Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is a Tanzanian national park in the Serengeti ecosystem in the north-central Tanzania (Mara and Simiyu regions). It is famous and well known for its annual migration of over 1.5 million white-bearded wildebeests. That migration is the largest remaining unaltered animal migration. The park was established in 1951 and covers 5,700 square miles (14,763 square km) of some of the best grassland range in Africa, as well as extensive acacia woodland savanna. The park extends 100 miles (160 km) southeast from points near the shores of Lake Victoria and, in its eastern portion, 100 miles (160 km) south from the Kenya-Tanzania border. Best Time to Visit the Serengeti National Park. The best time to visit the Serengeti National Park is in the Dry season (from late June to October). This period offers the best wildlife viewing in general, with the wildebeest migration as its absolute highlight. Wildlife viewing is good throughout the year, but certain areas are better at specific times. The timing of the migration varies every year (the best chance of seeing it is during June and July) while the wildebeest calving is from late January to February. Dry Season – June to October June and July are the best months to see the wildebeest migration in the western corridor and August to September in the north of the park, it’s mostly sunny and there is very little rain. Wet Season – November to May Late January to February is the time to see the calving – this is an excellent time to see predator action. April and May are low season, so it’s usually less crowded and rates might be lower.

Selous Game Reserve

The Selous Game Reserve is the largest protected game reserve on the African continent covering an area of 54,600 square kilometers comprised of a vast wilderness with forests, grassy plains, mountains and open woodlands. This reserve was named after Frederick Selous Courtney a famous big game hunter,explorer and early conservationist. This reserve was established in 1922, and in 1982 it was declared a UNESCO world heritage site thanks to its rich diversity of wildlife and uninterrupted nature. Since 2005, the protected area is considered a Lion Conservation Unit. Unlike Tanzania’s northern parks, Selous Game Reserve can be exlpored by boat. Cruises on the Rufiji River and Lake Tagalala are a soothing alternative to bone-shaking game drives, as well as getting you up close to the animals. Hippos yawning, Elephants bathing and Giraffes splaying their long legs to drink are some of the scenes to look forward to. The Best Times Visit Selous Game Reserve. The rains fall in southern Tanzania from November to May, dispersing wildlife and blocking access, which means that most accommodation closes for this season. Wildlife viewing in Selous Game Reserve is best from late June to October. It is Dry season and wildlife is easier to spot since animals gather at water sources and vegetation is thinner. The scenery is lush and green in the Wet season, from October to May, but afternoons can be unbearably hot. Dry Season – June to October Spotting animals is easier since they congregate around waterholes and rivers and there is less vegetation. Wet Season – October to May It is peak bird watching time since migratory birds are present.

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park is the largest national park in Tanzania making it the largest park in East Africa with about 20,226 km2 (7,809 sq mi). The name of the park is derived from the Great Ruaha River, which flows along its southeastern margin and is the focus for game viewing. Like the Selous, Ruaha is a classic dry season park. Game gets progressively better towards the end of the dry season as the water holes and rivers dry up and the game concentrates around water. The main feature of the park is the Great Ruaha River, which attracts loads of animals in the Dry season. The dominant vegetation is brachystegia (miombo) woodland, and some areas are dotted with the impressive baobab tree. The park is well known for its large Elephant population. The Best Times Visit Selous Game Reserve. The middle and end of the Dry season (June to October) is the prime time for watching wildlife in Ruaha National Park. Animals are easier to spot because the bush thins out and wildlife concentrates around trusted water sources. Dry Season – May to October Wildlife viewing is easier since the bush thins out and animals gather around rivers and waterholes with bright skies and almost no rain. Wet Season – November to April The arrival of migrating birds means bird-watching is at its finest and tourism is less during April and May which means fewer crowds and better rates.

Ngosi Peak & Crater Lake

Lake Ngosi (Ngozi) is the second largest crater lake in Africa. Is part of the Rungwe volcanic complex. The caldera rim rises on average of 300m above the surrounding topography, and has an elevation of 2300m to maximum 2620m above sea level. It has a depth of 74m and the lake has nor physical inlets or outlets of water. It can be found near Tukuyu, a small town in the highland Rungwe District in Mbeya Region. It is part of the Poroto Mountains and the Northern rim of the caldera is the highest point in the range. The lake is located about 38 km south of Mbeya city and about 7km west of the main road North of Tukuyu on the way to Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi). The waters of the lake are said to have magical medicinal powers. Ngozi means ‘The Big One’; in vernacular Nyakyusa dialect. Activities. The main attraction is the hike to top of the crater to see the lake. The trail starts in a lush green forest full of wild bananas and massive bamboos. The path is in some places quite narrow and overgrown . Keep your eyes open to see Black and White Colobus Monkeys and several species of Birds. This area is also famous for the endemic Three Horned Chameleon. Main Activities in Ngosi Peak & Crater Lake • Day Hiking • Camping • Bird Watching • Explore the plant species • Explore the Black and White Colobus Monkeys and other species

