Arusha National Park is one of the most breathtaking yet overlooked Protected Areas in Tanzania. It is characterized by gem of varied ecosystems as well as jaw-dropping views of Mount Meru (5th highest mountain in Africa), the stunning Crater from which the park derived its name.

This park is a renowned destination for visitors interested in day tours along the northern circuit and is the multi-faced treasure in addition to being the nearest protected area to the town of Arusha.

Size of Arusha National Park.

Arusha National Park extends for only 552 square kilometers (212 square miles) and covers the jaw-dropping Mount. Meru, a protrusive volcano with an altitude of 4,566 meters above sea level and the second highest peak in the country after Mount Kilimanjaro.

Location of Arusha National Park.

The national park of Arusha is located within the Arusha region of North-eastern Tanzania and only 25 kilometers north-east of Arusha City. To the west of the Park is Meru Crater that feeds into River Jekukumia while the Peak of the Mountain is found on its edge. To the north-east is the shallow alkaline Momella Lakes characterized by beautiful algal colors and popular for shoreline and mud-dominating bird species.

To the south-east of Arusha National Park is the stunning Ngurdoto Crater characterized by lush grasslands. These incredibly magnificent and varied landscapes make Arusha National Park one of the most beautiful places in Tanzania. The Park is also on a 186-mile axis of the Continent’s most popular National Parks including Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti in the west to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park in the East.

History of Arusha National Park.

Arusha National Park was gazetted in 1960 and is currently managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority.

BEAUTIFUL ATTRACTIONS WITHIN ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK.

Arusha National Park is home to several spectacular attractions that range from wildlife, birdlife, slopes and summit of Mount Meru, the verdant highland forests, Ngurdoto Crater, Momela Lakes to the savannah grasslands.

Animals

Arusha National Park hosts a wide array of wildlife species and visitors to this Park expect an exceptional wildlife viewing experiences. Regardless of its small size, this National Park is haven to Cape buffaloes, African bush elephants, Reedbucks, common warthogs, blue monkeys, Rothschild giraffes, pythons, herds of Burchell’s zebras, Suni, leopards, black and white colobus monkeys, the shy bushbucks, Defassa waterbucks, red duikers, Dik-dik and spotted hyenas in the scrubby bush lands.

Birdlife

Arusha National Park boasts of prolific birdlife with numerous savannah, forest and aquatic bird species that include Kingfishers, little bee-eaters, flamingos, Cormorants, long-crested eagles, Narina trogon, starlings, silvery-cheeked hornbills, bar-tailed trogon and many others.

Spectacular sceneries

Spectacular sceneries also include views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain which is only 60 kilometers from Arusha National Park. This Mountain forms a backdrop to views from the National Park to the East. Lush rolling hills surround the serene beauty of Momela Lakes to the North and shelter a rich diversity of animals-giraffes and waterbucks across the grassy hills. Ngurdoto Crater enclosed by a verdant rainforest is a smaller version of the Ngorongoro Crater with a diameter of only about 3 kilometers with steep sides as well as grasslands around its Crater. It features several viewpoints around its edge for watching the wildlife especially Cape buffaloes and common warthogs.

The seven beautiful alkaline Lakes of Momela mark the northeast of Arusha National Park and are characterized by varying brilliant colors because of alga that grow in them. Several bird species live in these Lakes and survive on them.

There is also Lake Longil, the only freshwater Lake in the National Park and is frequently visited by Defassa waterbucks and Cape buffaloes.

Tululusia Hill is another spectacular landscape in Arusha National Park and is a famous camping and hiking area with visitors guaranteed of jaw-dropping views of the Park. The area is also home to elephants, monkeys, pythons and duikers.

INTERESTING TOURIST ACTIVITIES WITHIN ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK.

Climbing Mount. Meru.

Visitors to Arusha National Park can climb Mount Meru through the well-maintained hiking trails that crisscross its lower and upper slopes. A 3-day trek ushers climbers/hikers to Mount Meru’s Crater summit and offers a challenging and quieter option to the nearby Mount Kilimanjaro.

Trails along the lower slopes lead to waterfalls and rivers as well as ancient fig tree forests, a chance to spot primates such as the black and white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys as well as crystal clear waters streaming from the different mountain Rivers.

Birding.

