Ascend to  African Sky, spend Nights under the Stars in Acacia woodlands eventually relax at pristine African beaches

Arusha National Park and Mkomazi Umba Game Reserve

Are two protected area which are virgin and very fascinating. Many Tourists mostly are interested in visiting other National Parks than these two above. How ever if some one tries to visit Arusha National Park and/or Mkomazi Umba Game Reserve he will discover something he/she would have to miss The entrance gate leads into shadowy Montane forest inhabited by inquisitive blue monkeys and colourful turacos and trogons – the only place on the northern safari circuit where the acrobatic black-and-white Colobus monkey is easily seen. In the midst of the forest stands the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater, whose steep, rocky cliffs enclose a wide marshy floor dotted with herds of buffalo and warthog.  

Further north, rolling grassy hills enclose the tranquil beauty of the Momela Lakes, each one a different hue of green or blue. Their shallows sometimes tinged pink with thousands of flamingos, the lakes support a rich selection of resident and migrant waterfowl, and shaggy waterbucks display their large lyre-shaped horns on the watery fringes. Giraffes glide across the grassy hills, between grazing zebra herds, while pairs of wide-eyed dik-dik dart into scrubby bush like overgrown hares on spindly legs. 

Although elephants are uncommon in Arusha National Park, and lions absent altogether, leopards and spotted hyenas may be seen slinking around in the early morning and late afternoon. It is also at dusk and dawn that the veil of cloud on the eastern horizon is most likely to clear, revealing the majestic snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro, only 50km (30 miles) distant.

But it is Kilimanjaro’s unassuming cousin, Mount Meru - the fifth highest in Africa at 4,934, metres (14,990 feet) – that dominates the park’s horizon. Its peaks and eastern foot slopes protected within the national park, Meru offers unparalleled views of its famous neighbour, while also forming a rewarding hiking destination in its own right.  

Passing first through wooded savannah where buffalos and giraffes are frequently encountered, the ascent of Meru leads into forests aflame with red-hot pokers and dripping with Spanish moss, before reaching high open heath spiked with giant lobelias. Everlasting flowers cling to the alpine desert, as delicately-hoofed klipspringers mark the hike’s progress. Astride the craggy summit, Kilimanjaro stands unveiled, blushing in the sunrise..

Mkomazi Game Reserve

Mkomazi Camp   Highlights   Getting to Mkomazi   Walking Safaris    Mountain Biking   Tariffs

Mkomazi Game Reserve  lies to the south of Kenya's Tsavo National Park. Mkomazi is expected to be designated a National Park in the latter half of 2005 and will be known as Mkomazi National Park. Until then, it remains as a Game Reserve. 

Mkomazi National Park and Tsavo National Park may one day be joined to form a trans-national park.

Mkomazi has spectacular scenery. On the western side are the Pare Mountains and to the South-East the Umba River. There are amazing views of Mt. Kilimanjaro from 60 kms distance, one gets an awesome impression of how big and how massive Kilimanjaro is when  compared with the mountains surrounding Mkomazi Game Reserve (Kilimanjaro is the largest standing volcanic massif in the world).

Mkomazi: Is derived from the Pare vernacular; one of the biggest tribes in the Kilimanjaro region in Northern Tanzania , meaning “the source of water”.  Indeed as the name befits, the only permanent and reliable source of water in the Mkomazi Umba Game Reserve is the Umba River which also forms the boundary to the South East of the Reserve.  

SIZE AND LOCATION

The Mkomazi/Umba Game Reserve covers a total area of 3234.4 square kilometers. It lies between 3.47' – 433's latitude and 37.45 – 38.45'E latitude.  The Reserve is within two regions of Kilimanjaro and Tanga stretching within the districts of Same, Lushoto and Tanga. In the north it borders with the Tsavo National Park in Kenya thus sharing the boundary between Kenya and Tanzania (Tran boundary).  On the west I borders with the Pare Mountain while Umba River forms part of the South Eastern boundary and in the south is Same town.  

