Mkomazi National Park
DESCRIPTION
Once a game reserve in 1951, it was then upgraded as a National park in 2008 by the government. The national park’s name was taken from a Pare tribes’ word denoting ‘scoop of water’. It is categorized in Tanzania’s destinations found in the northern circuit and occupies an area of 3245km2. The park borders Mountain Kilimanjaro in northwest, Pare & Usambara Mountains in the south and Tsavo National Park in the north. Bordering Tsavo makes the park a common ground for migratory herds of elephants, oryx and zebra.
LOCATION
Is found in Tanzania between Kilimanjaro and Tanga regions. 120km east of Moshi town, 550km from Julius Nyerere International Airport and 142km from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
TOPOGRAPHY
The park has a semi-arid climate with a bimodal rainfall distribution pattern. Is a classic dry-country reserve of grey-green, nyika bush, ancient baobab trees and isolated rocky hills.
ANIMALS
The park is well known as a rhino sanctuary moreover, about 78 species of mammals have been recorded in this wilderness. Some of the available animals include giraffe, gerenuk, oryx, impala, hartebeest, lesser kudu, eland, lion, elephant, leopard, cheetah and buffalo. It is a vital refuge for the two endangered species namely black rhino and African wild dog which were successful reintroduced in 1990’s.
BIRDS
Over 450 bird species have been recorded including weavers, guinea-fowl, doves, martial eagle, violet wood-hoopoe and hornbills. Also large birds like kori bustard secretary bird, ostrich and ground hornbills are available.
WHY VISIT MKOMAZI
Plenty of plants, animal and bird species; Mkomazi National Park has more than 500 recorded elephants, over 450 bird species and about 78 species of mammals.
Mkomazi national park is less crowded hence bringing sense of pure naturality; this makes a tourist have a great moment of sighting animals.
HOW TO GET THERE
By road, there are private cars and public dalla dallas between Same and Mbaga that can drop you at Zange gate. There are also buses that can transfer you from Arusha, Moshi and Dar Es Salaam to Same town.
By Air, there are aero planes from Arusha airport or Julius Nyerere International Airport and other flights are available that will transfer you direct to Kisima Airstrip.
WHAT TO DO
Game driving, this involves day and night game drive that will give you an opportunity to watch and learn more about nature and wildlife in the park.
Bird watching, due to plenty of birds of over 450 bird species, this gives a wide range to have a special knowledge about birds.
Walking safari, this involves conducting a safari by foot, provides a chance to observe small, medium and large creatures in a close range.
Other activities include camping, site seeing and getting knowledge about conservation and rhinoceros at Mkomazi rhino sanctuary.
WHEN TO GO
The best moments to visit the park range from November to May whereby you are able to see plenty of elephants because they are migrating from Tsavo. Also during the months of June-October are the good times for bird watching and seeing large mammals, although the park is filled with plenty of animals and birds all year round.
ACCOMMODATIONS
There is a semi-tented permanent camp near the park, few designed campsites, several hotels and guest houses in Same town.
Elephant Motel, this hotel is situated 4miles from Mkomazi National Park. It has 12 normal double and single guest rooms. The room facilities include telephone, air conditioning, hair dryer, bathtub, shower and comfortable beds. You will enjoy 24 meal service in the restaurant and drinks in the bar.
Babu’s Camp, this camp is 11km from Zange park gate. It has got 6 safari tents, the facilities within include twin beds, writing desks, shower also all meals and drinks are available and served by hospitable staff.
Orlando Lodge, situated in Same town, has got rooms with fans, TV, worktable. Also the lodge has a restaurant that offers different meals and guests can enjoy drinks stocked at the bar,