Day 1: Moshi/Arusha to Mkomazi National Park
Your Africa Safari Tanzania adventure begins with an early morning departure from Moshi or Arusha. At 8:00 AM, your professional safari driver will pick you up in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, ensuring excellent game viewing along the way. The drive offers scenic views of rural Tanzania and takes you to the gates of Mkomazi National Park by approximately 10:00 AM.
Upon entering the park, you’ll begin an immersive game drive across its semi-arid landscapes. Mkomazi’s Acacia–Commiphora woodlands and open plains resemble the Sahel region, making it a strikingly different experience from the greener northern circuit parks. This unique ecosystem is home to rare wildlife that you may not encounter elsewhere in Tanzania.
Game Drive Highlights in Mkomazi
During your Africa Safari Tanzania game drive in Mkomazi, you’ll have the rare opportunity to encounter some of Africa’s most endangered animals. The park is best known for its Black Rhino Sanctuary, where efforts to protect and conserve these critically endangered giants have been successful. Spotting a Black Rhino here is one of the most thrilling experiences of the safari.
Mkomazi is also a stronghold for African wild dogs, which are rarely seen in many other parts of Africa. In addition, the park supports populations of Beisa oryx and the unique long-necked gerenuk antelope, both of which are adapted to the semi-arid environment. Elephants, giraffes, zebras, and buffalo can also be seen roaming the savannah, while predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs may appear along the way.
Birdwatchers will delight in spotting some of the park’s 450 recorded bird species, including ostriches, martial eagles, secretary birds, hornbills, and migratory species that thrive in the Umba River’s riverine forests.
Scenic Landscapes & Picnic Lunch
Your Africa Safari Tanzania experience in Mkomazi is not just about the wildlife—it’s also about the incredible scenery. The park offers spectacular backdrops of the Pare and Usambara Mountains, with clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro on a good day. The Umba River adds a green lifeline to the otherwise dry environment, creating striking contrasts that make the park so photogenic.
At midday, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the scenic designated areas inside the park, surrounded by wilderness. After lunch, your game drive continues through different habitats, maximizing your chances of encountering rare species and soaking in the diverse landscapes.
Return Journey
By late afternoon, around 5:00 PM, you’ll exit the park after a rewarding safari experience. As you drive back towards Moshi or Arusha, the African sunset paints the sky with vibrant colors, giving you a perfect ending to your Africa Safari Tanzania adventure. You will arrive at your starting point by approximately 7:00 PM, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or directly at the airport if connecting with onward travel plans.
