Mkomazi National Park

Mkomazi National Park is a wildlife reserve in northern Tanzania covering approximately 3,200 square kilometers. The landscape consists of savanna woodland with baobab trees and flat grassland spread across valleys between the Kilimanjaro and Tanga regions.

The area was established as a game reserve in 1951 and became a national park in 2006 following years of conservation efforts. This change marked a turning point for protecting endangered species in the region.

The name Mkomazi comes from the Pare language and refers to the scarce water found in this dry landscape. Visitors can sense this meaning as they observe the sparse water sources that draw animals and people together.

The park is accessed through the Kamakota entrance gate, located roughly 120 kilometers (75 miles) east of Moshi. Visitors can choose between guided safaris and self-drive tours to explore different areas.

The park hosts one of Tanzania's largest populations of African wild dogs and maintains enclosed breeding sanctuaries for black rhinoceroses. These residents offer visitors an uncommon wildlife viewing experience.

Location: Tanga Region

Inception: 1951

Website: https://tanzaniaparks.go.tz/national_parks/mkomazi-national-park

GPS coordinates: -4.29944,38.38944

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40