Rhino sanctuary
One of the few places in Tanzania where visitors can learn about and, with permission, see black rhinos in a protected setting.
Wildlife Parks · Northern Tanzania
Rhinos and wild dogs near the Kenyan border.
Mkomazi National Park is a dry, open savannah in north-eastern Tanzania, bordering Kenya’s Tsavo West National Park. It is a quiet and little-known park, and that is part of its charm. Acacia plains, rocky hills and the blue outline of the Pare Mountains create a wide, rugged landscape.
Mkomazi has an important place in conservation. A black rhino sanctuary and a breeding and reintroduction programme for African wild dogs are based here, and visitors can learn about the work being done to protect these threatened species.
Because the park receives few visitors, game drives are peaceful, and it works well as a stop between the northern parks and the coast or the Usambara and Pare mountains.
Highlights
One of the few places in Tanzania where visitors can learn about and, with permission, see black rhinos in a protected setting.
A rare chance to learn about the conservation of African wild dogs.
Species such as gerenuk, lesser kudu and fringe-eared oryx are suited to the arid habitat.
Few vehicles and a wide, open feel for relaxed game drives.
Experiences
Slow drives across savannah and rocky hills with excellent chances for dry-country antelope and birds.
Arranged in advance, with guidance on conservation work.
Learn about breeding and release work when access is permitted.
A good list of dry-country birds for keen watchers.
What you may see
Elephants, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, lesser kudu, gerenuk, fringe-eared oryx, dik-dik and a wide variety of birds are found. Rhino and wild dog viewing depends on access arrangements and cannot be guaranteed.
Wildlife is wild. Sightings depend on season, weather and luck, and your guide will always put you in the best position.
Planning
Wildlife concentrates near water and the roads are at their best.
Another good time, though it can be hot.
The park turns green but some tracks become difficult.
Mkomazi is roughly four hours by road from Arusha and about two hours from Moshi, via the town of Same. It fits well on a route linking the northern parks with the Pare and Usambara mountains.
Accommodation is limited and basic, so planning ahead is important. We can arrange a mix of park camping, small lodges and stays in nearby towns.
Combine it with
Good to know
Still unsure? Send us your question and a planner will answer personally.
Rhinos are kept in a protected sanctuary and visits are by arrangement and with permission. We can advise on current access when you plan your trip.
It is better as an addition to a first safari, because wildlife density is lower than in the main northern parks. It suits travellers who enjoy quiet places and conservation stories.
One to two nights is enough for game drives and a sanctuary visit.
Tell us when you want to travel and what you hope to see. We will reply with a plan.
