All Parks & Reserves

Mkomazi National Park

A dry wilderness under Kilimanjaro with a black rhino sanctuary and wild dog programme

  • Country Tanzania
  • Park type National Park
  • Size 3,245 km²
  • Established 2008
  • Best months June to October
Where to stay

Where to stay in Mkomazi National Park

We haven't added glamping stays in Mkomazi National Park yet. We're adding new camps every week.

Browse all glamping stays →

Mkomazi National Park guide

Overview

Mkomazi National Park covers about 3,245 km² in north-eastern Tanzania, along the border with Kenya, where it adjoins Tsavo West National Park. It was a game reserve for many years and became a national park in 2008.

The landscape is made of dry bush, grassland, baobabs and rocky hills, with views of Kilimanjaro and the Pare and Usambara mountains.

Mkomazi has a fenced sanctuary for black rhino and a breeding programme for African wild dogs, both run with the George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust. It sees few visitors and makes a good stop between Arusha and the coast.

Wildlife & Biodiversity

Rare species

Black rhino live in the sanctuary, and wild dogs have been released into the park. Gerenuk, fringe-eared oryx and lesser kudu are dry-country species found here.

Other wildlife

Elephant, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, lion and leopard are present. More than 450 bird species have been recorded.

Best Time to Visit

Short answer: June to October, in the dry season, when wildlife gathers near water and roads are easiest.

MonthsSeasonWhat to expect
Jun – OctDry seasonThe best game viewing.
Nov – DecShort rainsGreen, with some showers.
Jan – FebShort dry spellWarm. Good birding.
Mar – MayLong rainsVery wet. Some roads become difficult.

Mkomazi is hot and dry, so plan game drives for the early morning and late afternoon.

Getting There

By air

Airport Best for Notes
Kilimanjaro International (JRO) Northern Tanzania safaris About 3 hours by road to the Zange gate near Same.

By road

The Zange gate is near Same, on the road between Moshi and Dar es Salaam.

Entrance & Fees

Tanzania National Parks charges a conservation fee per person for each 24 hours in the park, paid electronically before or at the gate. From 2026/27 the tariff is quoted in Tanzanian shillings.

VisitorAdultChild (5–15)
Non-residentTZS 76,650TZS 25,550
Expatriate / resident foreignerTZS 38,325TZS 12,775
Tanzanian citizenTZS 5,000TZS 2,000

Children under five enter free. Vehicle, camping and activity fees are extra, and VAT may be added, so confirm the total when you book.

Fees last checked October 2026 against the Tanzania National Parks tariff system (2026/27).

Location