever heard of! The lion, zebra, buffaloes; name them all! It holds more than 400 different species of birds and plants.
If you are interested in birds, then Mkomazi is the place to be! The best thing about Mkomazi is that one can visit the park at any time of the year. However, there are still those best months that are recommended for visiting the park.
When is the best time to visit Mkomazi National Park?
From our experience, the best time will be around June to the end of October and again from the end of December all the way to beginning of March.
Mkomazi National Park has its own uniqueness compared to other National Parks in Tanzania mainly because it is less crowded and its landscape is amazingly beautiful.
What can you do in Mkomazi National Park and the costs?
Game drive – Just like any other National Park in Tanzania, you can always do game drive. A game drive could give different experiences on each day because sometimes, you will be able to see so many animals and on others, there will be less in clear sight. However, this does not in any way make it boring or ugly! The landscape, rhinos and wild dogs projects can and will cheer up your day. You will also be able to see different species of birds and plants and who doesn’t want to know about the great botanic world!
Mkomazi National Park entry fee is $35.4 for adults or children of or above the age 16, $11.8 for children of age 5 to 15 and free for the children below the age of five. The costs are applicable for 24 hours and it doesn’t include Rhino sanctuary visits. For the special rhino viewing, the cost is $35.4 for adults from age 16 and $11.8 for children aged 5 to 15 years. The Rhino experience allows you to be in the home of Rhino for 1 to 2hrs. It is safe to note that you cannot enter the sanctuary with a private car but instead with special open safari vehicles. The good news is, when you pay the fee for visiting the Rhino sanctuary, it includes the Tanzania National Park special open safari vehicle.
Walking Safaris
Walking safari is exceptional in Mkomazi National Park. It holds an exception because of its profound beauty from the hills and mountains. The view makes the walk very special indeed. It is also good to note that Mkomazi will soon introduce night game drive and trust us; we are all very excited!
In Mkomazi National Park you can do a short walk which takes 1 to 4 hours and long walks which takes 4 hours and above
Short walk safari will cost $ 23.6 per person for any person of 16 years and above, and it will cost $ 11.8 for a child of 12 years to 15 years of age. Walking in this National Park is not allowed for a child under 12 years of age.
Long walks safari will cost $ 29.5 per person for any person of 16 years and above, and it will cost $ 17.7 for a child of 12 years to 15 years of age. Walking in this National Park is not allowed for a child under 12 years of age.
For all short and long walks, you will need a special ranger to guide the group. The ranger will have a gun with him to ensure your safety during the walking time. For the ranger there is a fee of $ 23.4 per ranger per group. All these payments are paid by credit cards or in Tanzania National Parks online payment system.
Night Game Drive
Mkomazi has introduced night game drive activities inside the park. For those who real want to see how beautiful the park can be at night this is another opportunity. With safari vehicles with special lights you can be able to see some animals at night. The cost for this activity is $ 59 per person for any person of 16 years and above, and it will cost $ 29.5 for a child of 5 years to 15 years.
Note that all children under the age of 5 years do not pay park fees in any National Park in Tanzania
Accommodation
At the moment there is one private accommodation facility in this park and another owned by Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA Bandas). Other accommodation facilities are coming up soon including Mkomazi Nature Camp that will be completed and ready to accommodate you.
All of the above payments are paid in TANAPA online system or by credit card. Cash is not accepted in all the National Parks in Tanzania.
Nature Responsible Safari is able to book your safari to the amazing Mkomazi for an unforgettable experience. For bookings, please check our website @www.natureresponsiblesafari.com
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