Sourthern National Park

MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK Mikumi National Park, located in Tanzania, is renowned for its rich wildlife. Spanning over 3,230 square kilometers, the park is one of the largest in the country and forms part of the larger Selous ecosystem. Its diverse habitats, including grassy plains, miombo woodlands, and the Mkata River floodplain, support a wide range of wildlife. Visitors to Mikumi have the opportunity to see a variety of animals, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests, among others. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, boasting over 400 species of birds, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Mikumi National Park offers a captivating safari experience, combining stunning landscapes with abundant wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

UDZUNGWA MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering a unique and unspoiled wilderness experience in the heart of Tanzania. Known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. The park is part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, which are recognized as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. One of the highlights of Udzungwa Mountains National Park is the Udzungwa Mountains themselves, which are ancient and have been formed over 200 million years ago. The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including many species that are endemic to the area. It is particularly famous for its population of primates, including the Udzungwa red colobus monkey, which is found nowhere else in the world. The park also offers a range of hiking and trekking opportunities, with trails of varying difficulty levels leading to waterfalls, viewpoints, and through lush forests. The Sanje Waterfall is one of the most popular attractions in the park, offering a stunning backdrop for picnics and swimming.

NYERERE NATIONAL PARK Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, is located in southern Tanzania and is one of the largest protected areas in Africa, covering an area of about 30,893 square kilometers. It was named after Julius Nyerere, the first president of Tanzania and a prominent figure in the country’s history. The park is renowned for its diverse wildlife and pristine wilderness, with a variety of habitats including grasslands, woodlands, and swamps. It is home to large populations of elephants, buffaloes, and hippos, as well as predators such as lions, leopards, and crocodiles. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 440 bird species recorded in the area. One of the highlights of Nyerere National Park is the Rufiji River, which flows through the reserve and provides a lifeline for a vast array of wildlife. Boat safaris along the river offer a unique perspective and the opportunity to see animals up close as they come to drink and bathe. THINGS TO DO IN NYERERE NATIONAL PARK. Nyerere National Park is a remote and wild destination, perfect for those looking for an authentic safari experience away from the crowds. It is best visited during the dry season, from June to October, when the wildlife is more concentrated around the rivers and waterholes. Game Drives: Game drive in Nyerere National Park is a memorable experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and wildlife of Tanzania. Explore the park’s diverse habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands, on a guided game drive. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and a variety of antelope species. Boat Safaris: Take a boat safari on the Rufiji River and explore the park’s waterways, home to hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds. Boat safari in Nyerere National Park offers a peaceful and immersive way to explore this incredible wilderness area, providing a different perspective on the park’s wildlife and landscapes compared to traditional game drives. Walking Safaris: Experience the thrill of a walking safari accompanied by an armed ranger, offering a more intimate and up-close encounter with the park’s wildlife and landscapes. Walking Safari allows visitors you to appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem, such as tracks, plants, and insects, enhancing your understanding of the environment by providing a deeper connection to the natural world and a memorable adventure in one of Tanzania’s most iconic parks. Bird Watching: Nyerere National Park is a paradise for bird watchers, with over 440 bird species recorded, including numerous water birds such as African fish eagles, herons, and storks.   Fishing: Fishing in Nyerere National Park is primarily focused on catch-and-release sport fishing. The park offers a variety of fish species, including tigerfish, catfish, and various tilapia species. Tigerfish, known for their aggressive nature and impressive fighting ability, are particularly sought after by anglers. Fishing trips in the park are typically guided, with experienced guides taking visitors to the best fishing spots along the river. The guides provide instruction on fishing techniques and help ensure that fishing is done in a sustainable and responsible manner, in line with the park’s conservation goals. Cultural Visits: Explore the local villages and learn about the traditional way of life of the local tribes, such as the Maasai and the Makonde. (a): Mloka Village Tour: This tour takes you to a local village where you can interact with the residents, learn about their way of life, and participate in traditional activities such as farming, cooking, and dancing. (b): Maasai Village Visit: Although the Maasai are not indigenous to the area, some Maasai communities have settled near the park. A visit to one of these villages provides insight into Maasai culture, including their traditional dances, clothing, and way of life. Photography: Capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Nyerere National Park, which offers endless opportunities for photography enthusiasts.   Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Experience the ultimate safari adventure with a hot air balloon ride over the park, offering a unique perspective of the landscape and wildlife below.

RUAHA NATIONAL PARK Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s second largest national park, covering an area of about 20,226 square kilometers. Named after the Great Ruaha River, which flows along its southeastern border, creating a stunning landscape of rugged terrain, open plains, and rolling hills. Ruaha National Park offers a truly authentic and remote safari experience, away from the crowds, making it a fantastic destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Ruaha is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and greater kudus. The park is also home to a variety of predators, such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and African wild dogs. Birdwatchers will find Ruaha to be a paradise, with over 570 bird species recorded in the park, including several species endemic to Tanzania. The best time to visit Ruaha National Park is during the dry season, from June to October, when the wildlife congregates around the water sources, making it easier to spot them. However, the park is also beautiful during the wet season, from November to April, when the landscape is lush and green, and many animals give birth to their young. THINGS TO DO IN RUAHA NATIONAL PARK. Game Drives: Explore the park’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife on a game drive. You’ll have the chance to see elephants, lions, leopards, and a wide range of bird species. Ruaha is known for its large population of elephants, and it’s not uncommon to see herds of these majestic animals roaming the savannah. The park is also home to a healthy population of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, making for exciting wildlife encounters. Walking Safaris: Ruaha National Park’s expansive wilderness and rugged terrain make walking safaris particularly thrilling, offering a different perspective compared to traditional game drives. It’s a great way to connect with nature and experience the African bush in a more intimate and authentic way. Bird Watching: Bird watching in Ruaha National Park is a rewarding experience due to the park’s diverse birdlife. With over 570 bird species recorded, including several endemic and migratory species. Some of the birds you might encounter include the Ruaha red-billed hornbill, Dickinson’s kestrel, the endemic yellow-collared lovebird, and the purple grenadier. The park’s varied habitats, including miombo woodlands, riverine forests, and open plains, attract a wide range of bird species, making every bird watching excursion unique and exciting. Night Drives: Night game drives in Ruaha National Park offer a unique and thrilling safari experience. As the sun sets, the nocturnal wildlife of Ruaha becomes active, providing a different perspective of the park’s ecosystem. During a night game drive, you might encounter various animals not easily seen during the day, such as leopards, hyenas, genets, and bushbabies. The sounds and sights of the night add to the sense of adventure and mystery, making for an unforgettable safari experience. Flying Camping: Flying camps in Ruaha National Park are a unique way to experience the wilderness of Tanzania. These camps are temporary, mobile tented camps that can be set up in different locations within the park, offering a more exclusive and immersive safari experience. The camps are often set up in remote and scenic areas, allowing guests to get closer to nature and wildlife. Flying camps typically consist of comfortable tents with basic amenities, such as beds, linens, and en suite bathrooms. The camps are designed to be environmentally friendly, with minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystem. Meals are often served in a communal dining area or outdoors, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the stunning landscape while dining. Photography: With its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, Ruaha is a photographer’s dream. Capture the beauty of the park from different angles and times of day. Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Experience the park from a different perspective with a hot air balloon safari, offering a bird’s eye view of the landscape and wildlife below.