NATIONAL PARKS OF TANZANIA

Tanzania Parks, The survival of our wildlife a matter of grave concern to all of us in Africa. These wild creatures are not only important as a source of wonder and inspiration but also are basic part of our natural resources and well-being.

In accepting the trusteeship of our wildlife, we solemnly declare that we will do everything in our power. In order to make sure that our children’s grandchildren will be able to enjoy this rich and precious inheritance.

The conservation of wildlife and wild places calls for specialist knowledge, trained manpower. Money and we look to other nations to co-operate with us in this important task. The success or failure of which not only affects the continent of Africa but the rest of the world as well.”

RUAHA NATIONAL PARK

One of the country’s most outstanding wilderness area.

It is the second largest National Park, covering an area of 20,226 sq.km located in south-central Tanzania. During the dry season, when game viewing is at its best. Animals are drawn to the Great Ruaha River and other water sources. The name Ruaha  got from the hehe word called ”Luhava” meaning the great river.

Attractions

Day and night game drive
Walking safari
Cultural tourism
Bush meal,
Bird watching,
Star gazing,
Balloon safari
Picnicking.

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

Maasai people called this park ‘Serengeti’, meaning endless plains.

The Serengeti speaks for itself and with good reason not only the migration of over 1 million wildebeest through its plains and woodlands but also special views and other amazing wildlife.
The Serengeti is home to the world’s largest folk of Wildebeest, Zebra, Cape Eland, Lion, Cheetah, Hyena and Gazelles.

The scenic beauty of the sky with cool nights and warm days makes your visit to this remaining home for great migration of large mammals incredible! The climate of the Serengeti National Park is subtropical, with rain season from November to April and dry season from May to October.

The park is located at an altitude between 1,100 and 2,000 meters with annual average rainfall ranging from 900 to 1,000 mm. Serengeti National Park, a world-renown, World Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site that has many attractions than any other national park in Africa.

Attractions:

The Great Migration
The Big Five
Unique bird species
Highest concentration of Carnivores and Herbivores
Scenic and Spectacular Landscapes.

LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK

The lush green vegetation consisting of tall trees of the ground water forest, the tree climbing lions, the soda lake inhabited with thousands of pink-hued flamingos, large water birds and the troops of baboons and blue monkeys and the rift valley escarpment make your safari to this area unforgettable.

The park gets its name from a plant called Euphorbia tirucalli, known as Emanyara in Maasai language and covers an area of 648.7 km2.

Climate

The Park experiences bi-modal rainfall season with short rains starting from November to December and long rains from February to May and dry season is from late June to October.
It is located at an altitude between 850 and 2000 meters with annual average rainfall ranging from 650 to 760mm.

Attractions

Abundant wildlife
Diversity of bird species
Hot springs
Ground water forest
Marang’ Forest
Varied habitants. (rift valley escarpment, woodlands and lake)

MOUNTAIN KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK

Mountain Kilimanjaro is known for being the highest mountain in Africa, snow caped and world’s highest free standing volcano. It comprises of two ruling volcanoes (Kibo 5,895m a.m.s.l and Mawenzi 5,149m a.m.s.l) as well as one extinct volcano (Shira 3,962m a.m.s.l) respectively.

The origin of the word is not well known but it is said to be a combination of the Swahili word Kilima meaning “Mountain” and the Kichagga word Njaro, meaning “Whiteness” giving the name “White Mountain”.
Its size is 1,712Km2 and was declared as a National Park in 1973, officially opened for tourism in 1977, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987 and Natural Wonder of Africa in 2013. Climbing to the top which is far up into the sky is a life time experience that no one can forget.

Climate

There are two rainy seasons in a year. The wet season is from March to May during which it rains around the mountain base and snow accumulates on its peak.
Therefore the dry season is from late June through September during which the nights are cool and the days completely clear.

Meanwhile, the park is located at an altitude between 1700 m to 5895 meter with annual average rainfall ranging from 828 mm at alpine desert to 2500 mm at Montane forest.

Park Attractions

Furthermore, the Park is endowed with a varied variety of attractions ranging from terrestrial wilderness to permanent glaciers on the mountain peaks.

Three peaks

Kibo, the highest peak (5,895m) on Mount Kilimanjaro, is covered by snow throughout the year despite being close to the equator. However, conquering this peak is an adventure of a lifetime.
Meanwhile, Mawenzi Peak is the second highest peak which forms Mount Kilimanjaro 5,149m. It is rugged and maintain the features of glaciation

Shira peak

With an altitude of 3,962m, is the oldest peak that collapsed and forms a Shira plateau with outstanding scenic beauty on the mountain with several kinds of migratory large mammals such as buffaloes, elephants and mainly elands.

Montane Forest

Furthermore, a wide band of exceptionally beautiful montane forest encircles the whole of Kilimanjaro from about 1800 –2800m. The forest zone is worth a visit even if you are not climbing to the peaks. While, Marangu nature trails is particular taking you through this forest belt which supports several plant species, including endemic plants like Impatiens Kilimanjaro.

Zonation of Vegetation

Nevertheless, five eco-climatic zones take you to the equivalent of a trip from the equator to the arctic in a brief tour. Furthermore, as one climb Kilimanjaro, vegetation and weather changes in response to the changing elevation from montane forest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and the summit zone (arctic). While, the mountain peak is covered by snow all year-round

Lauwo Waterfall

Meanwhile, its located along Marangu route 2.8Kms provides amazing meeting.