Mikumi National Park

Mikumi national park is Tanzania’s fourth-biggest national park, covering a total land area of 3,230 square kilometers.. Mikumi national park is one of the protected areas that are found in the Southern part of the country. Its located not far from the shores of Indian ocean, it the park was established in 1964. Mikumi National Park has diversified ecosystem that is further more divided by the rod that runs across the park. Both sides (North West & South East) have different ecosystem with little in common; the North West its dominated by the open alluvial plains that are characterized by more Acacia trees and the large Boababs tree. The North West is more like the Tarangire National park and here in this region you get more African Elephants. On the other side of the road which is less accessed, is for Mikumi national park safari and game viewing. The vegetation is thick and dominated by shrubs with few wildlife found in the area hence making it less exploited. The Mikumi National Park Safari is best done in the North West commonly known as the “Mkata plains”. The plains have similar characteristics with the famous Serengeti National Park that is found in the Northern part of Tanzania. If you like hiking then the Northern part of Mikumi National Park will be the place to be. It has unique rock formations the Uluguru Mountains The Best Times to Visit Mikumi National Park. During the Dry season (June to October), the waterholes, including the Hippo pool, become a wildlife magnet and huge herds of Elephant and Buffalo visit these spots throughout the day. The Dry season is the peak period for watching wildlife, the bush thins out and animals are easy to spot. You can still see wildlife in the wetter periods, but the humidity and the Mosquitoes might drive you crazy.

Saadani National Park

Saadani National Park is Tanzania’s 13th National Park. Saadani is where the beach meets the bush. It is the only park in East Africa with an Indian Ocean beachfront. It has an area of 1062 km2 and it is the only wildlife sanctuary in Tanzania that bordering the sea. The coastal setting makes it unique hence the great alternative to the inland parks. Wildlife in Saadani includes four of the Big Five, namely Lions, African Bush Elephants, Cape Buffaloes and Leopards. Masai Giraffes, Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest, Waterbucks, Blue Wildebeests, Bohor Reedbucks, Shy Red Duikers, Dik-Diks, Yellow Baboons, Vervet Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Colobus Monkeys, Mongooses, Genets, Porcupines, Sable Antelopes, Warthogs, Hippopotamuses, Crocodiles, Nile Monitors are also found in the park. Best Times to Visit Saadani National Park. The park is open all year-round, but the access roads are sometimes impassable during April and May. The best wildlife viewing is after the rains, in January and February and from June to August, when there is still plenty of water on the plains, this is the best time to visit and the wildlife stays within the park, this is when animals use the water pooled on the plains to hydrate. The Wet season months are best to see migrating birdlife. Main Activities in Saadani National Park • Explore variable mix of both marine and mainland flora and fauna • Walking safaris accompanied by an armed ranger • Game drives • Historical tours to the old Saadani fishing village, this place was a bustling port trading ivory and slaves

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is a national park in Tanzania’s Manyara Region. The name of the park originates from the Tarangire River that crosses the park. The Tarangire River is the primary source of fresh water for wild animals in the Tarangire Ecosystem during the annual dry season. The Tarangire Ecosystem is defined by the long-distance migration of wildebeest and zebras. During the dry season thousands of animals concentrate in Tarangire National Park from the surrounding wet-season dispersal and calving areas. It covers an area of approximately 2,850 square kilometers (1,100 square miles.) The landscape is composed of granitic ridges, river valley, and swamps. Vegetation is a mix of Acacia woodland, Combretum woodland, seasonally flooded grassland, and baobab trees. The park is famous for its high density of elephants and baobab trees. The Best Times to Visit Tarangire National Park. The middle and end of the Dry season, from late June to October, is the best time for wildlife viewing in Tarangire National Park. Most of the animals migrate out of the park during the Wet season (November to May), and wildlife viewing is considerably less productive. Main Activities in Tarangire National Park • Walking safari • Bird watching • Game drives

