Day 1: Arrival & Evening Game Drive
Morning pickup from Moshi / Kilimanjaro airport or hotel. Scenic drive to Mkomazi via Same town (approx. 3 hours). Check into your lodge/camp with views of the Pare Mountains. After lunch, embark on your first game drive exploring the park's acacia savannah and look for elephants, giraffes, and oryx. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Full Day Safari Experience
Early morning game drive to spot predators like wild dogs or lions. Return for breakfast. Mid-morning walking safari with armed ranger – learn about tracking and smaller wildlife. Afternoon visit to the Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary to see the protected black rhinos (with a researcher/guide). Sunset game drive. Dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Departure
Final morning game drive focusing on birdlife and scenery. Breakfast at camp. Check out and drive back to Moshi / Kilimanjaro, arriving by early afternoon. Optional extension to Usambara Mountains or Same cultural tour.

Day 1: Arrival & Afternoon Game Drive
Transfer from Moshi to Mkomazi. Check into camp. Afternoon game drive around the Dindira Dam area, rich with wildlife. Dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Full Day Exploration
Full day of activities including morning and afternoon game drives, a guided walk to Zangei viewpoint for panoramic vistas, and a picnic lunch in the bush. Return to camp. Dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Rhino Sanctuary & Cultural Visit
Morning visit to the Rhino Sanctuary with a conservation expert. Learn about the breeding program and see rhinos up close. Afternoon visit to a local Maasai or Pare village to experience culture and traditions. Sunset game drive. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Final Safari & Departure
Early morning game drive for last wildlife viewing. Breakfast and check out. Return transfer to Moshi / Kilimanjaro.

Game Drives: Morning and afternoon drives in open 4x4 vehicles exploring the park's diverse habitats. Best times: 6:30-10:30 AM and 4:00-6:30 PM.

Walking Safaris: Guided walks with armed ranger (2-3 hours) through the acacia bush. Learn about plants, tracks, and small creatures. Minimum age 12.

Rhino Sanctuary Visit: Enter the fenced breeding area accompanied by a guide to see black rhinos (often with calves) – a rare conservation success story.

Bird Watching: Over 450 species including vulturine guineafowl, golden-breasted starling, and martial eagle.

Cultural Visits: Optional tours to Pare or Maasai villages to learn about local traditions and livelihoods.

Luxury Tented Camps: Permanent safari tents with ensuite bathrooms, private verandas, and panoramic views. Full board. Examples: Babili Safari Camp, Mkomazi Wilderness Retreat.

Mid-Range Lodges: Comfortable lodges near the park entrance with swimming pool and restaurant.

Budget Options: Basic campsites and bandas for self-catering or budget travelers.

Family Accommodation: Family tents or interconnected rooms available at most camps. Special rates for children.

Honeymoon Suites: Romantic secluded tents with private decks and bush dinners.

Mkomazi is more remote and less visited than Tarangire or Lake Manyara. Wildlife densities are lower due to the arid terrain, but the exclusivity and chance to see rhinos and wild dogs make it unique. It's an excellent add-on for Kilimanjaro climbers or those wanting a true wilderness experience. The landscape is reminiscent of Kenya's Tsavo, and it's one of the few places where you can combine game viewing with meaningful conservation insight.

Mkomazi is home to the Big Five minus buffalo (though leopard and lion are present). Key species: black rhino (in sanctuary), African wild dog (rare but seen), elephant, giraffe, eland, oryx, lesser kudu, gerenuk, impala, zebra, wildebeest, and numerous predators including lion, leopard, cheetah, and hyena. Over 450 bird species, including migratory and endemic species. The park is also known for its reptile diversity.

Dry Season (June-October): Best for wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources. Days are sunny, nights cool. Wet Season (November-May): Lush green landscapes, excellent birding, but some roads may be slippery. The park is accessible year-round, but the dry season offers the best game viewing, especially for wild dogs and rhinos.

Yes, Mkomazi is family-friendly. Children will enjoy the Rhino Sanctuary and walking safaris (minimum age for walks is usually 12). Many lodges offer family rooms and special activities. The park is uncrowded, making it safe and enjoyable for young explorers. Always supervise children near wildlife.

From Moshi / Kilimanjaro Airport: Approx 3-4 hour drive (160km) via Same town. From Arusha: Approx 5-6 hours. From Dar es Salaam: Domestic flight to Kilimanjaro then road transfer, or long drive via Tanga. We provide private transfers. The park has an airstrip for charter flights. All logistics can be arranged by True Africa Escape.

Absolutely! Mkomazi pairs perfectly with Kilimanjaro climbing (it's on the slopes) or a safari in Tarangire / Ngorongoro. You can also combine with a Zanzibar beach holiday via Kilimanjaro or Dar es Salaam. We design custom itineraries to include Mkomazi as part of a northern circuit adventure.