Mount Meru

Mount Meru

Mount Meru

Are you thinking to go on climb at Mount Meru?

Talk to our experts about the perfect planning for your holiday.

  • About Mount Meru
  • Interesting facts about Mount Meru
  • Best Time to Visit Mount Meru
  • Getting to Mount Meru
  • Things to see in Mount Meru
  • Where to Stay in Mount Meru

Standing at 4,566 metres high, Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second highest mountain and the fifth highest mountain in Africa. This active volcano erupted only 100 years ago and is located 70km west of Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania in the centre of the Arusha National Park. The fertile slopes rise above the surrounding savannah and support a forest that hosts diverse wildlife, including nearly 400 species of birds and also Colobus monkeys, buffalo and leopards.

With superb views all round, the mountain offers an immense variety of flora and fauna which adds considerable interest to the trek. The ascend is quiet steep, the route to the summit passes over streams, through parkland, montane forest and moorland.

A guide/ranger is mandatory on every trek because of the significant numbers of buffalo commonly encountered. There is one official route up to the summit and huts along the way offer simple, comfortable beds. Acclimatization is important and while you won’t need oxygen, spending at least 4 days on this trek is highly recommended. The best time to trek is June – October and December – February.

The climb of Meru is very much justified on its own merits but is also a great way to acclimatise for Mount Kilimanjaro. The views from Meru to Kilimanjaro, and of the Meru crater itself, give plenty of inspiration for another mountain climb!

If you liked Mount Meru – Tanzania, you might also like Family Safari.

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  • 4564 meters in height. Second tallest mountain in Tanzania!
  • Fewer people have been at the top of Mt. Meru than on Mt. Everest.
  • Very rewarding ascend at SUNRISE
  • Different vegetation zones over several days
  • Socialist Peak (Meru’s main peak)
  • Little Meru (Meru’s second highest peak at 3800m)
  • You can climb Meru by yourself or in a small team (not possible on Kilimanjaro)

Mount Meru can be climbed all year around. For the highest chance of succes, it’s best to take on the mountain during the dry season. The dry season is from June to the beginning of March. This runs from June to early March. For the best weather conditions and incredible views of the snow-covered peak of Mt Kilimanjaro, also known as ‘the Roof of Africa’, we recommend climbing the mountain from late December to February.

If you’re considering a Mount Meru trekking tour during November till halfway December, you should expect occasional rains. This is called the ‘light rain season’.

April and May are the so-called ‘heavy rainy season’ in Tanzania. Try to avoid climbing in these months. If it rains too much during the climb, it might be cancelled if the guide finds it too dangerous. This does not happen often, but it is definitely something to keep in mind if you plan to reach the summit.

International travellers can get to Arusha by flying to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is around 45 minutes away from city.

Arusha has a small airport, but this is only used by domestic planes, especially those linking to safari or beach destinations. Some travellers choose to stay in Moshi, a town on the border with Kenya.

Moshi is a 45-minute drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport, and it is quieter and easier to navigate than Arusha. Most trekkers decide to stay for a night either side of their trek.

Mount Meru’s slopes are home to an impressive range of wildlife.

You will pass through several climate zones during your ascent, including grasslands, tropical rainforest, moorlands, desert, and ice and snow at the top.

400 species of bird, buffalos, antelopes, white colobus monkeys, and leopards could all cross your path on your trek.

Mount Meru treks combine a conventional trek with a walking safari through a diverse variety of ecosystems.

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Rubondo Island National Park

Rubondo Island National Park

Are you thinking to go on safari in Rubondo Island?

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  • About Rubondo
  • Best Time to Visit Rubondo
  • Getting to Rubondo
  • Things to see in Rubondo
  • Things to do in Rubondo
  • Where to Stay in Rubondo

Rubondo Island National Park has a size of 240 km². It is only one of two Tanzanian national parks located on an island in Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest lake. It is located in the southwest corner of the lake. Rubondo became a game reserve in 1965, to provide a sanctuary for animals. Tanzania gazetted Rubondo in 1977 as a national park. It is uninhabited and consequently 90% of the island remains forest today. With nine smaller islands under its wing, Rubondo also protects precious fish breeding grounds.

