Mkomazi National Park Inaugurates Ndea Gate to Increase Tourist Numbers

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has instructed the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) to establish programs promoting attractions in Mkomazi National Park to increase tourist numbers.

He stated the government has made significant investments, including road construction, a tourist gate, and other social services within the park, requiring the Authority to leverage these improvements to attract more visitors.

The directive was issued on 25th March 2025 while addressing conservationists and residents after inaugurating the Ndea tourist entry and exit gate at Mkomazi National Park in Mwanga District, Kilimanjaro Region.

“We must promote our Mkomazi Park and its attractions. Highlight animals that cannot be found elsewhere, and explain the distance from Moshi and Tanga to the park,” said Majaliwa.

He noted that the gate construction is part of major improvements made by the Sixth Phase Government to stimulate and enhance tourism attractions in the country.

Additionally, he directed TANAPA to educate local communities about opportunities arising from tourist presence, including items preferred by tourists, while encouraging residents to take advantage of these opportunities.

Majaliwa also instructed Communications and Information Technology Minister Jerry Silaa to develop a strategy for improving communications along routes and areas within the park.

“The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology should ensure reliable communications in the park areas.”

Mkomazi National Park Chief Conservator Emmanuel Mwailama reported that the gate will increase tourist numbers to the park, where many visitors come to see Lake Jipe communities, black rhinos, and elephants.

He added that the gate will stimulate economic opportunities for surrounding communities due to increased tourist traffic, including job creation for residents of nearby villages.

The gate construction cost TZS 350 million and includes offices for other government departments such as Immigration, Revenue Authority, and banking services.

About The Mkomazi National Park

The Mkomazi National Park, located in northeastern Tanzania between the Kilimanjaro and Tanga regions, covers approximately 3,245 square kilometers.

The park was established as a game reserve in 1951 and upgraded to national park status in 2008.

Mkomazi is known for its successful black rhino and African wild dog conservation programs.

The park forms an important migratory corridor for elephants moving between Tanzania and Kenya’s Tsavo National Park.

Mkomazi features diverse habitats including savannah, acacia woodlands, and mountainous areas, supporting over 450 bird species and rare mammals such as gerenuk and lesser kudu.

Despite its ecological significance, Mkomazi has historically received fewer visitors than Tanzania’s more famous northern circuit parks.