Mkomazi National Park

Mkomazi is the newly National Park located in the Northern Tanzania within two Regions of Kilimanjaro and Tanga, stretching within two Districts of Same and Lushoto respectively. It covers an area of 3,245 sq.km (1240 sq miles). The climate is semi-arid with bimodal rainfall pattern. The short rains starts from late September through November and long rains occurs between February and May.

The park has derived its name from Pare tribe which means the source of water. certainly as the name befits, the only permanent and reliable source of water in Mkomazi is the Umba River whichi also forms the boundary to the South-East of the protected area.

The park is enriched with diversity of Fauna and Flora which includes the large and visible population of Gerenuk, large population of big and small mammals including Elephants, Zebra, Buffaloes, warthogs, Hartebeest, Hyenas, Grant's gazelle, Giraffes, Lesser Kudu, Cheetah, Lion, Wild cats, Silver Backed Jackals and endangered species particularly Black Rhino and Wild dogs.

Also it has common reptiles like crocodiles in Umba River, Python and Agama Lizards. Mkomazi is popular in is birdlife record of which more that 450 species of birds, including the Go away birds, Ostriches, Parrots, Pelicans, Flamingos just a few to mention are found in the park.