Best Time to Visit Rubondo

Best time: from June to October ( dry season). The best time to visit is during the cooler, As a tropical island, it may rain on Rubondo on any given day.

By flight

With its own airstrip, Rubondo can be accessed via Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha and the Serengeti. Travellers can also fly directly from Kigali to easily combine this wild island escape with an epic gorilla encounter in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

By boat

Rubondo Island can be reached by park boat from two different locations. One option is the boat from Kasenda, a small village near Muganza in Chato District. The other option is the boat from Nkome in Geita District.

  • A variety of water birds , Eurasian migrants and introduced African grey parrots
  • High density of African fish eagles distinctly seen
  • Animal species including Sitatunga, Elephants, Giraffes, Hippos, Bushbucks, Pythons, Crocodiles, Chimpanzees (not fully habituated), Bush pigs and Suni
  • The Lake Victoria forming a spectacular sight for visitors with the deepest point in the lake (Irumo) forming part of the park
  • Magnificent view of one of the last remaining representatives of evergreen dense primary lowland Congolese forest with a unique habitat mosaic in the midst of high biodiversity value
  • Beautiful and attracting beaches such as Fly catcher, Mchangani and Michicoco
  • Important gulfs of Irumo and Kamea
  • Clear sighting of both sunrise and sunset
  • Cultural sites such as “Ntungamirwe”, “Maji Matakatifu”, “Altare” and “Solo” which explain the life of natives who once stayed in the park
  • “Birds Islands”, breeding sit for water birds
  • Crocodile Island
  • Game drive
  • Fishing
  • Bird watching
  • Boating and canoeing safari
  • Chimpanzee trek

Rubondo island camp, Queen Doro lodge, Rembo guest house.

If you liked Rubondo Island National Park, you might also like Zanzibar Island.

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Nyerere National Park

Nyerere National Park

Are you thinking to go on safari in Nyerere?

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  • About Nyerere
  • Interesting facts about Nyerere
  • Best Time to Visit Nyerere
  • Getting to Nyerere
  • Things to see in Nyerere
  • Things to do in Nyerere
  • Where to Stay in Nyerere
  • Weather & Climate

Now the Largest National Park in Africa, Nyerere National Park is a newly established Park which is part of what is known as Selous Game Reserve.

About Nyerere National Park

The name of the Park is given in honor of the founder of the Nation, the Late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere.

The Park has been established in the year 2019 and covers an area of over 30,000 square kilometers.

With its largest wilderness area in Africa, Nyerere National park has relatively undisturbed ecological and biological processes, including a diverse range of wildlife with significant predator and prey relationship.

The might Rufiji with its renown population of hippo and Rhino flows to the Indian ocean. The river has been designated as a photographic zone and is a popular tourist destination.

The sheer volume of games in the Nyerere is just outstanding !

Elephant, buffalo and lion are found in greater numbers and the park, together with the remaining part of Selous has the last true stronghold for African wild dog

Visitors to this vast park will be able to enjoy the widest diversity of safari activities in the country, like boating safaris as well as standard game drives, walking safaris and legendary fly camping trips.

Famous for: 

Wildlife: lions, wildebeests, giraffes, zebras, hippopotamuses, rhinos, antelopes, hyenas, African wolves, and a large number of crocodiles in the Rufiji River. Most notably the park is also known for its prolific population of African Wild Dogs.

  • Nyerere National Park is spread over 30,893 square kilometers of land area, making it the largest National Park in Africa.
  • The Park is located in south eastern Tanzania, and was carved out of the Selous Game Reserve. Prior to creating of the Nyerere N.P, Selous Game Reserve measured approximately 54,600 square kilometers, which at the time made it the 11th largest National Park in the world.
  • The nearest large city to Nyerere National Park is Dar es Salaam, the capital city of Tanzania. Dar es Salaam is about 230 kilometers from the main access gate to Nyerere N.P.