Bird watching is another exciting tourist activity for visitors to Arusha National Park and birds are sighted during canoe rides, walking safaris and game drives. Expect to see the flamingos, Cormorants, long-crested eagles, Narina trogon, starlings, silvery-cheeked hornbills, bar-tailed trogon and many others.

Walking Safaris.

The spectacular landscapes of Arusha National Park make walking safaris more exciting and rewarding. For visitors interested in coming close to the moss-covered trees as well as the unique wildlife species of the Park can take part in walking safaris. The most sought-after wildlife species during these guided walks include Rothschild giraffes, common warthogs, Cape buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks as well as unique bird species that include the bar-tailed trogon, silvery-cheeked hornbills, long-crested eagles and many others.

Guided nature walks towards the Momella Lakes introduce visitors to the Defassa waterbucks, mountain reedbucks and wide range of bird species such as Kingfishers, flamingos, cormorants and many others.

Game drives.

Undertaking game drives in Arusha National Park reward visitors with unmatched wildlife viewing experiences with animals such as elephants, Masai giraffes, common warthogs, Defassa waterbucks, bushbucks, Cape buffaloes and spotted hyenas to be expected. The best time for game drives is morning and afternoon when animals are very active.

Camping and picnics.

The landscape of this Park makes it possible to camp and experience the wilderness closer and given the closeness of the Park to Arusha Town, day trips with picnics are also possible in Arusha National Park. It is overlooked but is one of the most beautiful places for visitors interested in camping and picnics.

Canoe rides.

Canoe rides in Arusha National Park can be undertaken on the small Momella Lakes (El Kekhotoito, big Momella, Kusare, small Momella, Rishateni, Lekandiro and Tulusia) introduce visitors to several bird species especially the long-crested eagles, cormorants and kingfishers among others.

BEST TIME TO VISIT ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK.

Arusha National Park is a wonderful all-year-round destination for game drives, birding tours, canoe rides, walking safaris and mountain climbing among others. Game viewing and walking safaris are best done in the dry season-June to October and late December to February. Best experiences from birding tours are achieved during the rainy season-especially in November and April when numerous migratory bird species from North Africa and Europe flock the alkaline Lakes. These months are also breeding time for birds in this Park.

WHERE TO STAY WHEN EXPLORING ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK?

Arusha National Park and surrounding areas offer outstanding places for visitors to stay while exploring the beauty of this wilderness Area. The accommodation facilities cater for the needs of all visitor categories-budget, midrange and luxury, and they include;

Kiboko Lodge.

This beautiful Lodge borders Arusha National Park, strategically located at the foot of Mount Meru and is only 4 kilometers from the Park’s main entrance. It features 14 self-contained rooms and 5 family rooms with each having spacious verandas, fireplace, private toilets, showers and large mosquito-covered beds, a cozy restaurant with roofs made of palm leaves, open kitchen and many other facilities.

Arumeru River Lodge.

This Safari Lodge is incredibly located outside Arusha National Park and offers 21 spacious rooms, a family cottage and 6 suites. It has a large main Lodge area, beautiful lush gardens for visitor relaxation while admiring the beauty of Mother Nature.

Arusha Coffee Lodge.

The Arusha Coffee Lodge is beautifully located within an old coffee plantation outside Arusha National Park and made up of an old plantation house sheltering a lounge area, restaurant and well-stocked bar. There are a total of 30 luxurious plantation houses with en-suite rooms and suites with indoor fireplaces and vast seating areas. The property also has several coffee shops for delicious coffee, restaurants and Boutiques.

Other magnificent accommodation facilities within or around Arusha National Park include Palace Hotel Arusha, Hatari Lodge, Kutoka Lodge, Mount. Meru Game Lodge, River – trees Country Inn, Lake Duluti Lodge and many others.

HOW TO GET TO THE SPECTACULAR ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK?

The beautiful Arusha National Park is found in north-eastern Tanzania and its main entrance is only about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) east of Arusha City. The park is also only 58 kilometers/36 miles from Moshi City (Capital of Kilimanjaro) and approximately 35 kilometers/21.7 miles from Kilimanjaro International Airport.

