Mkomazi National Park is located in the northern part of Tanzania, between Moshi and Tanga. The park finds itself in a beautiful setting with both the Pare and Usambara mountains towering above its boundaries. Depending on the weather, Mount Kilimanjaro can also be seen from the park. In terms of vegetation, Mkomazi marks the southern tip of the Sahel zone which resembles that of a dry, desert like landscape. Due to the climate, the vegetation primarily consists of acacia-commiphora woodlands and towards the western mountains the vegetation changes to a dry land forest.
Embark on a thrilling day trip to Mkomazi National Park, departing early in the morning from your hotel in Moshi. After breakfast, a private car will take you on a scenic 3-hour drive through the picturesque Tanzanian countryside, passing through traditional villages and rolling hills. By mid-morning, you’ll arrive at the park gate, greeted by sweeping views of semi-arid savannahs dotted with umbrella-shaped acacia trees and rugged mountain backdrops. Tucked away in northeastern Tanzania, straddling the border with Kenya, Mkomazi lies in both the Kilimanjaro and Tanga regions and forms an ecological corridor with Kenya’s Tsavo West National Park. Though often overshadowed by Tanzania’s more famous reserves, Mkomazi is a hidden gem, offering solitude and untouched wilderness.
Declared a game reserve in 1951 and later elevated to national park status in 2006, Mkomazi spans an impressive 3,234 square kilometers. It showcases the Acacia–Commiphora bushland typical of the East African drylands, which supports a diverse yet elusive cast of wildlife. The real stars here, however, are the African wild dogs—rare and endangered carnivores that roam the area in protected packs—and the park’s prestigious rhinoceros sanctuary. This fenced and intensively patrolled area is home to both black and white rhinos, making Mkomazi one of the few places in Tanzania where you can witness these majestic creatures as part of crucial breeding and conservation programs.
A guided game drive reveals giraffes silhouetted against the horizon, herds of eland and zebra grazing peacefully, and flocks of striking birds such as hornbills, ostriches, and secretary birds. The park is also a paradise for bird lovers, with over 450 recorded species. After a half-day safari, relax at one of the park’s viewpoints for a packed lunch or light refreshment, taking in the vast wilderness that stretches all the way to the Pare Mountains and Tsavo.
As the afternoon light begins to fade, you’ll start your return journey to Moshi, your heart full of memories and camera filled with photos. The drive back offers more stunning views of the Tanzanian landscape bathed in golden hues. By early evening, you’ll arrive at your hotel with a renewed appreciation for the lesser-known but equally captivating Mkomazi National Park—a sanctuary of serenity, rare species, and raw natural beauty.