Best Time: June to October

High Season: June to October (The tourist area around the Rufiji River gets crowded)

Low Season: March, April and May (Many lodges are closed)

Getting to National Park

Most safaris to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous GR) are fly-in packages from Dar es Salaam.

By plane

Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) just outside Dar es Salaam is the main international airport and entry to the country. In most cases, your tour operator will pick you up and handle all further arrangements.

Nyerere NP is often visited as a safari extension to a beach holiday on Zanzibar Island, or one of the beaches around Dar es Salaam. To accommodate this, there are daily scheduled flights from either departure point to both Nyerere and Ruaha. Flights from Arusha town, the base for the northern safari circuit, are also available.

As a Road Safari

Another option is to drive to Nyerere NP from Dar es Salaam on a road safari, but the trip is bumpy and uncomfortable and will take a full day. Time permitting, there is the option of a stopover at Mikumi National Park to break up the trip.

  • The Rufiji River, Myriad oxbows, delta and Lakes
  • Large population of african wild dogs
  • Highest concentration of hippos and crocodiles.
  • Continent largest population of elephants
  • Rare species of antelopes
  • Diverse birdlife
  • Game drive
  • Boating
  • Walking safari and fly camping,
  • Village visit
  • Mid range accommodation: Sable mountain lodge, Beho Beho camp, Rufiji River Camp
  • Luxury hotels: Luxurious Selous Serena camp, Selous river camp
  • Best Weather: June to October (Little to no rainfall)
  • Worst Weather: March and April (Peak of Wet season)

If you liked Nyerere National Park, you might also like Mahale Mountains National Park.

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Mahale Mountains National Park

Mahale Mountains National Park

Are you thinking to go on safari in Mahale Mountains?

Talk to our experts about the perfect planning for your holiday.

  • About Mahale
  • Interesting facts about Mahale
  • Best Time to Visit Mahale
  • Getting to Mahale
  • Things to see in Mahale
  • Things to do in Mahale
  • Where to Stay in Mahale
  • Weather & Climate

Welcome to the magnificent Mahale Mountains National Park!

Mahale is located in the Western Tanzania to the South of Kigoma town, it is bordering Lake Tanganyika-the World’s longest, second deepest and least polluted freshwater lake-harbouring an estimated 1000 fish species.

Famous for: 

Its fantastic sunsets over Lake Tanganyika, which makes it an essential stop for keen photographers and safari enthusiasts.

Interesting Facts About Mahale Mountains National Park

  • Foot-walking National Park
  • Research-and conservation-oriented park
  • Conservation of indigenous fish of Lake Tanganyika: No commercial fishing is permitted within 1.5km from the shore line
  • Mixture of western and eastern Africa fauna and flora
  • Unique combination of forests, mountains and the lake

Bird life, Insect life & Mammals

  • Abundant bird life
  • Abundant insect life with over 30 species of Charaxes butterflies
  • Abundant primate life: at least 9 species of non-human primates including a  habituated group of chimpanzees
  • Intact fauna of mammal predators including leopards, lions and hunting dogs

Best Time to Visit

  • Best Time: July to October (Chimp trekking is easy)
  • High Season: July to October (Mahale is never crowded)
  • Low Season: April and May (Most lodges are closed)

Getting to Mahale

Mahale is not the easiest or cheapest place to get to. Depending on your itinerary, your entry point to the country will be either Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Arusha town, or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam. In most cases, your tour operator will pick you up from the airport and make ongoing arrangements.

Getting to Katavi

The best way to get to Katavi is by a flight from Arusha. The only public, scheduled flight is the twice-weekly service between Ruaha, Katavi and Mahale operated by Safari Air Link.