ANIMAL SPECIES FOUND IN MKOMAZI/UMBA GAME RESERVE  

The Mkomazi/Umba is rich in fauna and flora this is still among a few areas where species like Gerenuk areas where species like Gerenuk (Litocranius Waller) and Oryx (Oryx gazelle) can easily be spotted.  Other endemic species include the wild cat and the Silver backed Jackal.  Other common species in Mkomazi include Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Lesser Kudu, Waterbuck, Giraffe, Grant Gazelle, Hyena Hartebeest, Warthog and Zebra.

Mkomazi/Umba Game Reserve is known for its richness in avifauna where by more than 450 species of birds have been recorded including the Tawny Eagle, the Go away bird, Ostrich and the Parrot.

Reptiles are also found in the reserve.  The notable species include Crocodile in Umba River , Python and the Agama Lizard. Dindira Hills offer the spectacular view of mount Kilimanjaro, Other mountains and Hills also represent good views.

Mkomazi Game Reserve Highlights:

The main attractions of Mkomazi are the scenery and privacy. There are no villages in the park. The Reserve is not a developed tourist area, and this is what is particularly appealing to the Reserve. Other vehicles are rarely seen.  It's a quiet little corner of the African savannah.

Highlights: Game Viewing - Night Game Drive - Rhino Sanctuary - Wild Dog Breeding Program - Walks/Mountain Biking - Birding

There are over 30 large mammal species in the Reserve. Wildlife viewing may not be as spectacular as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, but there are decent sized herds of elephant, zebra, hartebeest, eland and giraffe. The main predators animals such as lion, hyena, leopard and cheetah can also be seen. But game viewing is away from the maddening crowds of 4 wheel drive vehicles. Animals are a little shy, either because they are afraid of being  shot or because they are not used to seeing vehicles, but eventually they get habituated to them. With more visitors entering the Reserve, relationships between animals and tourists will have to be based on a lot less fear and a lot more trust.

Mkomazi Game Reserve's privacy must be paid for to justify it's existence to Tanzanians. Mkomazi Camp has the privilege of allowing to be located in the Reserve; the camp has therefore remained small, exclusive, but affordable. 

Mkomazi Camp is the main accommodation available in the Reserve. It is run by Teena Payne and Steve John. Teena is from Australia and has a degree in biology. Steve is from the UK and has a degree in zoology. Both of them were previously teachers in their respective subjects and with their professional backgrounds they naturally have a great interest in wildlife and the environment. They have been in Tanzania for over five years.

Mkomazi Camp is small, simple and comfortable. Tents are spacious and have attached bathrooms with shower and long drop toilet. The camp is located 8 kms from the entrance gate of Zange.

Mkomazi Camp Tariffs:

Entrance Fee $35 per person.

Single Tent    Half Board $110;  Full Board $120.
Double Tent  Half Board $170.  Full Board $190.

Game Drives per vehicle:

Rhino Sanctuary day visit $35 per person.
Rhino Sanctuary overnight in hide $110 per person (sleeping bag and mattress provided). Bush breakfast in the morning.

There is no charge for short hikes near the camp.

Walking and Biking Safaris:

Two days:   $280 per person.   Three days: $350 per person.

Birding Safaris: 

Mkomazi Game Reserve has over 400 species of birds. Keen birders are encouraged to include Mkomazi in their program as many of the species seen in the Reserve are those whose distribution is limited to the eastern part of Tanzania, e.g. Hunter's Sunbird (Chalcomitra hunteri), Banded Green Sunbird (Anthreptes rubritorques) and White-chested Alethe (Alethe fuelleborni). 

Swala Safaris will be happy to arrange birding safaris for small specialist groups or individuals.

Getting to Mkomazi Game Reserve. The small town of Same ('sah-may) is 5 kilometres from the entrance gate.

By Road: Transfer vehicle are either 4-wheel drive (5 passengers) or minibuses.

Moshi 90 minutes.  Transfer $160 each way per vehicle.
Arusha 2.5 hours. Transfer $180 each way.
Dar es Salaam 5 hours. Transfer $240 each way.

There are numerous reliable and efficient bus services departing daily for Same from Arusha, Moshi and Dar es Salaam. Swala Safaris will be happy to make the necessary bookings for you at no extra cost. If you make the booking yourself, make sure you do so with a reliable bus service.

Mkomazi Camp will collect you from Same Bus Station for which there will be a charge of $30 per vehicle. 

By Air:

There is an airstrip for light aircraft. There are no scheduled flights. Rates will be given on request.