The park is only 30-40 minutes’ drive from Arusha and only half an hour from Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Besides Arusha National Park, Tanzania is home to other endowed National Parks that include Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, Gombe Stream National Park, Saadani, Ruaha, Udzungwa Mountains, Mkomazi, Katavi, Lake Manyara, Mahale Mountains, Tarangire, Mikumi and west Kilimanjaro National Parks as well as Game Reserves that include Selous and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

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The largest intact volcanic caldera, known as Ngorongoro Crater, is located in Ngorongoro District, Tanzania. It shelters 30,000 large mammals and spans 264 square kilometers of wetlands, forests, and grassland.

The bowl-shaped caldera was formed by volcanic activity that caused the top of the volcanic cone to collapse, leaving a massive depression called a caldera.

Over time, minor eruptions created smaller cones, which later filled with water to form lakes.

The crater is believed to have formed 2.5 million years ago within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, coexisting with the Maasai people, who settled in Ngorongoro after the government established Serengeti National Park.

The Maasai have a unique culture, practicing customs such as living in huts, adorning themselves with beads, and engaging in traditional courtship dances by warriors ready for marriage.

In these dances, the higher a man jumps, the better his chances of attracting a suitable partner.

Interacting with the Maasai is an enlightening experience that offers a glimpse into their fascinating culture.

This remarkably compact area is renowned for its geological splendor, with human fossils discovered within its boundaries.

If you plan to visit, consider going between June and October, a period with minimal rainfall.

During this time, you can witness a variety of wildlife, including the “Big Five,” and see pink flamingoes gathering on the water’s surface like flowers.

The entire area is lush with green vegetation.

Entry Fees for Ngorongoro Crater

• Foreigners: $70.80 for adults, $23.60 for children
• East African and Tanzanian Citizens: Tsh 11,800 for adults, Tsh 2,360 for children
• Expatriates: $35.40 for adults, $11.80 for children
• Children below age five: Free entry

Additional fees include a vehicle fee, with East African and Tanzanian citizens paying Tsh 11,800, while foreigners pay $295 USD per vehicle.

Activities in Ngorongoro Crater

• Hot Air Balloon: For a panoramic view of the crater and its wildlife, a hot air balloon ride is ideal. It offers a unique opportunity to observe wildlife, including animals that may be hidden from view on the ground.
• Camping: Camping is an exhilarating way to connect with nature and share experiences with others. The park provides both private and public campsites. For non-East African citizens, the camping fee at public campsites is $35.40 for adults and $11.80 for children, while private campsites cost $70.80 for adults and $35.40 for children. Tanzanian citizens pay Tsh 17,000 for adults and Tsh 8,850 for children.
• Nature Walk: This activity combines physical exercise with exploration, giving visitors an intimate look at the environment. Two tour guides accompany the walkers for safety and support.
• Game Drives: Game drives in safari vehicles allow visitors to explore various wildlife habitats. These drives are usually conducted in the morning when animals are most active.

Attractions in Ngorongoro

The crater is home to numerous attractions, including Lake Magadi, Lerai Fever Tree Forest, Olduvai Gorge, Shifting Sands, Olmoti Crater, Empakaai Crater, Gol Mountains, Nasera Rock, Salei Plains, Ol Karien Gorge, Oldeani Mountain, the Hadzabe Tribe, Ol Doinyo Lengai, and Lake Natron, among others.

Accommodation in Ngorongoro

Available accommodations include Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Ngorongoro Corridor Lodge, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge, Neptune Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge, and Ngorongoro Farm House.

These lodges offer deluxe bedrooms, ample parking, restaurants with diverse menus, and transport options by air (the fastest) or road (the most flexible).

As the saying goes, “Great is the art of beginning.” Embark on your adventurous experience at Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania—you won’t regret it!

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Nyerere National Park, formerly called Selous Game Reserve; located in Tanzania, is the largest reserve and protected area in Africa, covering an area of 50,000 square kilometers—larger than Switzerland.

It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982 due to its rich biodiversity. The reserve is characterized by savannah grasslands, volcanic hot springs, diverse landscapes, rivers, lakes, and channels, among other features.

Some parts of Selous Game Reserve remain unexplored due to limited infrastructure. The reserve’s rich biodiversity includes a variety of species with critical predator-prey relationships, which led to its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.

The reserve is mostly dominated by miombo woodlands, riverine forests, open grasslands, mountains, rolling landscapes with alluvial valleys, lakes, thickets, lowland forests, swamps, and rivers that support large habitats. However, the main threat to its ecosystem is mining activity around the reserve.