  • The Chimpanzees
  • Chain of Mountains (Mahale range)
  • Forest fauna and flora (Angola colobus, red colobus, red-tailed and blue monkeys, forest birds, alpine bamboo, montane rain forest etc).
  • Beach along Lake Tanganyika
  • Local fishermen
  • Sun set on the Lake horizon
  • Chimp tracking (allow two days)
  • Hiking to the Park’s highest point “Nkungwe” (8,069ft) held sacred by the local Tongwe people.
  • Boating and canoeing
  • Diving and Snorkeling
  • Sports fishing and many more water sports activities
  • Mid range accommodation: Greystoke mahale camp, Tarn hut resort, Nkungwe tented camp
  • Luxury accommodations: Mbali Mbali Mahale lodge
  • Best Weather: May to October (Almost no rainfall)
  • Worst Weather: November to April

If you liked Mahale Mountains National Park, you might also like Nyerere National Park.

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Ibanda Kyerwa National Park

Ibanda Kyerwa National Park

Are you thinking to go on safari in Ibanda Kyerwa?

Talk to our experts about the perfect planning for your holiday.

  • About Ibanda Kyerwa
  • Interesting facts about Ibanda Kyerwa
  • Best Time to Visit Ibanda Kyerwa
  • Getting to Ibanda Kyerwa
  • Things to see in Ibanda Kyerwa
  • Things to do in Ibanda Kyerwa
  • Where to Stay in Ibanda Kyerwa
  • Weather & Climate

The Ibanda Kyerwa Park is a new park in 2019, founded in the Kagera region in Tanzania. This is the park where the three countries of Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda borders’ meet and is an important destination to add on your Tanzania Safari Tours.

The park is rich in wildlife attractions and sunrise and sunset are easily seen. KageraRiver is the main source of water for this park and nourishes its rich resources. The Tanzanian government has done a brilliant job in developing this spectacular park that was once a game reserve into a national park. Now Ibanda Kyerwa Park Safari that would soon rival all the other Parks and safaris in Tanzania and the world.

Famous for: 

In Ibanda Kyerwa Park, one can find a variety of attractions – ranging from savannah, lakes, rivers and swamps inhabited with different kinds of wildlife. This magnificent Park is endowed with various wild animals such as African Buffalo, Hippos, Leopards, Antelopes like reed buck and roan and birds.

  • Particularly fascinating is that Ibanda Kyerwa National Park is an exceptionally gifted place with a variety of attractions. Ranging from savannah, lakes, rivers to swamps that are inhabited with different kinds of wildlife.
  • Unquestionably the park is home to the various wild animals such as African Buffalo, Hippos, Leopards, Antelopes like reed buck and roan and birds.
  • Shooting and Hunting safaris are the most common activities in this area and for the adventure explorers this is a best place for you.
  • Best Time: From June to September (when the area is dry.)

By Road

From Bukoba to Murongo (220 km). From Chato to Murongo (327 km). From Murongo to the Park (3 ½ km). From the airstrip at Ibanda to Murongo (110 km).

By Air

There are airports at Chato and Bukoba from which light aircraft can fly to Ithanda Village or an airstrip within the Park.

  • Wild animals
  • Kagera river
  • Game drive
  • Walking safari
  • Bird watching
  • Hunting safari
  • Picnicking
  • Camping
  • Karenge bush camp, Ntende hotel,  Al -tawakal hotel
  • Best weather: From October to November
  • Wet season: From March to May

If you liked Ibanda Kyerwa National Park, you might also like Gombe Stream National Park.

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Gombe Stream National Park

Gombe Stream National Park

Are you thinking to go on safari in Gombe Stream?

Talk to our experts about the perfect planning for your holiday.

  • About Gombe
  • Interesting facts about Gombe
  • Best Time to Visit Gombe
  • Getting to Gombe
  • Things to see in Gombe
  • Things to do in Gombe
  • Where to Stay in Gombe
  • Weather & Climate

Welcome to Gombe Stream National Park!

About Gombe Stream National Park

Gombe Stream National Park is located in the westernmost region of Tanzania along the shores of Lake Tanganyika.  The national park encompasses an area of 14 square miles (35sq km) making it the smallest national park in Tanzania as well as most of Africa.

