Embark on an unforgettable 2-day safari to Mkomazi National Park, a hidden gem in northern Tanzania. Located at the foothills of the Pare and Usambara Mountains, Mkomazi is an unspoiled wilderness offering breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and an exclusive safari experience. It is renowned for its black rhino sanctuary, large herds of elephants, and unique bird species.

This short but rewarding safari allows you to explore the park’s semi-arid savannah, rolling hills, and acacia woodlands while encountering some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife, including lions, giraffes, zebras, and wild dogs.

Day 1: Arusha/Moshi to Mkomazi National Park – Game Drive

Morning:
Your adventure begins early in the morning with a scenic drive from Arusha (5-6 hours) or Moshi (3-4 hours) to Mkomazi National Park. As you travel, enjoy picturesque views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru in the distance. Upon arrival, you will complete park formalities and enter the reserve, ready for your first game drive.

Midday:
Settle down for a picnic lunch inside the park, surrounded by stunning landscapes. The park’s semi-arid environment provides excellent game viewing opportunities, with vast plains stretching as far as the eye can see.

Afternoon Game Drive:
Spend the afternoon exploring Mkomazi’s diverse habitats, from open savannahs to dense bushland. Wildlife sightings may include:

• Elephants strolling through the park in large herds.
• Giraffes gracefully wandering between acacia trees.
• Buffaloes, zebras, and elands grazing across the plains.
• Lions, leopards, and cheetahs, though elusive, are sometimes spotted in the park.
• African wild dogs, a rare sight in most parks but commonly seen in Mkomazi.

You will also visit the Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary, where efforts to conserve the critically endangered black rhino are in full swing. This is one of the few places in Tanzania where you can observe these magnificent creatures up close.

As the sun sets, you will check into your accommodation, either a lodge or tented camp, where you can relax and enjoy dinner under the African sky.

Day 2: Morning Safari & Return to Arusha/Moshi

Early Morning Game Drive:
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive, when wildlife is most active. The cool morning air makes it an ideal time to spot predators such as lions and leopards on the prowl. Bird enthusiasts will delight in the park’s over 450 bird species, including:

• The striking Vulturine Guineafowl
• The colorful Lilac-breasted Roller
• The majestic Martial Eagle

Breakfast & Scenic Exploration:
After the game drive, enjoy breakfast at the lodge before heading out for a final exploration. You may take a short nature walk with a ranger to learn more about the park’s flora, geological formations, and conservation efforts.

Return Journey:
Around midday, begin your journey back to Arusha or Moshi, arriving in the late afternoon. The drive offers another chance to admire Tanzania’s rural landscapes, with glimpses of local villages and agricultural fields.

Why Visit:

Mkomazi National Park, located in northeastern Tanzania, offers a serene and intimate safari experience, distinct from the more frequented parks. Spanning approximately 3,245 square kilometers, it shares a border with Kenya’s Tsavo West National Park, forming a crucial transboundary ecosystem.

A significant highlight of Mkomazi is its dedicated rhino sanctuary, established to protect and nurture the critically endangered black rhinoceros. Visitors have the unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, contributing to their conservation.

The park is also a haven for the endangered African wild dog. Through concerted conservation efforts, Mkomazi has become one of the few places where these elusive predators can be observed thriving in the wild.

Beyond its wildlife, Mkomazi boasts stunning and varied landscapes. From the dramatic Pare and Usambara mountain ranges to expansive savannahs and acacia woodlands, the park’s diverse terrains offer picturesque vistas and a rich biodiversity.

For travelers with limited time, a 2-day safari in Mkomazi provides a fulfilling wildlife experience. The park’s accessibility, combined with its unique attractions, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a quick yet immersive adventure in one of Tanzania’s lesser-known but remarkable national parks.