Tanzania National Parks Safari

Tanzania is a case of success regarding Nature conservation and endangerous species protection. The country soon understood that they have been presented with some of the greatest natural wonders to be found on Earth. And quickly they learned how to conserve them and take good care of them.

In fact, many conservation works have been done here, specially those related with fighting Elephant Hunting and saving one of the most endangerous species in the world, the Black Rhino. Jane Goodall also become famous for her pioneer work with the Chimpanzees at Gombe Stream National Park.

Blessed by nature with 14 national parks (there are even more, but these ones are the most famous) one can found everything in Tanzania. Tanzania is what comes to your mind when you think of Africa. There are parks that are as large as many european countries like the Serengeti National park and Selous Game Reserve. There are parks, like Katavi National Park or Ruaha National Park that are so untouched by humans they reassemble the descriptions of Africa by white hunters and missionaires who came here centuries ago. Parks where you can have a million of acres just for yourself and see more lions than people. There are parks like Gombe Stream National Park or Mahale Mountains National Park where you will be able to see large groups of Chimpanzees and Gorillas. There are parks like Saadani National park where you can join pristine beaches and the wild bush. Other parks, such as Ngorongoro Conservation Area with its Ngorongoro Crater have a beauty that is so stunning, so breathtaking that it is impossible to put into words. And what about Kilimanjaro National Park? Where you can see giraffes with the world's tallest free standing mountain, the roof of Africa, in the background? Well, there are really parks for every taste and interest and we haven't even spoke about Zanzibar, with world class beaches of white sand and turquoise warm water. Tanzania National Parks Safari is definitely one of the top destinations of the world.

In the following map, you can see the 14 national parks. To learn more about each one and see what we recommend, move your mouse over the map and click in one park.

Kilimanjaro National Park

Description

This is the only park that is more popular for climbing than for wildlife viewing. Every year, thousands of tourists come to Tanzania specifically to climb the highest free-standing mountain in the world. The mountain was formed by volcanic activity in the rift valley, about a million years ago, and is formed by three peaks: Shira (3962m), Mawenzi (5149m) and Uhuru peak (5985m).
One of the most interesting things about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is that you experience 5 difference ecosystems along the climb. Up to 1800 meters, the cultivated lower slopes. Then, between 1800 and 3000 meters, the mountain forest zone. As you continue to climb, you will reach the semi-alpine moorland zone (between 3000m and 4000m) and the alpine zone (4000m to 5000m). Finally, between 5000m and the summit, you will experience the Arctic Zone and can even see glaciers.


Wildlife

Not as interesting as most other parks, when it comes to wildlife, with the more common species being: black and white colobus, blue monkey, duller klipspringer and back bush. Leopard, bush pig and porcupine are there too but rarely encountered by hikers. There are some larger mammals too like the eland, the buffalo and the elephant.


When to go

Open throughout the year but not recommended during the rainy season (April and May).


What to do

4x4 game drives and Kilimanjaro Treks.


What we suggest

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is not a very interesting park if what you plan to do watch wildlife. However, if you want to have one of the greatest experiences in your life, and have the time and budget to do it, then climbing mount Kilimanjaro and getting to the roof of Africa is something that will never leave your mind. Don't try to ascend fast. That is the main reason sometimes people fail to reach the top. Allow at least 6 days to reach the summit.