Rhino Safari in Mkomazi

The group arrives at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO). Participants are met by a representative of Altezza Travel and transferred to a hotel in Moshi.

Note:The hotel cost only includes breakfast. Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.

Today, you will visit one of Tanzania's northern national parks — Mkomazi. It's a great destination because it's less crowded with visitors and safari vehicles. The park offers vast landscapes, stunning scenery, and unexpected wildlife encounters. The name "Mkomazi" means "Water for one spoon" in a local language, reflecting the scarcity of water bodies here, so don't expect to see a large number of animals. Visitors from around the world come here to see rhinos and the incredibly beautiful African wild dogs up close.

Mkomazi is home to one of the world's best sanctuaries where black rhinos are bred. Despite their name, black rhinos have gray skin. In past decades, poachers exterminated almost all rhinos in the country, so the current population is heavily protected. You'll ride in an open vehicle to get close to these peaceful animals and observe them without binoculars — a unique opportunity in Tanzania. You'll also see the tricolored wild dogs, which are also bred and protected here. Take a walk around the base area, and you might encounter monkey families, many plump hyraxes, as well as squirrels, mongooses, and lizards, among other wildlife.

Mkomazi National Park is quite large, spanning over 3,200 sq. km (1,200 sq. mi.) It stretches between the Pare Mountains and Kenya's Tsavo West National Park. Animals freely cross the border between the two countries, so there's always a chance to see herds of migrating elephants and, if you're lucky, lions. Buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and several types of antelopes graze in the park's valley. You might even spot the rare and beautiful gerenuk antelopes, also known as giraffe gazelles for their long necks. We recommend visiting the elephant watering hole, even if you went there the day before. You never know when animals will come to quench their thirst and splash in the water.

The park's diverse birdlife is a particular point of pride. There are over 400 avian species here. Birders can easily spot large birds of prey like vultures, buzzards, and eagles. Notable smaller birds include hoopoes and starlings with their shiny plumage. You're sure to encounter many bustling guinea fowls on the roads too. Keep your binoculars ready — you will see a wide variety of birds perched in the trees!

You've extended your stay in Mkomazi National Park for another day, increasing your chances of encountering the fascinating wildlife. Focus your exploration on the most promising areas where herbivores frequently gather, such as waterholes and open fields. These spots often provide unique opportunities to observe rare wildlife events, such as lions visiting a watering hole or predators hunting young antelopes. You're also likely to see large herds of giraffes. Maintain a safe distance and use binoculars to observe how these majestic creatures rise and recline, engage in neck-wrestling, or gently protect their young.

Mkomazi is a perfect setting for studying a variety of antelope species. Besides the numerous impalas, you might see the long-faced hartebeest, the striking oryxes with their long horns, the lesser kudus with striped sides, the large elands, and Grant's gazelles, which are also classified as antelopes. The park is home to around 80 different species of animals. Although it might be challenging to spot them all in just three days, the peaceful and quiet environment of Mkomazi is sure to offer numerous surprises to its inquisitive guests.

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

Note: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out before your evening flight, you have the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee. Let your manager know in advance if you need a late check-out.