Entry Fee

The entry fee to Selous Game Reserve is USD 50 per person per day for foreign non-residents, with lodges inside the park charging an additional concession fee of USD 25 per person per day. Lodges outside the reserve charge a concession fee of USD 15 per person per day, and children pay USD 30 per day.

History

Selous Game Reserve was first established in 1896 by the German governor of Tanganyika, Hermann von Wissmann, as a protected area, later becoming a hunting reserve in 1905.

It is named after Frederick Courteney Selous, a British conservationist and explorer known for his book A Hunter’s Wanderings in Africa.

Selous served as captain of the 25th Royal Fusiliers and commanded the pursuit of the German guerrilla army in southern Tanzania during World War I. He died near the Beho Beho River while fighting German forces.

Selous first visited Africa in 1871 at the age of 19 as an elephant hunter. Over time, he recognized the impact of hunting on African wildlife and became an advocate for conservation. He collected over 5,000 plant and animal specimens now housed in the Natural History Museum in London.

Since 2005, the reserve has been considered a lion conservation unit. In 2014, UNESCO listed Selous as a World Endangered Heritage Site due to rampant poaching, uranium mining, and the Tanzanian government’s plans to build a dam on the Rufiji River, putting the park’s ecosystem under threat.

Location

Selous Game Reserve is located in the miombo woodlands of southeastern Tanzania, southwest of Dar es Salaam, the capital city. Visitors can combine their trip to Selous with visits to Udzungwa Mountains National Park and Mikumi National Park, which lie northwest of the reserve.

Best Time to Visit

Until recently, accessing Selous Game Reserve during the rainy season was challenging. Although the reserve is now accessible year-round, the best time to visit is during the dry season, when roads are passable, wildlife gathers around water sources, and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot animals.

Travelers visiting during the wet season should use four-wheel-drive vehicles to avoid getting stuck in the mud. The park has several airstrips for those wishing to fly in. The best time for visiting is from June to October.

For birdwatching, Selous is ideal year-round, as migratory birds from Europe and North Africa are present during the low season.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Selous Game Reserve is limited, yet several lodges and camps are available, including Siwandu Camp, Lake Manze Tented Camp, Selous Impala Camp, Rufiji River Camp, Roho ya Selous, Azura Selous, Selous Serena Camp, Maji Moto, Mivumo River Lodge, Sand Rivers Selous, Selous Wilderness Camp, Kiba Point Safari Lodge, Selous Luxury Camp, Sable Mountain Lodge, Selous Kinga Lodge, Selous Great Water Lodge, Retreat Selous, Selous Riverside Safari Camp, Jimbiza Lodge, Amara Selous, and Beho Beho, among others.

Wildlife & Animals

Selous Game Reserve offers various wildlife viewing activities, including game drives, boat cruises, and guided nature walks. The reserve is home to approximately 10,000 elephants, 4,000 lions, 100,000 wildebeests, 120,000 buffaloes, 40,000 hippos, 25,000 impalas, Maasai giraffes, hartebeests, 35,000 zebras, spotted hyenas, crocodiles, African hunting dogs, kudus, black rhinos, cheetahs, waterbucks, brindled gnus, elands, and more. The best wildlife viewing areas are near the great Rufiji River.

Bird-watching

Selous Game Reserve is home to over 440 bird species. Bird enthusiasts can spot species such as the Malagasy squacco heron, trumpeter hornbill, purple-crested turaco, malachite kingfisher, white-fronted bee-eaters, yellow-billed stork, African skimmer, white-backed night heron, rock pratincole, broad-billed roller, black-winged stilt, pearl-spotted owlet, thick-billed cuckoo, northern carmine bee-eater, racket-tailed roller, white-backed vulture, palm-nut vulture, Pel’s fishing owl, brown-headed parrot, Bohm’s bee-eater, carmine bee-eater, pink-backed pelican, white-crowned and spur-winged plovers, trumpeter hornbill, Malagasy squacco heron, Pel’s fishing owl, Dickinson’s kestrel, and brown-necked parrot, among others.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted within the reserve but requires advance booking and payment. Travelers should bring their own fishing gear.

Boat Cruises

Visitors can enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Tagalala within Nyerere National Park. The lake attracts a variety of wildlife and birds, making it a favorite spot in the park. Nearby hot springs offer an authentic wilderness experience.

