Summer is upon us guys! Whether you live in the east African country of Tanzania or you plan to book a flight ticket to travel there, we suggest you take the time out to visit the country’s National Parks.
In the Summer, Tourists prefer all sorts of outdoor enjoyment ranging from visiting Beaches to Theme Parks. Nevertheless, we’ve compiled a list of the very best of them for your reading pleasure. Make sure to leave a comment below to let us know which Park you’d be interested in checking out. Let’s go! (
What are National Parks?
National Parks are specially designated land areas that have been earmarked by the government of a country for the purpose of leisure and recreational use. The underlying point behind this initiative however isn’t necessarily because the government is so particular about its citizens having a place to catch fun. It’s more to preserve and protect animals and nature that are quickly becoming extinct in today’s age. With the current trend in Climate Change caused by Deforestation, you can see why having a National Park reserve is crucial for the well being of a country.
Therefore, all man-made activities which could potentially pose an “extinction level event” as far as wildlife and nature conservation is concerned – activities like mining, hunting and Tree Felling – are strictly disallowed in such areas.
Best National Parks In Tanzania
Tanzania’s National Parks offer an opportunity to explore the country’s rich wildlife, stunning landscapes, and cultural heritage. The landscape is nothing compared to visiting Alaska but nevertheless, here are some of the best you can visit on your next Tour to Tanganyika:
#1. Serengeti National Park
Ever seen some Lions, Elephants, Buffalos, Leopards or Rhinos up close? Come to Serengeti. The park derives its name from the word “siringet” meaning “A place where the land runs forever”. This park is most famous for its massive migrations of over 1.5 million animals, including Zebras and Wildebeests. It’s reportedly the largest wildlife migration in the world.
How to get to Serengeti Park
Although it may seem like the park is located in a rather remote corner of Tanzania, there are typically two routes travelers take when trying to visit Serengeti and that can either be via a cheap flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha. Whichever you take, you can jump on a Transfer flight or a Safari vehicle that will take you to your lodge to settle and get ready to explore.
#2. Ngorongoro Conservation Area
If by chance you planned on visiting Serengeti, you’re in luck because The Ngorongoro Conservation Area sits just adjacent to it. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site (it has legal protection by the International body), Ngorongoro is named after a Volcanic crater and has different species of wildlife living within the crater like the Black Rhino, African Leopard, and the East African Wild Dog.
#3. Tarangire National Park
Located very close to Arusha and Manyara National Park, Tarangire (its name means “river of Warthogs”) costs about $25 for adults during peak seasons and $22 during off seasons. Anyone aged below 16 however is allowed in for less than $8. Also note that the best and most ideal time to visit this National Park is during the dry season. Inversely, the worst time to visit is during the wet seasons (March, April, May) when the rains are at their heaviest. Keep that in mind when planning your trip.
#4. Lake Manyara National Park
Have you ever seen a Lion climb a tree? Come to Lake Manyara! This one (This National Park) has over 350 species of birds recorded and more than 650 species of flowering plants. Imagine that! That’s not including the 180 species of Butterflies that congregate there. Of course these aren’t the only animals present in Lake Manyara National Park. Tourists have reported also encountering Hippos, Zebras, Gazelles among other Wildlife.
How to get to Lake Manyara National Park
The best way to get here is to fly in through Kilimanjaro International Airport which is near Arusha. From here you can take a one and half hour car ride to your destination (Lake Manyara National Park
#5. Ruaha National Park
At number 5, we have the largest park of them all – Ruaha National Park, a large expanse of wildlife and lush nature known especially for the Great Ruaha River. Getting to Ruaha National Park doesn’t happen down a smooth tarred road. It involves taking a car down a dirt road from Iringa. Once well known for boasting of a large Elephant population numbering over 30,000 as at 2009, the park had at least half this number in 2015. That was over 7 years ago (one could only wonder what it stands at today).
Explore More of Tanzania’s National Parks
Others you can check out asides the above five include the Selous Game Reserve and Katavi National Park. In summary, the choice to visit one or more of these National Parks in Tanzania will ultimately boil down to whether or not nature and wildlife is something that gets your travel engines revving. In the end, remember to have fun and stay safe!
