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Mkomazi National Park: A Hidden Gem for a Day Trip or More
Mkomazi National Park is one of the most underrated parks in Tanzania, but it is a fantastic destination for a day trip or even a longer stay. Recently, I spent several days there with friends. Once again, I was captivated by its stunning landscapes and the wildlife we encountered.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
After spending the night at a local guesthouse in Same town, which is close to the park entrance, we hopped into our Land Cruiser and made our way to the new entry gate of Mkomazi National Park. At the gate, we found plenty of information about the park’s wildlife, which added to our excitement. After completing all the formalities, we drove to the Mkomazi Bandas, where we would spend the night, to drop off our luggage. From there, we ventured deeper into the park.
We encountered several gazelles, zebras, and warthogs along the way. As we got closer to Dindira Dam, the number of giraffes we saw increased dramatically. We stopped at a beautiful spot on a hill overlooking the dam, where we enjoyed a peaceful picnic lunch.
On our way out, as the sun began to set, we stumbled upon a large herd of oryx grazing on the open plains. It was a first for me, and I was thrilled to see them in such a serene environment. We watched quietly as they peacefully fed on the grass.
Rhino Sanctuary
Mkomazi is also known for its rhino sanctuary, which is fenced off within the park boundaries to protect the animals. We decided not to visit the sanctuary this time, as we had been there before. Access to the sanctuary is granted by park authorities, and visitors are escorted in an open safari vehicle with a ranger. On our previous visit, we had the chance to get up close to the rhinos, which was an incredible experience. The rangers know the exact locations of the rhinos, making it possible to observe them from a very close distance – almost close enough to touch them!
Mkomazi Bandas: Cozy and Comfortable
At the end of a long day, we returned to the cozy Mkomazi Bandas. The property consists of six spacious, clean bungalows. There’s a safari tent that serves as the dining area, along with a small cooking shed. We brought our own cooking equipment and made some pasta, but it’s also possible to have the on-site staff cook for you. During dinner, we had to zip up the tent to keep the monkeys from stealing our food. At night, we enjoyed the sounds of the savannah, a perfect end to a memorable day.
Day 2: More Wildlife Encounters
After enjoying breakfast with a curious audience of monkeys, we hit the road again. We took a less-traveled route and were immediately rewarded with a sighting of a group of large elephant bulls. We spent some time observing them as they browsed from the trees, shrubs, and bushes, while hornbills flitted from one tree to another.
As we continued driving, we startled a bushbuck that leapt from the tall grasses. Soon, we encountered another elephant hidden in the brush. When we reached the open plains, we saw a massive bull elephant walking down a small path leading toward us. We decided to wait, and sure enough, the elephant continued on its path and passed by our car, eyeing us cautiously as it moved along.
After this breathtaking moment, we drove back toward the dam, encountering several more giraffes along the way. We decided to take a detour around the mountain, and that’s when we had an unforgettable experience: we spotted a lion cub jumping into a ravine. We moved a bit closer and discovered an entire pride of lions – two males, several females, and cubs. It was a remarkable sight as they stared back at us with an intense gaze.
As we exited the park, we spotted the oryx herd once again in the distance, and just before the gate, we were treated to the sight of two beautiful female greater kudus. We made our way back to Moshi in just two hours, reflecting on what an amazing day we had.
Why Visit Mkomazi National Park?
Mkomazi National Park may not be as famous as other Tanzanian parks, but it is a fantastic destination. It is located between Moshi and the Usambara Mountains. It’s an ideal stopover when heading toward the Usambaras or the beaches of Tanzania’s mainland. While the wildlife may not be as abundant as in other parks, spotting the animals here is a rewarding experience, and the scenery is truly unique.
The park borders Tsavo West National Park in Kenya. It is surrounded by the Pare Mountains, including the impressive peak of Shengena. There are a few tented camps in the area, but for a more affordable option, the Mkomazi Bandas are a great choice. In nearby Same, you’ll also find some excellent accommodation options. We highly recommend visiting this beautiful and tranquil park.
