Day Tour in Mkomazi National Park

Day Tour in Mkomazi National Park

1 Day Tanzania Safari

Safari Overview

Formerly a Game Reserve since 1951, Mkomazi was upgraded into a ‘National Park’ status in 2008. It is located 6km from Same town, covering an area of 3,245square km. The name ‘Mkomazi’is a combination of two words from the Pare ethnic language; “Mko and Mazi”. “Mko” means a traditional tiny wooden spoon used by the Pare people for eating and “Mazi” means water. This implies that water in the Park is hardly enough to fill up the wooden spoon. The Mkomazi National Park is a spectacular wilderness. Within sight to the northwest is Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest summit. To the south, the Pare and Usambara Mountains form a dramatic backdrop and, to the north, Kenya’s vast Tsavo National Park shares a border with Mkomazi, making common ground for migratory herds of elephant, oryx and zebra during the wet season. Together with Tsavo, it forms one of the largest and most important protected ecosystems on earth. Why should you go to Mkomazi Park? The park is not well known and because of that it has its charme. It’s not crowd and the animals are acting natural. Almost all species can be found. Mkomazi is vital refuge for two highly endangered species, the charismatic black rhino and sociable African wild dog. It’s a cheap alternative for the northern national park.

Pick up from your hotel in Arusha and drive to Mkomazi National Park (3,245 sq km) for a full day game drive with packed picnic lunch. Set below the verdant slopes of the spectacular Usambara and Pare Eastern Arc Mountain ranges and overseen by iconic snow – capped peak of Kilimanjaro, Mkomazi a virgin breathtaking beauty exhibiting unique natural treasures and immense sense of space adds to the fulfillment of high visitor enjoyment expectations. Home of large herds of giraffe, eland, hartebeest, zebra, buffalo and elephant and a vital refuge for two highly endangered species, the charismatic black rhino and sociable African wild dog, both of which were successfully reintroduced in the 1990s, but black rhino are restricted to a fenced sanctuary, ensuring their safe keeping for future generations enjoyment and prosperity. Mkomazi supports several dry – country specialists’ species that are rare elsewhere in Tanzania; these include the spectacular fringe – eared Oryx, with its long back – sweeping horns, and the handsome spiral – horned lesser kudu. Oddest of all is the gerenuk, a gazelle distinguished by its slender neck, bizarre alien – like head, and habit of standing tall on its hind legs stretch for acacia leaves that other browsers cannot reach. Arusha to Mkomazi Distance: 200 Km (Tarmac Road + Rough Road), E.T.A: 3-4 Hours, Meal Plan: Lunch. Optional activities: Walking Safari and Visiting the Rhino Sanctuary. This day trip to Mkomazi National Park can be booked 1 day in advance. Do ensure to inquire about children’s policy. Prices are subject to change without notice.