In conclusion, Nyerere National Park is a must-visit destination in Tanzania for a true African wilderness experience.

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Tarangire National Park – In our mission to reveal the beauty hidden in nature, we encourage exploration of the quietest parts of the world, where food for the eyes and soothing sounds for the ears await.

Here, we unveil some of the world’s most gifted conservation areas, offering premier safari experiences with safety, relaxation, and fun.

Now is the time to discover a true treasure in Africa, famous for its large concentration of African elephants, peaceful atmosphere, and cool climate: Tarangire National Park—the sixth largest national park in Tanzania.

The park’s name originates from the mighty Tarangire River that flows through its stunning landscape.

Originally, Tarangire National Park was open for cultivation and hunting. In 1957, however, it was designated a game reserve to protect rare tree species and other wildlife.

By 1970, the authorities elevated it to national park status due to its rich biodiversity.

Located in the Manyara region, south of Lake Manyara in northern Tanzania, Tarangire National Park covers an area of approximately 2,850 square kilometers and lies about 118 kilometers from Arusha city.

Nearby, you’ll also find Mount Kilimanjaro (the world’s tallest stand-alone mountain), Serengeti National Park (renowned for the wildebeest migration), Lake Manyara National Park (home to rare tree-climbing lions), and Ngorongoro Crater (containing the world’s largest caldera).

Though these neighboring attractions draw many visitors, Tarangire’s large concentration of African elephants, grassy plains, and colossal baobabs set it apart.

Visitors to this park return with lasting memories and exceptional experiences.

To access the park, the main gate is located in the north, with the Sangaiwe Gate on the western side, a 40-minute drive from the Babati-Makuyuni highway.

The latter is often used by visitors coming from Babati in the west or south.

Activities in Tarangire National Park

The park offers more than just game viewing. Visitors can stroll through the savanna, studying the smaller animals, primates, and unique plant species.

There’s also the chance for an aerial view of the breathtaking landscape and rare mammals via a hot-air balloon ride.

Additionally, Tarangire hosts two major animal migrations: the annual wildebeest migration, which begins in Tanzania and peaks at the Mara River in Kenya, and the great elephant migration.

Park Entry Fees

Entry fees vary based on age and country of origin. Here’s a breakdown:

• Persons aged 16 and above: East African citizens pay 10,000 Tshs, non-East African citizens pay 45 USD, and expatriates living in Tanzania pay 22.5 USD.
• Children aged 5 to 15 years: East African citizens pay 2,000 Tshs, non-East African citizens pay 15 USD, and expatriates pay 7.5 USD.
• Children under 5 years: Free entry.

These fees apply per person for a 24-hour period.

Attractions in the Park

• Animals: Tarangire National Park is home to over 58 rare large mammal species, with a high concentration of African elephants, the park’s primary highlight. Other animals include zebras, cape buffaloes, impalas, gazelles, wildebeests, Coke’s hartebeest, hyenas, leopards, African wild dogs, lions, various antelope species, giraffes, mongoose, waterbucks, warthogs, dik-diks, vervet monkeys, elands, olive baboons, greater kudu, and honey badgers. During the dry season, many animals migrate to the park’s various water sources, including the Tarangire River.
• Birdlife: Tarangire is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 550 bird species recorded, both endemic and non-endemic. Birds like the world’s largest bird, the stocking-thigh ostrich, hornbills, and the Kori bustard inhabit the drier areas. Other species include the Ashy starling, yellow-collared lovebird, Rufous-tailed Weaver, crested francolin, hammerkops, bateleur eagle, white pelicans, and white-headed babbler.
• Lemiyon Triangle: This triangular-shaped area in the park’s northern region is famous for its magnificent baobab trees and a wide range of bird species, such as the red-billed quail birds.
• Giant Baobab Trees (Adansonia digitata): Known as the “tree of life,” these colossal trees occupy half of the park’s land area. They have thick, root-like branches and sturdy trunks, making them a true symbol of Africa. Local tradition holds that an unhappy deity planted these trees upside down. The baobabs are enormous, reaching heights of up to 30 meters, with some trunks measuring up to 11 meters in diameter. They are thought to be over 1,000 years old, with some baobabs in South Africa recorded at 6,000 years old. The leaves are edible and used to treat skin infections, while the fruits provide Vitamin C and carbohydrates. The dried pulp is even used in beer fermentation.
• Tarangire River: Crossing the park, this river significantly boosts the park’s ecosystem, especially during the dry season (June to late October), attracting herds of elephants, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, and waterbucks to its shores.
• Burungi Circuit: Stretching about 50 miles along the park’s western corridor, the Burungi Circuit is known for its eland concentration and captivating landscapes.
• Kitibong Hill and Matete Woodlands: Kitibong Hill is known for wild dogs and buffaloes, while the woodlands are home to leopards and the rare Oryx antelope. Game viewing is popular in these areas due to the diverse wildlife.

