Northen Circuit

Park history

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.

How to get there

By Road: Mkomazi is located north eastern Tanzania 120km from Moshi, 155km from Kilimanjaro International Airport, 200km from Arusha and 500km from Dar es salaam via Same town.

By Air: Several companies arrange charter flights to Mkomazi.

Best time to visit: June – January.

Activities

Game drives – This activity is conducted from 0630 – 1830 HRS. Four wheel (4X4) drive vehicles are recommended.

Short walking safari: Dindira trail (4km) which takes about 3hrs

Hiking: Mbula Hill Trail (5km) which takes about 4hrs to ascend and descend. The best time to conduct the activity is early morning and late afternoon.

Birding:There are more than 450 bird species including those that are hardly seen elsewhere such as Friedmann’s Lark, the Violet Wood-hoopoe, Somalia Long Billed Crombec and Shelley’s Starling. Also,the park host

Eurasian migrant birds such as European Roller. Best sites for birds watching are Zange, Dindira, Mbula, Babus, Norbanda, Ngurunga and Maore.

Camping:

Special campsites: There are two special campsites; Dindira and Mbula.

Public campsites: Zange and Maore campsites. Available facilities at Zange include bathroom, toilet, kitchen and dining.

Filming:

Filming fee:US $250 charged per person/day and covers conservation, camping and filming fees. This is applicable to all nationalities.

Picnicking: This is available at Vitewini and Dindira picnic sites. The latter provides a stunning view of the park. They are best places for taking packed meals while on game drive. No additional fee required.

Main Tourist attractions: Diversity of Fauna and Flora, the only protected area in Tanzania with large and visible population of Gerenuk. Magnificent view of landscapes including Kilimanjaro, Eastern Arc Mountains (Pare and Usambara), associated Hills and Acacia Commiphora Woodland.

Endangered species of animals particularly Black Rhino and Wild dogs

Accommodation

Inside the park: One Tented Camp, and several special and public campsites.

Outside the park: Several hotels, guest houses and camps in the nearby Same town.

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