Mkomazi National Park
Price starts at:
USD 150 P/P
Tour Location
Kilimanjaro & Tanga
Duration
1 Day
Tour Overview
Mkomazi National Park is one of Tanzania’s hidden treasures on the northern safari circuit, offering a, authentic, and less crowded wildlife experience. Originally a game reserve, it was officially upgraded to a national park in 2008, making it one of the newest protected areas in the country.
The park features a unique and striking landscape of semi-arid plains, scattered baobab trees, and stunning views of the Pare and Usambara Mountains. Its remote and lesser-visited nature makes it ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful safari away from the busy routes of more popular parks.
Mkomazi is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, and rhinos, as well as giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hyenas, and the distinctive long-necked gerenuk. While wildlife density may be lower compared to parks like Tarangire, the experience is more private and exclusive, with fewer vehicles and uninterrupted views.
One of the park’s main highlights is the Black Rhino Sanctuary, offering one of the best opportunities in Tanzania to see these rare and protected animals. This makes Mkomazi especially appealing for visitors interested in conservation and unique wildlife encounters. Located in northeastern Tanzania, Mkomazi can be reached within 4–6 hours by road from Moshi or Arusha, making it accessible for day trips or short safaris.
Due to its history as a former hunting area, some predators—especially leopards—are still less commonly seen, and sightings may require patience. However, many animals gather around water sources such as the Dindira Dam, providing good opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Overall, Mkomazi National Park offers a rewarding safari experience for those who appreciate tranquility, scenic beauty, and the chance to explore a destination that is still developing and naturally regenerating.
Highlights & Experiences
Walking Safaris
Trek on foot through grasslands and forest with an armed ranger. Get within meters of giraffes, buffaloes, and warthogs—something impossible from a vehicle. Routes vary from 2-hour Momella Lakes circuits to half-day Ngurdoto Crater rim walks. You'll learn tracking, identify dung patterns, and experience the bush at human pace. Physical demand: moderate. The thrill isn't just wildlife—it's being in their space, not watching through glass.
Canoeing on Momella Lakes
Paddle across the shallow Momella Lakes in traditional dugout canoes or modern kayaks. Glide past flamingo flocks, hippos (from safe distance), and waterfowl feeding in alkaline waters. Each lake has distinct mineral content, creating different colors—green, blue, even reddish hues. Early morning sessions (6-8 AM) offer mirror-still water and peak bird activity. Duration: 1-2 hours. No experience required, but expect arm fatigue.
Game Drives
Standard 4x4 vehicle tours through forest, savanna, and lakeside habitats. Spot giraffes, zebras, dik-diks, colobus monkeys, and if fortunate, leopards in fever trees. The Ngurdoto Crater viewpoint offers panoramic vistas (no crater floor access—it's a protected sanctuary). Drives last 3-6 hours depending on route. Less dramatic than Serengeti's predator action, but the landscape variety—from swamp to alpine heath—is exceptional for such a small park.
Mount Meru Hike (lower slopes)
For visitors not attempting the full multi-day summit trek, a day hike onto Meru's lower forested slopes offers a taste of the climb, montane forest, occasional buffalo sign, and views back toward the Momella Lakes, without the altitude commitment of the full ascent.
Tour Itinerary
07:00 – Departure from Arusha/Moshi
Private transportation to Arusha National Park, approximately 40–60 minutes depending on starting point.
08:00 – Park Entry & Briefing
Registration at the gate, meet your armed ranger and guide, short safety briefing for the walking safari.
08:30 – Walking Safari
Guided trek toward Momella Lakes, observing wildlife and birdlife on foot (approximately 2 hours).
10:30 – Canoeing on Momella Lakes
Paddle session across the lakes, flamingo and waterfowl viewing (approximately 1–1.5 hours).
12:00 – Picnic Lunch
Lakeside picnic lunch with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
13:00 – Game Drive to Ngurdoto Crater
Afternoon drive through forest and savanna toward the Ngurdoto Crater viewpoint, with stops for wildlife along the way (approximately 2 hours).
15:00 – Canopy Walk
Optional canopy walk through the montane forest before departure (30–45 minutes).
16:00 – Departure from Park
Exit through the main gate, beginning the return journey.
17:00 – Return to Arusha/Moshi
Arrive back at your accommodation by early evening.
Tour Prices
| Number of Persons | Price in USD |
|---|---|
| 1 person | 280 |
| 2 persons | 215 |
| 3 persons | 195 |
| 4 persons | 175 |
| 5 persons | 165 |
| 6+ persons | 150 |
Price includes:
- Round-trip private transportation from Moshi / Arusha
- Professional certified guide from the Cultural Tourism Program
- All park fees and attractions
- Picnic lunch at the park
- Drinking water
Price excludes:
- Tipping to local guide
- Personal spending
- Soda / alcoholic beverages
- Travel Insurance
- Extra snacks or drinks