Other Attractions

• Maasai Cultural Community: A visit to Tarangire is enriched by exploring the Maasai community, an authentic group that has preserved its cultural heritage for generations. The Maasai are herdsmen who rely on cattle for milk, blood, and hides.

Exploring different regions of the park is possible through night and day game drives, hot air balloon safaris, birding safaris, guided nature walks, and cultural encounters.

Visitors can enjoy these activities during their visit, whether it’s a honeymoon, family retreat, wildlife safari, or research trip.

The Maasai dress code, music, social structure, and traditional meals make the experience unforgettable.

Accommodation in Tarangire National Park

Set in quiet parts of the park, accommodations cater to various preferences and budgets, from budget to luxury lodges and campsites.

Recommended options include Nimali Tarangire Tented Camp, Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp, Sanctuary Swala Camp, Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge, Eco Science Center and Luxury Lodge, Tarangire Safari Lodge, Tarangire Sopa Lodge, and Ang’ata Tarangire Camp.

Best Time to Visit Tarangire National Park

The weather plays a major role in planning a visit. August to October is cooler, while late December to March is hot. Long rains occur from April to June, with shorter rains from November to December.

We recommend visiting between late June and October or from December to March. Budget travelers may prefer the low season for discounts on activities and services.

The best way to appreciate Mother Nature is by experiencing it. Tarangire National Park offers abundant wildlife and scenery.

Though lesser-known, it’s a hidden gem we now reveal to you. Take a step into the unrivaled beauty of Tarangire National Park in northern Tanzania.

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Take the courage to lose sight of the shore in your home country and visit the land of the wild in Tanzania.

It’s home to carnivores such as lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, and wolves; herbivores like elephants, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and antelopes; reptiles such as snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles; and primates such as monkeys, baboons, and gorillas, to name just a few.

Tourists are offered a deluxe stay in accommodations with conference rooms, swimming pools, free Wi-Fi, and restaurants. The hotels include:

• Jabali Ridge Lodge
• Kwihala Camp
• Asilia Africa Lodge
• Ikuka Safari Lodge

The great Ruaha National Park is located in the center of Tanzania, close to Iringa, Dar es Salaam, and Arusha. It got its name from a Hehe word that means “river.”

The river within the park is the source of water for both wildlife and domestic use and is also used in the generation of hydroelectric power.

This remote area can be accessed by road transport, with stopovers at Iringa (to see the amazing rock formations and archaeological site of Isimila), Mikumi, Udzungwa, or Morogoro.

You can even travel to Zanzibar using a well-equipped safari car, provided it has enough fuel and is in good shape to cover long distances.

Tourists can stop for lunch and dinner at Neema Crafts, a place that trains people with disabilities to acquire skills to support their loved ones, giving tourists unforgettable memories.

Surprisingly, this national park receives fewer visitors since the transport options are not always well-detailed on their website.

The Best Times to Visit Ruaha National Park Are:

• Throughout the Year: The national park is open year-round, serving people with different tastes.
• Rainy Season: This season favors driving safaris, as all airstrips are closed to avoid strong turbulence that could damage planes and potentially cause loss of life. Safari cars become busy and expensive during this period. The land absorbs enough water, and the green grass blossoms, covering the park and giving it an Eden-like appearance, with God-created creatures feeding on the lush grass. Some, like male lions, use the tall grass as shelter for naps.
• Dry Season: Airstrips are open during this period, allowing you to book a flight to the park and experience its dry, desert-like landscape. The heat during this season dries up the area, turning the green cover brown. Wildlife searches for food sources, resulting in the great migration, and tourists can witness large numbers of wildebeests.

