Tanzania Wildlife

Tanzania is one of the most celebrated wildlife destinations in Africa with several safari options and excellent tourist packages. Wildlife tourism in this country has been emerged as a very fascinating tourism option. This country is home to rich flora and fauna with several wildlife sanctuaries, forest reserves, bird sanctuaries and national parks. Wildlife lovers, nature admirers and wildlife adventure enthusiasts from all walks of life travel to Tanzania to explore the country’s amazing rich bio-diversity. In fact, Tanzania presents very fascinating opportunity to relish wildlife expedition and tourism with many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. The following are the popular wildlife destinations where wildlife enthusiasts frequently visit in Tanzania.

Tanzania Lion

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.

Buffalos

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.

Serengeti Wildebeests

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.

Bush Elephant

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.
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.

Rhino

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.
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.
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

Tree Climbing Leopard

Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Crater is a volcanic caldera in which the majority of the wildlife is mostly located on the ground, or crater floor. The walls surrounding this area reach to around 2,000 ft high, and ensure that the animals are safe from dangers such as poachers. All of the legendary African ‘big five’ can be spotted on the crater flood, which are made up of rhino, lion, elephant, leopard and Cape buffalo.
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.

Selous Zebra Flight

Selous Game Reserve
Spanning over an area of 55,000 sq km, in South-Eastern Tanzania, Selous Game Reserve is the largest wildlife sanctuary of its kind in the world. It is home to huge populations of wildlife. 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. Indeed, Selous is one of the most popular destinations for Wildlife tours in Tanzania.