The park consists of grasslands, woodlands, steep valleys, and tropical rainforest.   The diversity is surprising for such a small region.  The area where the monkeys and primates are found is dense jungle, which some may describe as a true Tarzan-like setting.

Famous for:

The location where Jane Goodall pioneered her behavioural research conducted on the chimpanzee populations.

Interesting Facts

  • Gombe Stream is one of the best places in Africa to track chimpanzees.
  • First researched in the 60’s by Jane Goodall, the primates are remarkably habituated. The project now ranks as the world’s longest running study of any wild animal population.
  • The experience is one that you are unlikely to forget.
  • Best Time:  July to October
  • High Season:  July to October (Gombe never gets crowded)

Getting to Gombe

The only way to get to Gombe is by boat from Kigoma town. Depending on your itinerary, you might book your international flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Arusha town or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam.

In most cases, your tour operator will pick you up from the airport or, if not, you can take a taxi. Your tour operator will also book your ongoing domestic flight to Kigoma Airport (TKQ) and will charter a private motorboat to Gombe. The boat trip takes less than an hour.

It is also possible to take a public motor boat or ‘lake taxi’ from Kigoma to the park. This trip takes about four hours.

  • Chimpanzees
  • Varied primates
  • The natural history of Jane Goodall
  • Kakombe and mkenke waterfall
  • Lake Tanganyika
  • Birds life
  • Mountain climbing
  • Birdwatching
  • Walking safari
  • Chimpanzee trekking
  • Boat  cruise
  • Butterfly gazing
  • Kayaking
  • Sport fishing
  • Snorkeling and diving
  • Filming
  • Mid  range accommodation: Kesekela Rest house, Mitumba Rest house
  • Luxury hotels: Kasekela Luxury Campsite, Gombe Forest lodge
  • Best Weather: June to October  (Little to no rainfall)
  • Worst Weather: November to April  (Wet season)

If you liked Gombe Stream National Park, you might also like Ibanda Kyerwa National Park.

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Katavi National Park

Katavi National Park

Are you thinking to go on safari in Katavi?

Talk to our experts about the perfect planning for your holiday.

  • About Katavi
  • Interesting facts about Katavi
  • Best Time to Visit Katavi
  • Getting to Katavi
  • Things to see in Katavi
  • Things to do in Katavi
  • Where to Stay in Katavi

Welcome to Katavi National Park in Tanzania! Because it’s not crowded the animals are acting natural, so this is your perfect destination!

About Katavi National Park

  • The park is not well known and because of that it has its charme.
  • One can find almost all species.
  • It’s a cheap alternative for the Northern National Parks.

Interesting Facts

  • Rare Antelope species, like sable and roan
  • Katavi boasts of massive herds of buffaloes
  • It has the highest hippo and crocodile populace in Tanzania
  • Best time: from June to October ( dry season) – best wildlife sightings and more
  • Wet season: from November to April ( best time for bird watching)

Getting to Katavi

By Plane

The easiest way to get to Katavi National Park is via one of two scheduled flights that run weekly from the town of Arusha or the capital city of Dar es Salaam. This flight can take anywhere between 4-5 hours and is operated by Safari Air Link.

From Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), Arusha is a 46 kilometres (29 miles) drive. Usually, a driver will be waiting for you, as a part of your safari package.

By Road

The only option to travel to Katavi National Park via vehicle involves an incredibly arduous three day 4×4 mission, which can be especially daunting in the wet season as many roads become inaccessible.

Combine it with Mahale Mountains National Park

The scheduled flights to Katavi National Park are quite costly (anywhere from US$350 each way), so travellers usually combine this with a trip to the Mahale Mountains National Park – one of the best places in the world to encounter chimpanzees.

With their ‘way out West’ locations in Tanzania, getting to both parks is part of the challenge and makes reaching the destination all the more satisfying.