Maundi Crater

Which is also located just 15 minutes’ walk past Mandara huts on the Marangu route the crater provides a panoramic view of Lakes Chala, Jipe and Nyumba ya Mungu, all of which derive their waters from the Majestic Kilimanjaro.

Kifinika Cultural Site

This is a site along Marangu route that is sacred by the local Chagga people and historically, the site was used for cultural rituals of birds and animals.

Birds and Animals

While, the park harbors a total number of 140 types of mammals; 7 animals, 25 carnivores, 25 antelopes, 24 types of bat and 179 bird types

Non-Summit Bound Climbers

Activities for non-summit bound climbers include:
Visit to the water falls (Lauwo)
Visiting the Shira Plateau
Watching wildlife including high altitude birds
Walking through the Mountain Forest

TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

Day walk to Maundi crater in the park, Lake Chala and cultural sites such as Kifinika and cultural camps in the Tarangire extends to you a very cordial welcome. In the same way, we are thrilled to have you here and we appreciate you for trusting us.

Whether you are visiting here for a day trip or having an overnight, Tarangire has something for everyone.
The park is impressively splendid for its known mass of wild animals mainly the elephants and it is also one of the finest birding destinations in East Africa.

While, the name of the park originates from the Tarangire River that crosses the park and covers an area of 2850 km 2.

Climate

Furthermore, Tarangire has a bimodal rainfall with short rains starting from November to December, long rains from March to May and dry season from June to October and January to February.
Similarly, the park is located at an altitude between 900m and 1250meters with annual average rainfall ranging from 650 to 700mm.

Attractions

Abundant wildlife.
Exclusive bird species
Baobab trees
Beautiful Scenery

Tarangire River

Is the only sources of water for thousands of animals in the dry season thus offering a fantastic game driving meeting.
Termite Mounds

NGORONGORO CRATER

However, it was formed millions of years ago, the Ngorongoro Crater closed off its borders to man with the help of walls that rose to heights of 400 to 600 meters. As a result, nature was allowed to run free here and create some of the most exotic types of plants and animals that the world has ever seen.

This is one of the few places where you can see the Big 5 in a single day and it also hosts the risky black rhino.
It is the most visited attraction not only in Tanzania but also Africa as a continent. However, being listed as a UNESCO heritage site boosted the preservation and protection of wildlife.

It is considered on the seven wonders of Africa and also on the ten wonders of the world.
Furthermore, it is the home of the largest caldera in the world having been formed after volcanic explosion that caused the volcanic mountain to sink downwards.

Meanwhile, the Ngorongoro volcanic mountain was estimated to be in the size of Mount Kilimanjaro the African highest mountain. Before the volcanic explosion took place.

Attractions

Year-round wildlife viewing
Watch the endangered black rhino
Excellent accommodation
Explore the Maasai culture by visiting a traditional village
See the Big 5 in a single day

SELOUS GAME RESERVE

Furthermore, Selous Game Reserve represents the largest unsettled area in the continent, and this alone makes it worth visiting. While, the large untouched expanses of land showcase nature at its beautiful best. The reserve also presents the best bush vibe in Tanzania.

In addition to, Selous Game Reserve  one of the two ends used by elephants for their annual migration. And watching millions of wildebeests isn’t possible, you can go for the next best thing, watching thousands of elephants at Selous.

Attractions:

One of the few destinations in Africa to see wild dogs
Elephant migration Boat safaris available
Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities during dry season
Lion sightings are common
One of the best destinations to see wild dogs
Excellent accommodation

GOMBE STREAM NATIONAL PARK

Gombe Stream National Park may be small in size, but its attractions pack a punch. The park is famous all over the world because of its connection to Jane Good all and her pioneering research on chimpanzees. Chimpanzee tracking expeditions are an obvious highlight, but one can also expect to see several species of primates here.

However, Gombe presents a trail system. Which lets visitors enter deep into the forest and enjoy some of the best views of the African bush.

Attractions

Home to Jane Good all’s research
Chimpanzee sightings are common
Hikes available
Exclusive and uncrowded

MAHALE MOUNTAIINS NATIONAL PARK

Mahale Mountains National Park may be ignored by most tourists visiting Tanzania. But those wanting to get closer to their closest genetic relative, the chimpanzee, simply have to visit the Mahale Mountains. Similarly, the park will present the best chimp tracking experience in Tanzania and visitors also fall in love with its stunning beauty. Better yet, Mahale Mountains is home to some of the glittery sand beaches that Africa is so known for.

Attractions:

Excellent place to see chimpanzees
Hiking expeditions available
Exclusive and uncrowded
Fishing and kayaking available
Walking tours available
amazing beaches

MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK

Mkata Floodplain, the star attraction at Mikumi National Park is compared to the great Serengeti because of its amazing change and mass of wildlife. Meanwhile, this alone makes Mikumi worth visiting. Although the park is also known for presenting stunning photography and large herds of game animals.

Attractions

Good animal sightings during dry season
Perfect for weekend getaways
Excellent rooms
Guided walks available

KATAVI NATIONAL PARK

Nevertheless, Katavi remote, very remote, and reaching the park requires a lot of effort. However, this alone dissuades most travelers from visiting Katavi. However, take the first step and the park does its bit to ensure that you don’t go home upset. Katavi presents untouched desert. And common to run across more predators than humans while you’re here.
Lastly, hippopotamus walking in Katuma River in Katavi National Park

Attractions

Game safaris and walking expeditions available
amazing hippo viewing chances
Exclusive and uncrowded