KILIMANJARO: THE number of tourists visiting Mkomazi National Park (MKONAPA) has increased from 3,000 before the launch of its black rhino tourism programme in 2021 to approximately 10,000 by September 2026, reflecting growing interest in wildlife conservation and tourism in the area.
The Chief Park Warden and Head of Mkomazi National Park, Assistant Commissioner for Conservation (ACC) Eva Mallya, said the increase was largely driven by travellers seeking opportunities to see black rhinos, which are among the park’s major attractions.
She said that the black rhino tourism programme was launched in 2021 as part of efforts to increase the population of the species, which faces the risk of extinction.
“In addition to the presence of other types of wildlife in MKONAPA, the number of tourists has increased over the past few years, driven largely by public interest in its special black rhino conservation and breeding zone,” she said.
ALSO READ: Ngorongoro targets global heritage tourism growth
Ms Mallya said the park had promoted the attraction through the slogan, “Come to Mkomazi National Park, you are 99 per cent guaranteed to see a Rhino.”
The campaign highlights visitors’ opportunity to view the animals at close range and take photographs. Beyond black rhinos, she said Mkomazi offers a variety of wildlife attractions, including African wild dogs, gerenuks, elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes and giraffes.
“The park is also home to more than 450 bird species, providing additional opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Visitors can participate in day and night game drives, walking safaris, photography tourism and camping, activities that diversify the park’s tourism experiences,” Ms Mallya said.
Senior Warden in charge of Tourism Operations, Mr Geoffrey Kyando, identified the gerenuk as another distinctive attraction.
He said that the animal, also known as the giraffe gazelle, has a long neck resembling that of a giraffe and is adapted to dry environments such as those found in Mkomazi.
“The species feeds mainly on low-lying shrubs and has the ability to obtain the moisture it needs from plants and leaves, rarely drinking water directly,” he said.
Mr Kyando further said Mkomazi was among the few places in Tanzania where tourists could reliably see gerenuks, which favour the country’s northern dry zones.
The growth in visitor numbers demonstrates the importance of linking wildlife conservation with tourism while providing visitors with opportunities to experience the park’s distinctive biodiversity.