  • Wildlife, eg: elephant, leopard, giraffe, lion, zebra and the largest herds of Cape buffalo
  • Birds, eg: African fish eagle, African openbill, Lilac-breasted roller, Pink-backed pelican,Yellow-billed stork,
  • Historical sites
  • Game  drave
  • Walking safari
  • Birdwatching
  • Visit historical sites eg: stone and iron age
  • Fly camping

Mid ranges accommodation: Chada camp, Mbali Mbali Katavi lodge, Katavi wildlife camp

Luxury accommodation: Palahala luxury camp

If you liked Katavi National Park, you might also like Mkomazi National Park.

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Mkomazi National Park

Mkomazi National Park

Are you thinking to go on safari in Mkomazi?

Talk to our experts about the perfect planning for your holiday.

  • About Mkomazi
  • Interesting facts about Mkomazi
  • Best Time to Visit Mkomazi
  • Getting to Mkomazi
  • Things to see in Mkomazi
  • Things to do in Mkomazi
  • Where to Stay in Mkomazi
  • Weather & Climate

Today Mkomazi National Park is easily accessible and is a truly spectacular wilderness! In the northwest, you can see Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. And in the south the Pare and Usambara mountains create a dramatic backdrop. To the north, Kenya’s Tsavo National Park borders the Mkomazi National Park. These two parks form one of the largest and most important protected ecosystems. They provide a common base for herds of elephants, oryx and zebras. Mkomazi is located on the southern tip of the Sahel. It has a classic arid area with gray-green nyika bush, old baobab trees, and isolated rocky hills. In other places the scrub seas give way to savannah forests with umbrella acacias and mbugas – flat grassland valleys.

Famous for:

The Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary has attained international renown for rehabilitating rhino, and it offers viewing and educational opportunities for visitors. Mkomazi is a fascinating destination for bird watchers, boasting more than 450 avian species including some Eurasian migratory species.

  • The park is not well known and because of that it has its charme. It’s not crowdy and the animals are acting natural.
  • Almost all species can be found.
  • Mkomazi is vital refuge for two highly endangered species, the charismatic black rhino and sociable African wild dog
  • It’s a cheap alternative for the northern national parks
  • Best time: From June to October ( dry season).
  • High Season: Tourists visit Mkomazi National Park all through the year
  • Low Season: From March to May

The best way to get to Mkomazi is by road from the town of Moshi or Arusha.

Most people fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is situated halfway between Arusha and Moshi and about 30km/19mi from Moshi. It is also possible to fly into Dar es Salaam and fly onto Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). In most cases, your tour operator will pick you up from the airport.

  • Wildlife; common animals are :  oryx, zebras, giraffes, lion,leopard,cheetah, antelope, kudu impalas and gazelles,  buffalos, etc
  • Birds; Hornbills, weaver birds, guinea eagles, purple eurasian hoopoe, kori bustards, ostriches,etc
  • Exotic  vegetation
  • Game viewing
  • Birdwatching
  • Walking Safaris
  • Mountain biking
  • Hiking ( uphill)

Mid Range accommodation: Babu’s camp, Pangani river camp

Luxury hotels: Mambo viewpoint

  • Best Weather: From June to October
  • Worst Weather: Between March and April

If you liked Mkomazi National Park, you might also like Katavi National Park.

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Kitulo National Park

Kitulo National Park

Are you thinking to go on safari in Kitulo?

Talk to our experts about the perfect planning for your holiday.

  • About Kitulo
  • Interesting facts about Kitulo
  • Best Time to Visit Kitulo
  • Getting to Kitulo
  • Things to see in Kitulo
  • Things to do in Kitulo
  • Where to Stay in Kitulo
  • Weather & Climate

Welcome to Kitulo National Park in Tanzania!

About Kitulo National Park

Kitulo National Park is located in the southern part of Tanzania.  The alpine grasslands and montane forest that make up the park area are part of the Njombe and Mbeya regions.  It has affectionately been given the name, “Serengeti of Flowers,” with locals calling it the Garden of God.

