Discover the exclusive Mkomazi National Park, a conservation success story and beautiful landscape that few visitors to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit even know about. Only 11 elephants survived in the area in the 1980s, but today a thousand or more wander through this landscape. This is a birding paradise, and you will have a chance to see wintering birds from Eurasia, as well as many beautiful resident species. The park has only two small camps, so you will have the rare privilege of wildlife viewing without hordes of competing tourists. This is wild Africa at its finest!
HIGHLIGHTS
SAFARI OPTIONS
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
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Updated: April 2023
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 16 | Drive along the edge of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro then south through the Pare Mountains to Mkomazi. | Mkomazi Wilderness Lodge, Mkomazi National Park | D |
| Feb 17 | Explore Mkomazi National Park enjoying plentiful sightings of birds, herbivores, and carnivores. | Mkomazi Wilderness Lodge, Mkomazi National Park | B, D, L |
| Feb 18 | Savor another full day in Mkomazi National Park; in addition to more wildlife viewing, visit breeding and repatriation programs for endangered black rhinos and African wild dogs. | Mkomazi Wilderness Lodge, Mkomazi National Park | B, D, L |
| Feb 19 | Spend a final morning in Mkomazi soaking in the unspoiled beauty of a landscape few people see; drive back to near Kilimanjaro Airport to relax before you continue on our Mountain Gorillas extension or catch flights home. | Kia Lodge, Arusha (dayroom) | B, L |
| Feb 20 | Arrive home. |
David has been a popular safari guide for over 25 years. He has an uncanny ability to spot leopards and other wildlife even while driving with consummate skill. His flexibility, kindness, and charm complement his spotting talents, and he is adept at getting the vehicle into position for the best possible wildlife photos. David has earned certificates in Tour Guiding and Leadership, and he is passionate about continuing to learn and grow as a guide. When not guiding, he takes care of his farm and family on the slopes of Mt. Meru.
Augustine, founder and owner of our local safari operator, studied at Tanzania’s College of Wildlife Management and served with the Tanzania Wildlife Department, developing an invaluable set of connections and knowledge. He received his Master’s in Conservation Biology and Ecotourism from Prescott College in Arizona. Augustine’s warmth and humor, intimate knowledge of animal behavior, friendships with indigenous people, and command of logistical details have given him a well-deserved reputation in the safari field.
After lunch in Arusha, enjoy the changing scenery as you proceed east to Moshi at the foot of majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro, then southeast to the Pare Mountains and the entrance to Mkomazi National Park on the border with Kenya. You will enjoy vervet monkeys and colorful birds at the park entrance, then observe birds and mammals in the lush landscape. Settle in at Mkomazi Wilderness Lodge to savor the sunset and enjoy some bush luxury and a friendly staff.
Near your camp is Dindera Dam, which creates an oasis that attracts thirsty wildlife, especially in the dry season. You may see elephants, giraffes, eland, zebra, kongoni, and other herbivores, as well as some of the carnivores looking for a meal. The lake also hosts storks, waterfowl, shorebirds, and much more. A bush breakfast near the lake will provide exciting wildlife-observation opportunities and delicious sustenance. You will discover endemic bird species here that you would not have found elsewhere in your Tanzania travels.
Today will involve a leisurely game drive through the park to visit a center where captive breeding programs and releases have had remarkable success in restoration efforts for endangered black rhinos and African wild dogs. This is a special opportunity to see conservation in action, and the site is a great place to see hyraxes, yellow baboons, colorful lizards, and flashy birds. The park also hosts the elegant fringe-eared oryx, the spiral-horned lesser kudu, the shy red duiker, and the bizarre long-necked gerenuk, whose Swahili name, swala twiga, means “giraffe-antelope.” In the evening, you will share highlights of your adventures and toast your incomparable driver-guides.
Your final morning will have another memorable game drive looking for any of the special animals you may have missed. Previous guests have rated this park visit as one of the most memorable of their safari experiences, and considering that you go to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, both World Heritage Sites, that is high praise indeed. You’ll drive back through Moshi to the Kia Lodge for relaxation, optional birding on your own, and preparation for departure at nearby Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Conservation| Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Trip Cost, double occupancy | $4,170 |
| Single Supplement | $615 |
Costs are per person, double occupancy, not including airfare, singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
If you are a single traveler, we will find a roommate for you, but if we cannot find you a roommate, we may charge you a single supplement. Single rooms cost extra and are subject to availability.
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Payment is due with your main trip’s final payment; see its trip itinerary for details. |
Cancellations are non-transferrable. No refunds are given after the Final Payment due date.
Temperatures generally range from around 65°F at night to 92°F during the day (18 to 33°C), but the temperature depends on the elevation. Although most days will be warm to hot, it can be cool and breezy in the Land Cruisers early in the morning and in the late afternoon. This is the dry season between the “short rains” of November/December and the “long rains” of mid-March through mid-June, but rain is still possible.
Most days consist of early mornings, game drives on bumpy roads, and long hours in nature that require good energy levels. Walking is limited, mostly around the camp and at the wild dog center. The drive to and from Mkomzi is about three hours, though you will have a rest break. Please contact us if you have any health concerns that may make this trip challenging.
Airfare is not included in trip costs. Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Materials we will send you. Please let us know if you are arriving earlier or staying later as we are happy to assist you with any extra overnights that you might want to arrange.
Flights you (or a travel agent) book: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) near Arusha, Tanzania, by 11:59pm on February 3. Depart from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) after 9:30pm on February 19. If you are continuing on our Mountain Gorillas extension, see the Flights section in its itinerary for departure information.
Stay in cozy, hillside bungalows along Kinabalu Park with easy access to walking trails, the botanical gardens, and a restaurant/café. The rooms are basic and small, but comfortable, with an ensuite bathroom and hot running water. If you are concerned about the standard of accommodations being below your expectations, please ask us before booking.
Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world while stimulating each destination’s local economy. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:
Read our current Terms and Conditions.
David Mshana
Augustine Mwangotya