National Parks & Reserves in Tanzania

Tanzania is both intriguing and exciting, created by the fascinating balance between the wildlife, the landscapes and its people. The country’s big chunk of land is devoted to national parks and game reserves than any other wildlife destination in the world. The country has incredible biodiversity, so wildlife populations and bird species often vary according to the season and region. A checklist of 1,130 bird species makes Tanzania one of Africa’s great ornithological destinations. Game viewing is truly incredible, and the topography and views of the surroundings in Tanzania are charming. The National wildlife reserves and parks include;

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park which covers 14,763 sq km, is flourishing with magnificent wildlife. It lies between the shores of Lake Eyasi in the South, Lake Victoria in the west and the Great Rift Valley to the east. Serengeti is known as one of the best wildlife sanctuary in the world and an estimated 3 million large animals roam the plains. Serengeti’s main attraction is the annual migration of wildebeest herds in search for better grazing between Serengeti and Mara. Every October and November, close to a million wildebeest and 220,000 Zebras cross to the south from the northern hills to the southern plains for the tropical rains and then journey west and north after the long rains in April to June. This exciting activity spices up the Serengeti safari.

Tarangire National Park
This is the sixth largest national park after Ruaha, Serengeti, Mikumi, Katavi and Mkomazi in Tanzania. Tarangire National Park is located in the northern circuit of Tanzania and was named after the Tarangire River flowing within the park. The park area is approximately 2,850 sq km. Tarangire River is the centerpiece of this park is the only source of water for wild animals during dry seasons. Similar to Serengeti; the park takes pride in its high concentration of wildlife during the dry seasons as well as the only safari destinations in Tanzania with the largest herds of elephants and Baboons in Africa. Also, over 570 bird species have been identified, and the place is surely a birdwatchers’ paradise.

Rubondo Island National Park

Located on the south-west shores of Lake Victoria, the park boasts a rich and diverse variety of butterflies and bird life, easily viewable from the lake shore. The rare Sitatunga, an extremely endangered amphibious antelope, can sometimes be viewed escaping charging predators by hiding and camouflaging itself in the lake shore marshes. Expect to see lions, elephants, hippos, Zebras, Flamingos, Jackals, Rhinos, antelopes, and many birds and other species. A visit to Rubondo Island National Park offers visitors a break from game viewing in the tranquil peace of a lake shore setting.

Kitulo National Park
Kitulo, which has recently become a fully protected National Park, is situated on the Kitulo Plateau, forming part of Tanzania’s Southern Highlands. It is understood that the area, which is known locally as the “God’s Garden,” is home for a wide multiplicity of wildflowers such as irises, bellflowers, balsams, honey-peas, lilies and orchids.

Amani Nature Reserve
Amani Nature Reserve is located at the Base of the Central Usambara Mountains well off the beaten path of the usual safari circuit. The Reserve presents a thrilling opportunity to view the flora and fauna of the area. For the aspiring African botanist, Amani Nature Reserve’s incredible diversity of plant life between 600 to 1,000 different species is sure to attract.

Kigosi Game Reserve
Kigosi Game Reserve is a significant breeding vicinity for unusual water birds including the wattled crane and Shoebill stork. The area consists of woodland in the north and grassy swamps in the south.

Lukwika-Lumesule Game Reserve
Lukwika-Lumesule Game Reserve attracts visitors for only six months of the year so that the hunting season from July to December can accommodate private hunting safaris. The reserve adjoins the Niassa Reserve in northern Mozambique and although wildlife ranges freely through the Ruvuma River that separates the two, there are no bridges or border crossings for visitors.

Maswa Game Reserve
Maswa borders the south west section of Serengeti National Park and is an extension of the Serengeti ecosystem. The reserve consists of river valley thickets, acacia parkland and open plains, making it an ideal walking area.

Msangesi Game Reserve.
Comparatively, this is a small game reserve near the southern border of Tanzania with Mozambique. It is only accessible to private hunting safaris during the July to December season. Concentrations of wildlife are lower than in other game reserves and national parks, and heavy rains from March to May limit visitors’ access to only a few weeks of the year. Both leopard and buffalo can be found in the forest areas while the plains are alive with other species

Mkomazi Game Reserve
Mkomazi Game Reserve is located just east of the Pare Mountains. The pleasant savannah and grasslands around Mkomazi Game Reserve make perfect for black rhinos habitation, but it is dry and dusty for most of the year. When frequented water holes dry up, game becomes elusive and hard to find. Compared to larger and more populated national parks, Mkomazi Game Reserve has its own unique appeal. Wild dogs have recently been introduced to the region, and the reserve also boasts of a wide variety of indigenous snakes.

Ngorongoro Crater
Formed by the same volcanic activity that generated Kilimanjaro and the Great Rift Valley, the Ngorongoro Crater is often called ‘Eden of Africa’ and the ‘8th Natural Wonder of the World,’ a visit to the crater is a main draw card for tourists coming to Tanzania and a world-class attraction. Within the crater perimeter, large herds of zebra and wildebeest graze nearby while resting lions loaf in the sun. At dawn, the endangered black rhino returns to the thick cover of the crater forests after grazing on dew-laden grass in the morning mist.

Selous Game Reserve is far less popular but very pleasant. You won’t find quite the volume of wildlife that you would in the Serengeti but, if you’re looking for a destination with fewer tourists and a greater range of wildlife, these parks are for you. Additionally, Selous is the only other place besides Ngorongoro where you may see a rhino.

Ugalla Nature Reserve
Ugalla can be found in the centre to west of the country and is a large reserve located on the Ugalla and Wala rivers. The flood plain alongside the rivers provides year round water for elephant and other game.