Northern Tanzania
Guided experienceMkomazi National Park & Black Rhino Sanctuary Safari
Set out for the dramatic, semi-arid plains of Mkomazi National Park. See dry-country specialists like the fringe-eared oryx and lesser kudu. Our safari includes a request for access to the highly secured Mbula Black Rhino Sanctuary, subject to strict park authority availability.
Key facts
- Price from
- $210 USD per person
- Starting Point
- Same or Moshi lodging
- Ending Point
- Same or Moshi lodging
- Optimal Duration
- Full-day (approx. 8 to 10 hours)
- Rhino Access
- Subject to prior booking and strict park authority availability
- Sightings Guarantee
- Rhino and other wildlife sightings are natural and cannot be guaranteed.
- Starts from
- Same or Moshi
Tour map
This tour covers the Northern area.
Starts in Same.
Indicative route, not turn-by-turn directions.
Pricing
Price Low Season
15th March to 15th May
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $500.00 USD* |
| 2 persons | $380.00 USD* |
| 3 persons | $270.00 USD* |
| 4 persons | $250.00 USD* |
| 5 persons | $240.00 USD* |
| 6 persons | $210.00 USD* |
Price High Season
16th May to 14th March
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $505.00 USD* |
| 2 persons | $385.00 USD* |
| 3 persons | $275.00 USD* |
| 4 persons | $255.00 USD* |
| 5 persons | $245.00 USD* |
| 6 persons | $215.00 USD* |
One 4x4 safari vehicle seats a maximum of 6 guests. For larger groups the pricing resets with additional vehicles; please reach out to us for a tailored quote.
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets.
Itinerary
Early morning departure
Transfer to Mkomazi Gate
Private early morning pickup from your lodging in Same (07:30) or Moshi (06:00). Drive along the highway to the park's Zange Gate for entry registration.
Morning game drive
Arid Savanna Exploration
Enter Mkomazi National Park. Begin game viewing across the dry acacia bushland. Scan the plains for animals like fringe-eared oryx, lesser kudu, eland, giraffe, zebra, and the unique browsing gerenuk.
Mid-day visit
Mbula Black Rhino Sanctuary
If pre-arranged and confirmed by park authorities, proceed to the highly fortified, fenced Mbula Rhino Sanctuary. Learn about active anti-poaching and breeding initiatives, and join conservation guides to search for the critically endangered black rhino. (Please note: Access is subject to daily viewing slots and authority approval; rhino sightings are never guaranteed).
Midday
Scenic Overlook Lunch
Relax at a designated hilltop picnic site. Enjoy a packed lunchbox with panoramic views of the semi-arid plains stretching towards the Kenyan border.
Afternoon game drive
Dindira Dam Waterhole
Drive towards the Dindira Dam, the park's main water reservoir. Observe birds of prey like the martial eagle, waterbirds, and elephants or buffaloes coming to drink before heading to the gate.
Late afternoon return
Transfer Back to Lodging
Exit the park via Zange Gate and enjoy a comfortable private transfer back to your Same or Moshi hotel, arriving by early evening.
What's included
- Private custom 4x4 open-roof safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
- Mkomazi National Park entry fees and conservation permits
- Packed picnic lunchbox
- Chilled bottled mineral water on board
What's not included
- Special Mkomazi Black Rhino Sanctuary viewing fees (must be requested in advance and paid separately)
- Gratuities for your safari guide and park staff
- Travel insurance and personal items
Book this tour
Send your dates and pickup point and we will confirm availability.
Book Mkomazi National Park & Black Rhino Sanctuary SafariFrequently asked questions
Is entry to the Black Rhino Sanctuary guaranteed?
No. The Mbula Black Rhino Sanctuary is a highly protected breeding zone, not a standard tourist attraction. Access is strictly controlled by TANAPA and requires separate prior booking and a specialized fee. Entry is subject to guide and authority availability, weather conditions, and security protocols, and is never guaranteed.
What makes Mkomazi unique compared to other parks?
Mkomazi is a continuation of Kenya's vast Tsavo West ecosystem. It features dry-country wildlife species that are rare or absent in other Tanzanian parks, such as the gerenuk (which stands on its hind legs to feed), lesser kudu, and fringe-eared oryx, making it a paradise for birders and safari enthusiasts seeking unique fauna.