The park is located at an altitude of 8,500 feet (2,600 m) and between the Kipengere, Livingstone and Poroto mountains.  The national park extends 159 square miles (412.9 sq km).

The Kitulo National Park was declared one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Tanzania on April 4, 2014.  Visitors and potential travelers should learn more about what makes the Kitulo National Park one of the Seven Wonders of Tanzania.

Famous for:

It’s floral species, it is said to contain over 30 species , botanists have always referred to this park as “ Serengeti of flowers.

Interesting Facts

The Magnificent Flora – “The Serengeti of Flowers”

  • Statistically speaking, Kitulo National Park is the first protected area in Africa to be declared a national park because of the flora.  It features 45 different species of terrestrial orchids along with over 350 species of vascular plant life.
  • Aesthetically speaking, Kitulo National Park earns the name, Serengeti of Flowers, during the months of November through April when the rainy season delivers a magnitude of spectacular wildflowers.  It is the most significant, as well as the largest, montane grasslands throughout Tanzania and most of Africa.  Kitulo gladly showcases over 30 species of endemic flowers of Tanzania.
  • The flora loving traveler will find Kitulo to be a haven for beautiful flowers.  Giat lobelias, aster daisies, proteas, geraniums, and the spectacular yellow-orange red-hot pokers.

Rare & Endemic Wildlife

  • The park also includes rare and endemic wildlife well such as the following:
  1. Endemic butterflies
  2. Endemic chameleons
  3. Endemic lizards
  4. Rare and endangered blue swallow
  5. Rare mountain marsh widow

Migrating Storks

  • It is only in Kitulo NP where migrating Storks rest while flying from Cape Town in South Africa to Northern Europe.

The Best Time For Kitulo

The visitors should plan to visit Kitulo during the months of December through April.  This is the rainy season for most of Tanzania, but it is the best time to visit Kitulo National Park for experiencing the abundance and array of flora.  This is also the best time to experience many of the birds that call Kitulo home or migrate there during the season.  The flowers peak during these months and create the most dramatic and colorful scenes.

The months from September through November are sunnier providing better weather.  Visitors will find the temperature and overall weather more comfortable, but will be disappointed in the display of limited flowers.

How to Get There

By flight

The park can be accessed from Mbeya town, 68 miles away via Chimala road and 55 miles from Songwe Airport. The park can only be reached by road.

Songwe airport is an airport in the southern highlands region of Tanzania serving the city of Mbeya and the nearby regions and domestic flights are provided by Air Tanzania, Precision air, Fast jet and Tropical air.

By car

Mbeya city to Kitulo is a distance of 43 miles and 2 hours driving time by car.

Things to See in Kitulo

  • Animals, such as chimpanzees, zebras, chameleons, lizards, kipunji monkeys, frogs, spiders as well as the Kipunji, Rungwe dwarf galago and Abbott’s duiker.
  • Lake nyasa
  • Kaporogwe falls
  • Uporoto, kiperenge and livingstone  ranges
  • Mpanga kiperenge game reserve,
  • Matema beach town
  • Lake ngosi, a thrilling crater lake in southern of tanzania.
  • Kitulo plateau nati
  • Nhumbe waterfalls

Things to Do

  • Game drive
  • Bird watching

Hiking & Climbing

  • Hiking,  Tourists can engage in hiking the montane grasslands that will expose you to various flower species, butterflies, chameleons, lizards, animals like elands and waterbucks. The whole montane grasslands provide an arena of a glorious view from the top; it’s also a unique place for the photogenic lovers to take as many photos as they want.
  • Mountain climbing, day hike on top of mouth rungwe and see primates like monkeys, kipunji monkey with a long  hong bark called Columbus monkeys, animals like Reed bucks and elands may also be seen at the mountain slopes. The mountain tops give more excellent views of the Kitulo national park.
  • Guided nature walks, to the livingstone forested area and come to lake nyasa shorelines.
  • Swimming

There are no accommodations inside the park, so you will need to plan to stay in nearby Mbeya, which offers a variety of guesthouses and luxury accommodations.

