Black Rhino Boosts Mkomazi Tourist Traffic

 

Black Rhino Boosts Mkomazi Tourist Traffic

Mkomazi National Park, one of Tanzania’s hidden gems, is experiencing a surge in tourist traffic thanks to the growing population of black rhinos. The critically endangered species, once on the brink of extinction in the region, is now playing a crucial role in attracting conservationists, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers from around the world.

WITH an average of 1,000 visitors per month, Mkomazi National Park in Kilimanjaro Region is fast becoming a popular tourist destination in Tanzania’s Northern Circuit.

Home to a special breeding site for Black Rhinos, Mkomazi attracted approximately 7,900 tourists between July 2024 and January 2025.

This remarkable increase in visitor numbers is the result of concerted efforts by the government to make key investments in the park.

 

A Conservation Success Story

The black rhino (Diceros bicornis) population in Mkomazi has been steadily increasing due to dedicated conservation efforts spearheaded by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) and international wildlife organizations. The Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary, established within the park, has provided a safe breeding ground for these rare animals, ensuring their survival and contributing to the global effort to protect them from poaching and habitat loss.

 

The sanctuary, which was initiated in the 1990s, has benefited from strict security measures, well-managed breeding programs, and public awareness campaigns. With a combination of international funding and local conservation initiatives, the once-declining rhino numbers have started to recover, making Mkomazi a key stronghold for black rhino conservation in East Africa.

 

Tourism on the Rise

Acting Chief Park Warden of Mkomazi National Park, located in northeastern Tanzania along the Kenyan border, Dr Emmanuel Macha, revealed the park’s success over the weekend.

Dr Macha, whose jurisdiction spans the Same District of Kilimanjaro Region and Lushoto District, also noted that the park is on track to meet its target of 11,764 visitors for the year.

“We launched the Black Rhino tourism package in July 2021 and since then, the number of visitors has been steadily growing each year,” Dr Macha said.

To further boost tourism, the government allocated over 4.6bn/- through the National Covid-19 Response Plan (NCRP).

The funds were used to implement key projects aimed at improving the park’s infrastructure, including road improvements, construction of three new visitor entrance gates, rehabilitation of two airstrips and the procurement of a new vehicle.

Dr Macha also expressed his gratitude to the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her continued support of the park and the entire wildlife sector.

“With the growing number of visitors, we now need to expand our accommodation facilities, improve road access and airstrips, and increase the number of professional staff,” he noted.

The Mkomazi Park Conservation Officer for Business Development, Geofrey Kyando said the park is attracting tourists from a variety of countries, including Germany, the USA, the UK, India, France and Tanzania itself.

Promoting its tourism activities under the brand ‘Home of Black Rhinos,’ Kyando explained that Mkomazi’s 3,234 km² area is divided into three major zones.

While the presence of the Black Rhinos is the main attraction, the park’s impressive security measures, beautiful ecology and the rich culture of the Same people also contribute to the increasing number of visitors.

Conservation Ranger I (CRI) at the Mkomazi Black Rhino Tourism Sanctuary, which houses the park’s Black Rhino population, Edward Kimaro provided more details on the park’s role in conservation.

He emphasised that Mkomazi is the only wildlife sanctuary where visitors can observe these majestic, solitary creatures up close within just one hour.

“In July 2021, the government launched this centre to ensure effective preservation, breeding and development of Black Rhinos,” Kimaro said.

This initiative was a response to the dramatic decline in the country’s Black Rhino population, which had been caused by illegal poaching and other factors.

Previously, Black Rhinos were found in Ngorongoro and Tarangire National Parks, but visitors had to spend several days to see them, Kimaro added.

Mkomazi National Park, established as a game reserve in 1951 and upgraded to a national park in 2006, is located in northeastern Tanzania, straddling the Kenyan border, Same District of Kilimanjaro Region and Lushoto District.

A small portion of the park also extends into Mkinga District in Tanga Region.

A Sustainable Future

The growing popularity of Mkomazi as a rhino tourism destination underscores the importance of sustainable conservation efforts. Revenue generated from park entry fees and safari bookings helps fund anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and community engagement programs. Additionally, conservationists are working closely with local communities to ensure they benefit from tourism while also playing an active role in protecting the park’s wildlife.

 

With continued conservation success, Mkomazi National Park is well on its way to becoming one of Tanzania’s top wildlife destinations. The resurgence of black rhinos not only symbolizes hope for the species but also demonstrates the power of conservation-driven tourism in preserving Africa’s natural heritage.