Tanzania National Parks

National Parks and Game Reserves in Tanzania, Tarangire safaris, Serenegti National Park, Katavi safaris and Lake Manyara national park safaris, Wildlife Safaris in Tanzania - Destination Guide Tanzania Wildlife.
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. The Park  is also famed for its huge herds of buffalo up to four thousand in a single herd.
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.
Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream National Park is situated in the north western region of Tanzania, and lies about 16km north of Kigoma. Covering an area of 52 sq km, it is Tanzania smallest park but surprisingly one of the most destinations for chimpanzees tracking in the country. (This is one of the few remaining places where they can be found in their natural habitat). Due to the park being heavily forested, large game is not common in this area, but a number of other primate species such as the red colobus, red-tail and blue monkey, grey duiker, bushbuck and bush pig as well numerous species of bird including trumpter hornbills, Rooss turaco, crowned eagle, secretary bird and narrow tailed starling to mention a few.
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, bell flowers, 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.
Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park covers Mount Meru, a prominent volcano and impressive feature which dominates this park. Mount Meru rises up to an elevation of 4566m. The Park is located in the Arusha Region in the north eastern of the country. Although small, Arusha most treasure is its spectacular landscape. The Park lies on a 300-kilometre axis of Africa’s most famous national parks, stretching from Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in the west to Kilimanjaro National Park in the east. Despite its small size, Arusha National Park boasts a rich variety of wildlife. Common mammals include zebra, warthog, giraffe, buffalo, the black-and-white colobus monkey, the blue monkey, etc. Flamingos are also seen in huge congregations on the Momella lakes. Arusha National Park is one of the best destinations in Tanzania for walking safaris.
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.
Lake Manyara National Park
Located 130km west of Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park is home to millions of flamingos, pelicans, storks and other bird life, as well as many hippos that can be observed at close range. It is nestled at the base of the East African Rift Valley escarpment with large expanses of thick forest, woodland, grassland and swamps. Aside from the flamingos, Lake Manyara Park is also home to the famous tree-climbing lions, baboon, buffalo, zebra, hippo, giraffe and wildebeests. The best time for game viewing is during the dry season between July and October; and bird-watching as well as canoeing are perfect activities in the area during the wet season from November to mid June.
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
Selous Game Reserve is far less popular but very pleasant. It is located approximate 8 hours drive south of Dar-es-Salaam and is one of the largest reserves and most protected wildlife sanctuary in Africa and the whole world. Selous reserve has a rare combination of vegetation with woodlands, marshes, savannah and open grass plains crisscrossed by many rivers, the most spectacular being the mighty Rufiji River. It is home to some of the biggest variety of animals and birds. It has the world’s largest number of big game, more than 120,000 elephant, 160,000 buffalo and about 2,000 rhinoceros; In addition, the reserve also inhabits Africa’s greatest concentration of hippos and crocodile. Selous game safaris are best from June to late October. You can reach Selous by road, rail or taking a light flight from Dar-es-Salaam which takes just 40 minutes.
Katavi National Park
Katavi National Park is Tanzania’s third largest national park at 4,471 square km. It is nestled in the heart of one of the biggest and richest wildlife zones of Mpanda district in western Tanzania. The Park boasts incredible scenery including immense wetlands, roaring waterfalls and original miombo woodlands, where sable antelope often hide. In total, 50 species of large to medium mammal species are confirmed to exist in the par. During the dry season, huge herds of buffalo, zebra and impala team up with elephants, waterbucks and duikers around the drying water reserves of Lake Katavi and Lake Chada. The park is also an ornithologist’s paradise with more than 300 species of birds, including the largest bird in the world, the ostrich and the heaviest bird that can fly, the Kori Bustard. Game viewing is best Katuma River where several hippos and crocodiles are spotted.