Mid range accommodation: Lena blumen lodge, Onesmo Sanga hotel, Zakayo lodge, Utengule coffee lodge

Luxury hotels: Mbeya hotel, Hotel Desderia, Banaki hotel, Mount Livingstone hotel, Royal Tughimbe hotel, The game inn hotel

Best weather from: May to October ( It’s the best time to visitKkitulo national park to experiencing the abundance and array of flora).

Worst weather: June to August.

If you liked Kitulo National Park, you might also like Saanane National Park.

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Saanane National Park

Saanane National Park

Are you thinking to go on safari in Saanane?

Talk to our experts about the perfect planning for your holiday.

  • About Saanane
  • Interesting facts about Saanane
  • Best Time to Visit Saanane
  • Getting to Saanane
  • Things to see in Saanane
  • Things to do in Saanane
  • Where to Stay in Saanane
  • Weather & Climate

Welcome to Saanane National Park in Tanzania! It is the smallest National Park in both – Tanzania and East Africa.

About Saanane National Park

Saanane Island is a fully fledged National Park since July, 2013, covering an area of 2.18 sq km comprises of three islets and aquatic environment. The islets lie on the southern part of the main Island.

The park made a record of being the first ever National Park to be located within the City and the smallest National Park in both Tanzania and East Africa. The Park is the home of mammals like Impala, Rock Hyrax, Velvet Monkeys and Wild Cats. The presence of “De-brazza’s Monkey” underscores its potential as the only Park in the country inhabiting the species.  Reptiles are also dominant; they include crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Agama Lizards, Pancake and Leopard Tortoises, Snakes particularly Python.

The aquatic part of the Park inhabits a variety of fisheries life, mainly Tilapia and Nile Perch.

Famous for:

Wildlife viewing lovers, it is an excellent place for game viewing, sightseeing and bird watching. As mentioned previously, it contains a number of mammals including Rock Hyrax, and Wild Cats.

Interesting Facts

  • The park made a record of being the first ever National Park to be located within the City and the smallest National Park in both Tanzania and East Africa.
  • The Park is the home of mammals like Impala, Rock Hyrax, Velvet Monkeys and Wild Cats.

Best Time to Visit Saanane

June to August during the dry season is the best time to visit Saanane Island National Park. This season is great for game drives, picnics as well as rock hiking.

Getting There

One can travel by road or air from either Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro International Air Ports to Mwanza.  Also can travel by road or railway to Mwanza City from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Kigoma and Tabora. to mention a few. Moreover, people can travel by ship/vessel to Mwanza Port from Uganda, Kenya, Bukoba and nearby Islands.

The Island is accessed by a regular short boat ride for about 5 minutes from Park Offices, on the mainland. Park Offices are easily accessed about 15 minutes short walk from the City Centre.

  • Wildlife such as : zebra, impala, rock hyrax, velvet monkey and wild cat. It’s the only place in Tanzania where you might encounter the De-brazza’s monkey.
  • Bismarck rock
  • Samaki round about mwanza city center
  • Kamanga ferry terminal

Saanane Island is an ideal place for :

  • Game viewing
  • Bird watching
  • Rock hiking
  • Boat cruise
  • Walking
  • Picnics,
  • Bush lunch,
  • Photographing/filming,
  • Meditation and sport fishing.
  • Special occasions like wedding, engagement, team building, family day and birthdays can also be organized.
  • Mid Range hotels: Hotel tilapia,
  • Luxury accommodations: Wag hill lodge & Spa, malaika beach resort, Ryans bay hotel, Belmont fairmount hotel, The Lahe hotel, Gold crest hotel, Isamilo lodge and Spa

Coldest month

The coldest month is July, with an average high-temperature of 26°C and an average low-temperature of 18°C.

Warmest month

The warmest month is October, with an average maximum temperature of 27°C.

If you liked Saanane National Park, you might also like Kitulo National Park.

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