Fun Activities to Explore the National Park:

• Walking Safaris: This involves following animals in the park on foot while observing their natural routines. You should not get too close to them, as a sensible distance is advised, and noise is discouraged to avoid disturbing the animals. Littering or feeding the animals is also forbidden, as it may disrupt the food web and make wild species lazy to hunt. The smell of morning dew on plants, beetles, and butterflies attracts tourists to trek for hours under the guidance of a skilled tour guide.
• Game Drives: Tourists wake up early, like school-going children, to venture out in safari cars and pause around rivers, waiting for thirsty mammals to come and drink. They also observe strategic predators that wait for grazers at these points. Some tourists even prefer trekking up Kilimanjaro Hill to spot hungry leopards and enjoy the bright morning and sunrise.
• Hot Air Balloon Trip: A hot air balloon safari provides a unique perspective from high above, allowing you to view the landscape and spot animals that may not be easily seen during other seasons when they are in hiding.

Attractions at the Mighty Ruaha National Park Include:

• Rivers: The Ruaha River, a watershed that feeds the park’s ecosystem, is a prime area for bird and game sightings. Other rivers in the park include the Mbonya, Mwangosi, and Mzumbe, fed by both large and small rivers. Major rivers include Lukosi, Yovi, Kitete, and Sanje, while smaller rivers include Umrobi, Lunwa, and Mambi.
• Historical and Cultural Sites: Ruaha National Park is known for its cultural and historical safaris, with various sites that hold historical significance as Hehe land. The story of Chief Mkwawa draws many tourists to experience tales they’ve read about in history books. Other sites include the Mpanze grave of a Gogo chief and the Indinda Rock painting, featuring cultural art believed to have been made by the natives before the establishment of the national reserve.
• Rift Valley: This rift valley, crossed by the Ruaha River, features high escarpments in the northeastern parts of the park.
• Natural Springs: The hot springs, including Mkwawa, Mwayembe, Makinde, and Majimoto, are located near the base of the western rift valley escarpment. These springs attract numerous travelers, and the smoky, hot water is a sight not to be missed.

Park Entry Fees

Entry fees are $15 for adults and $5 for children (non-residents).

A normal lake is remarkable, yet a great lake holds the mysteries of an ocean.

Make your heart like a lake, with a calm, still surface and great depths of adventure by trekking to Ruaha National Park, where serenity originates.

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Serengeti takes its name from the Maasai word “siringet,” which literally means “the place where the land runs on forever.” Early human ancestors are believed to have lived in the Serengeti area for over 4 million years. For centuries, the Maasai people grazed their livestock in the vast plains of the eastern Mara area, which was known as the “endless plains.” This continued for about 200 years until the first European, Austrian Oscar Baumann, visited the area around 1892.

In 1913, Stewart Edward White became the first American to visit the Serengeti, documenting his explorations in the northern part of the park. He returned to Serengeti seven years later and camped near Seronera for 90 days, during which he and his colleagues shot 50 lions.

Due to hunting, the lion population in the Serengeti ecosystem declined, leading to the establishment of a partial game reserve covering about 3.2 square kilometers in 1921. It was later upgraded to a full reserve in 1929, marking the beginning of Serengeti National Park, which was officially established in 1951.

In 1959, the British relocated the Maasai residents to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to allow for the conservation and protection of wildlife in Serengeti. The park gained international fame in the 1950s through the works of Bernhard Grzimek and his son, Michael. Their book and film, Serengeti Shall Not Die, brought significant attention to the importance of nature conservation.

Access to Serengeti National Park

By road, Serengeti National Park is best accessed using a well-serviced 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for excellent game viewing. The drive from Arusha to Serengeti takes about 7–8 hours, during which travelers can enjoy breathtaking scenery, including farmlands, parts of the stunning Lake Manyara, Olduvai Gorge, Ngorongoro Crater, and the impressive Rift Valley escarpment.

By air, visitors on a Serengeti safari can fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport and connect to one of the nearby airstrips within Serengeti National Park.

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Lake Manyara National Park is a landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature: an earth’s eye to ease worries, embrace nature, and reflect on the beauty of the moon.

This experience leaves tourists enveloped in a peaceful, loving utopia, witnessing surrealism in the folding landscapes, lush vegetation that shields the park from the sun, and keeps it cool, and the variety of wildlife that calls it home.

