A quiet dry-country park in northeastern Tanzania
Mkomazi National Park is a large national park in northeastern Tanzania that borders Kenya’s Tsavo West. It is known for dry savannah, birdlife, a black rhino sanctuary and few visitors.
Mkomazi covers about 3,200 km² of acacia and commiphora bushland, with baobabs and low hills. It was a game reserve from 1951 and became a national park in 2006. The Pare Mountains rise nearby, contrasting with the dry plains.
The park is off the main safari circuit, so visits feel quiet and personal. Mkomazi is known for conservation work, including a black rhino sanctuary and wild dog reintroduction, and for its birdlife and dry-country wildlife.
Start PlanningMkomazi National Park at a glance
The essentials travellers search for most, in one place.
- Location
- Kilimanjaro and Tanga regions, northeastern Tanzania
- Borders
- Tsavo West National Park in Kenya
- Size
- About 3,200 km²
- Established
- Game reserve in 1951; national park in 2006
- Managed by
- Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA)
- Habitats
- Acacia-commiphora bushland, baobabs, low hills
- Famous for
- Black rhino sanctuary, birdlife, quiet safaris
- Activities
- Game drives, birdwatching, walking safaris at the main gate
- Best time to visit
- June to October and January to February
- Green season
- Short and long rains bring green landscapes and fewer visitors
- Typical visit
- 1 to 2 nights
- Park fees
- Set by TANAPA and revised periodically; we confirm current rates when quoting
Experience Mkomazi your way
Mkomazi suits travellers who value space and quiet. Plan for a longer stay if you want to cover different areas.
Game Drives in Dry Country
Look for oryx, eland, kudu, dik-dik and elephants, along with Coke’s hartebeest and other dry-country species.
Rhino Conservation
Mkomazi is known for its rhino sanctuary. Access is limited and must be arranged in advance through the park.
Birdwatching and Walks
Birders can find many dry-country species. Guided walks may be available near the main gate.
What you can see in Mkomazi National Park
Mkomazi offers a different safari: drier, quieter and rewarding for patient viewers.
Dry-country antelope
Oryx, eland, kudu, gerenuk and dik-dik are among the park’s antelope.
Elephants
Elephants are present and gradually returning to the area.
Wild dogs and rhinos
Reintroduced wild dogs and black rhinos are protected in dedicated conservation areas.
Birds
More than 400 species have been recorded, including many dry-country birds.
Dry months are best for wildlife
Mkomazi is hot and dry for much of the year. Wildlife is easiest to see in the dry months, while the rains bring green scenery and birds.
- Jun–OctDry season. Best wildlife viewing and easiest roads.
- Nov–DecShort rains. Landscapes turn green and temperatures ease.
- Jan–FebOften drier and warm. Good for wildlife and birding.
- Mar–MayLong rains. Quietest period, with some tracks affected.
How Mkomazi compares with other northern parks
Mkomazi is a quieter alternative to the busier northern circuit.
Mkomazi vs Tarangire
Tarangire has larger elephant herds and baobabs. Mkomazi is quieter, drier and less visited.
Mkomazi vs Arusha
Arusha is small and forested. Mkomazi is large, dry and open.
Mkomazi and Kilimanjaro
Mkomazi is within reach of Moshi and Kilimanjaro, so it can follow or precede a climb.
Plan your Mkomazi safari
Mkomazi fits well as an add-on to a Kilimanjaro or Pare Mountains trip. Adhama Africa Adventures can plan it.
Choose your base
You can travel from Moshi, Same or Arusha. We plan the route around your itinerary.
Plan rhino access
If you want to visit the rhino sanctuary, we arrange it in advance.
Combine with the north
Mkomazi pairs with Kilimanjaro, Arusha and Tarangire on a northern route.
Let’s plan your Mkomazi safari
Tell us when you want to travel and what you hope to see. We’ll plan a quiet, flexible route.
Helpful things to know before you go
Where is Mkomazi National Park?
Mkomazi National Park is in northeastern Tanzania, in the Kilimanjaro and Tanga regions, bordering Kenya’s Tsavo West National Park.
What is Mkomazi National Park known for?
It is known for dry savannah, birdlife, its black rhino sanctuary and wild dog conservation work.
What is the best time to visit Mkomazi?
The dry months, June to October and January to February, are usually best.
Can you see rhinos in Mkomazi?
The rhino sanctuary is protected, and access is limited and arranged in advance. Sightings are not guaranteed.
How long do you need in Mkomazi?
One to two nights is typical. Longer stays allow more time to explore.
Can you do a walking safari in Mkomazi?
Walking safaris may be arranged at the main gate, with a ranger guide and age limits. We confirm details when planning.
Can Mkomazi be combined with Kilimanjaro?
Yes. Mkomazi is within reach of Moshi and is often paired with Kilimanjaro or Arusha.
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