Udzungwa Mountains National Park

The biodiversity of this park is by far one of Tanzania’s most special features. The Udzungwa Mountains are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains which are found in Kenya and Tanzania and were formed some 200 million years ago. Today they hold a unique collection of flora and fauna and cover only 2% of Tanzania’s area but hold between 30 to 40% of the countries plant and mammal species. The vertical height of the Udzungwa forests ranges from 250m to 2,576m and with numerous forest trails, offering different kinds of activities, the park is a true hikers paradise. A half day tour to Sanje waterfall at a towering 170m is definitely worth doing. The park is also home to 6 species of primates, 2 of which (Iringa Red Colobus and the Sanje Crested Mangabey) occur nowhere else in the World. Bird watchers are also in for a treat as the park boasts with over 400 species of birds. Some of them are endemic to the Eastern Arc Mountains and four of them are found only in Udzungwa. Over 2500 species of plants have been discovered in the park of which 25% are endemic to the area. Recently a new species of snakes was found in the park and it is claimed to be endemic. The Best Times to Visit Udzungwa National Park. Like other locations in Tanzania, Udzungwa Mountains Park has a rainy season and dry seasons. Most of the long rainfall occurs from March to May and the precipitation can make the roads and trails quite slippery. During the rainy season is also when you may see some of the many delightful butterflies that thrive within the park. It is recommended to visit during the dry season, which runs from the cooler June to the warmer October, and we consider this time of year to be the best.

Mkomazi National Park

Mkomazi National Park is located in northeastern Tanzania on the Kenyan border, in Kilimanjaro Region and Tanga Region. It was established as a game reserve in 1951 and upgraded to a national park in 2006. The Mkomazi National Park is a spectacular wilderness. Within sight to the Northwest is Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest summit (depending on the weather, Mount Kilimanjaro can also be seen from the park). To the South, the Pare and Usambara Mountains form a dramatic backdrop and, to the North, Kenya’s vast Tsavo National Park shares a border with Mkomazi, making common ground for migratory herds of Elephant, Oryx and Zebra during the wet season. Together with Tsavo, it forms one of the largest and most important protected ecosystems on earth. The birds of Mkomazi are even more numerous, with over 400 recorded species. Doves, Hornbills, Weavers and Guinea-fowl are all present in large numbers – as well as such striking species as the Martial eagle and Violet Wood-hoopoe. Although Mkomazi doesn’t offer as much wildlife viewing when compared to other parks in Tanzania, the wild scenery compensates for it with mountains rising in every direction. The Best Times to Visit Mkomazi National Park. Late June to October is the prime time for watching wildlife in Mkomazi National Park. This is the Dry season; vegetation is thinner and animals gather near water. However, Elephants and some other herbivores migrate to the park from neighboring Tsavo National Park during the Wet season months from November to May. The general scenery and mountain views are better at this time as well.

Katavi National Park

Katavi National Park is a Tanzanian national park created in 1974 and is located in Katavi Region, Tanzania. It is a very remote park that is less frequently visited than other Tanzanian national parks. The park is approximately 4,471 square kilometers (1,726 sq mi) in area, which makes it the third largest national park in Tanzania. The park encompasses the Katuma River and the seasonal Lake Katavi and Lake Chada floodplains. The park is primarily fed by the Katuma River which in the rainy season – April and May – transforms the park into a wetland. Lake Chada and Lake Katavi are both seasonal lakes which are situated within the park boundaries. In terms of vegetation the park hosts a varied mix of bush land, Miombo forests, riverine forests as well as grasslands. The Best Times to Visit Katavi National Park. Katavi is a classic dry-country reserve. During the Wet season, from November to April, the wildlife disperses into the woodland and wildlife viewing becomes a challenge. Most importantly, the drier months (June to October) are when animals congregate on the Katuma River which is reduced to a narrow stream, the floodplains become a magnet for wildlife to get a drink, and the thin vegetation won’t shield them from your view. The heat and humidity is oppressive in the Wet season. Main Activities in Katavi National Park • Walking safaris • Night game drives • Game and bird watching on game drives

Mbozi Meteorite Site (Mbeya)

Mbozi Meteorite Site which lies about 65km on the Southwestern slope of Marengi Hill, West of Mbeya Region, off the road to Tunduma (Tanzania – Zambia Boarder), is the most popular tourist attraction found in Songwe region and it is the 8th largest Meteorite ever found on Earth and the second largest Meteorite in Africa. The object weighing an estimated 25 metric tonnes, it’s around 3m long and 1m tall ,it is dark in colour mainly due to high composition of iron while it’s burnished look comes from the melting and other heating that occurred as the Meteorite hurtled through the atmosphere towards Earth. The Mbozi Meteorite has been known for centuries by locals, who call it Kimondo, but the absence of legends recounting it’s sudden and undoubtedly fiery arrival indicate that it fell to earth long before the present inhabitants arrived, thousands of years ago. The meteorite was officially discovered by outsiders in 1930 at the time when only the top was visible. Most meteorites consist of silicates or stony-irons, so Mbozi Meteorite is uncommon in that it’s composed mainly of iron (90.45%) and nickel (8.69%), with negligible amounts of copper, sulphur and phosphorus. It was declared a protected monument by the government in 1967 and is now under the jurisdiction of the Department of Antiquities. A visit to the Meteorite Site is always fascinating especially if you are in a group and you travel using public transport as a means of getting a better taste of the countryside and face some adventures. This enables the group to also interact with the locals who are ever ready to share views with visitors. The Best Times to Visit Mbozi Meteorite Site Any time but not during the rainy seasons of March to June and October to November every year.

Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park covers the fourth highest mountain in Africa – Mount Meru (4,566m), found in Arusha Region of North Eastern Tanzania. Anyone visiting this park will be thrilled by the breathtaking landscapes ranging from the Meru Crater in the West, the Ngurdoto Crater in the South-East to the grasslands and of course the alkaline Momella lakes in the North-East. Due to the low numbers of predators in the park, walking safaris are permitted. This is a must for anyone wanting to get a closer look at the moss covered trees and the occasional red hot pokers as well as for those wanting to get up close to wildlife. Most common sightings whilst on a walking safari include buffaloes, warthogs, giraffes and a variety of birds such as the silvery cheeked hornbill, little bee-eater and the occasional long crested eagle. The walk takes visitors to the refreshing Tululusia waterfalls and back to the Momella gate. There are seven alkaline lakes to be seen and each lake has a different salt concentration. Visitors also have the option of going on a canoe trip on the small Momella Lake. The Best Times to Visit Arusha National Park. Wildlife viewing in Arusha National Park is good throughout the year but is at its best in the Dry season, from late June to October. The beautiful scenery is most impressive in the Wet season, from November to May, although March and April can be very wet and grey. The clear skies from December through February give you the best views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro. Main Activities in Ngorongoro Conversation Area • Hiking • Flamingo and bird watching

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is one of the smaller national parks in Tanzania but still offers beautiful landscapes and is home to an interesting collection of wildlife. Lake Manyara National Park is set under the Great East African Rift Valley escarpment, stretching 50km along the base of 600-metre high Rift Valley escarpment. The lake itself is a soda lake (alkaline) lake and reaches a maximum depth of 3.7 m. The vegetation changes from ground water forests to flood plains and finally to acacia wood plains. The Park owns the largest concentration of Baboons and tree-climbing Lions, the only kind of their species in the world. The park harbor more than 400 species of bird according to records; Highlights include thousands of Pink-hued Flamingos on their perpetual migration, as well as other large water birds such as Pelicans, Cormorants and Storks, Elephants are prolific and are the main attraction on the park. The Best Times to Visit Lake Manyara National Park. The wildlife watching is good at Lake Manyara practically all year, but at it’s best from late June to October, during the Dry season. However, this very scenic park is at its most beautiful during the Wet season, from November to May, when the vegetation is lush and waterfalls cascade down the escarpment. Main Activities in Lake Manyara National Park • Marvel at the large Elephant herds • Track the tree climbing Lions and large troops of baboons • Visit the ‘pink’ lake with Flamingoes

Kitulo Plateau National Park

Kitulo National Park is a protected area of montane grassland and montane forest on the Kitulo Plateau in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. The park is at an elevation of 2,600m (8,500 ft) and is nestled between the rugged peaks of the Kipengere, Poroto, and Livingstone Mountains, it covers an area of 412.9 square kilometres (159.4 sq mi) lying between Mbeya and Njombe Region. The well-watered volcanic soils of the plateau support the largest and most important montane grassland ecosystem in Tanzania. Locals refer to the Kitulo Plateau as “Bustani ya Mungu” (“The Garden of God”), while botanists have referred to it as the “Serengeti of Flowers” Endemic species of Butterfly, Chameleon, Lizard and Frog further enhance the biological wealth of God’s Garden. Kitulo Plateau is unique and the only of its kind in Africa for natural orchids and birds. It’s montane grasslands are home to 350 species of plants, including numerous Ground Orchids, Geophytes, and other Afroalpine plants. The rainy season that extends from late November to April turns the plateau into a magical world of jewel-like color. Many species are limited to the Kipengere Range and nearby highlands, and three – Brachystelma Kituloensis, Impatiens Rosulata and Pterygodium Ukingense, are limited the Kitulo Plateau. Added to its natural attractions and uniqueness, Kitulo Plateau is the natural resting site for intercontinental migrating birds during periods of the year on their way to Europe. It is only in this park where migrating Storks rest while flying from Cape Town in South Africa to Northern Europe.