Here, visitors observe carnivores such as tigers (powerful hunters with sharp teeth, strong jaws, and agile bodies), lions (able to see at night, spotless, and living in prides), leopards (with soft, thick belly fur and short ringed tails), and cheetahs (with flexible spines, semi-retractable claws, long legs, and tails).

Herbivores include zebras (noted for their black and white stripes and pointed ears), buffaloes (excellent swimmers with complex social structures), and elephants (with thick skin, communicating through vibrations with their trunks).

Reptiles present include snakes, turtles (noted for their slow movement), and crocodiles (adapted to life on both land and water).

Lake Manyara National Park was established in 1957 as a game reserve, though before this, it was used for sports hunting. The name “Manyara” relates to the Maasai word “emanyara,” meaning a spiky, protective enclosure around families.

Some claim that the Mbugwe people, who live near Lake Manyara, named it “Manyero,” meaning a trough.

This area was later designated a National Park covering both the Arusha and Manyara regions, lying between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley, and is protected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority.

Activities in Lake Manyara National Park

• Fishing: Many tourists enjoy fishing in Lake Manyara. Some cook their catch over campfires or fry the fish, while others are fascinated by the local fishing methods and try catching tilapia, Nile perch, silverfish, mudfish, and others.
• Lion Viewing: The National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions. Many visitors come to witness these incredible tree climbers, especially females who often rest in the trees to avoid predators and recover from exertion. Tourists enjoy taking pictures of these unique animals. Male lions generally stay hidden in tall grass, conserving energy for night hunts. Though females play a major role in the pride, males still fight for dominance, as is natural for their role as leaders. Climbing lions can also be spotted in Uganda’s Ishasha region in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where they rest in fig trees during the wet season when vegetation is abundant. This allows tourists to see areas with a large number of prey.
• Game Drives: Game drives are available in the morning or late afternoon, accommodating both early birds and latecomers. Morning drives offer sightings of animals searching for food, while afternoon drives reveal animals, like lions, waking from rest to begin their hunt. Visitors often learn to track animals, with guides teaching them to recognize footprints, such as the large impressions of elephants or the claw marks of big cats. These safaris are both educational and interactive, with visitors often arriving informed from prior research, making the experience engaging.
• Boat Rides: Sailing on the glittering Lake Manyara is a relaxing activity that tourists enjoy, as it allows them to touch the water and sometimes fish. Life jackets are required before starting boat engines for safety.

Accommodations in Lake Manyara National Park

Accommodations at Lake Manyara range from luxury to budget-friendly options, allowing visitors to go straight to their resting places upon arrival.

Luxury Accommodations:

• Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
• Kirurumu Tented Lodge
• Escarpment Luxury Lodge
• Well-Worth Lake Manyara Kirimamoja Lodge

These lodges offer luxurious amenities and can be booked online for convenience, saving guests from needing to search for accommodations. Upscale bathrooms, heated floors, soaking tubs, lush linens, deluxe pillows, and comfortable mattresses ensure a restful sleep, with rooms offering scenic views of the National Park.

Mid-Range Accommodations:

• Africa Safari Glamping
• Escarpment Luxury Lodge
• Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge
• Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

These options are ideal for tourists who may not prefer luxury lodges. They provide simple but enjoyable amenities, including bars for relaxation after an adventurous day.

Budget Accommodations:

• Eco Boma Camp
• Isoitok Camp Manyara
• Haven Nature Camp and Lodge

The budget options offer single or double rooms, along with restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Swimming pools allow families to enjoy a refreshing swim, while parking spaces and laundry services are available for convenience. Visitors who enjoy the outdoors can choose to camp in the park, with both private sites (for families or groups) and public sites (open to all who wish to camp).

Park Entry Fees

For residents, entry fees are $25 USD during the high season and $22.50 USD in the low season for adults, with children paying $7.50 USD. Citizens pay TShs 11,800 for adults and TShs 2,360 for children.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park is from June to October, during the dry season, when animals are more visible as they roam in search of pasture and water.

However, the park remains open year-round, and the wet season provides lush, green scenery.

Visitors during the dry season often wish to see a greater number of animal species, while those visiting in the wet season enjoy the vibrant vegetation.

Rest is not idleness. Lying on the green grass under trees at Lake Manyara National Park, listening to the gentle flow of water, and watching clouds drift across the sky is a refreshing experience.

Traveling and experiencing a new environment is not a waste of time; rather, it is an enriching activity that graces life.

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