What is the biggest national park in Tanzania? : Tanzania has a number of national parks and game reserves which are found in different parts of the country.
National parks in Tanzania are found in the south, west, east and north. The northern part of Tanzania is the most visited part of the country with famous safari destinations with numerous wildlife species.
National parks found in the northern part of Tanzania include Serengeti national park, Lake Manyara national park, Tarangire national park, Kilimanjaro national park and also Arusha national park.
Other national parks of Tanzania include Katavi national park, Mahale national park, Kitulo national park, Saanane national park, Burigi- Chato national park, Rubondo national park, Ruaha national park, Gombe national park, Kigosi national park, Saadani national park, Mikumi national park, Udzungwa mountains national park, Nyerere national park among others. Each of the national parks in Tanzania has unique attractions and offer amazing safaris to tourists visiting Tanzania throughout the year.
A big part of Tanzania is covered by national parks and reserves and Tanzania is also the biggest country in Eastern Africa. The country also has beautiful beaches and is neighboured by the Indian ocean and also has Lake Victoria, the highest mountain in Africa which is Mount Kilimanjaro can also be seen during a safari in the northern part of Tanzania.
The top 3 big national parks of Tanzania include the following;
- Nyerere national park
The biggest national park in Tanzania is Nyerere national park which covers about 30,000 square kilometres. The national park is found in the southern part of Tanzania and is also a famous safari destination in the country.
Nyerere national park was formerly known as Selous game reserve which is the largest game reserve in Africa. Large populations of wildlife species can be seen during safaris in this national park such as over 4000 lions and also elephants, buffalos, impalas, zebras, gazelles, cheetahs, giraffes, rhinos, elands, hyenas, hippos among others.
The activities which you can engage in during a safari around Nyerere national park include boat rides along River Rufiji which is a major source of water for wildlife in the national park. During the boat ride on the river, you can enjoy seeing many hippos and crocodiles.
Another exciting activity to take part in during a safari in Nyerere national park is walking safaris which take place off the roads followed during wildlife viewing around the national park. Exploring the wilderness of the national park on foot is an experience to look forward to since the national park is remote and not as crowded as other parks in the northern part of Tanzania.
Game drives are also done during safaris in Nyerere national park and this activity can be done in the morning or evening hours. The best time for wildlife viewing in Nyerere national park is the dry season around June to October when wildlife species can be seen around the water sources in the national park. Other months like March to May are the rainy season and are more favourable for bird watching and photography due to the green vegetation in the park.
- Ruaha national park
Ruaha national park is also a large national park in Tanzania covering about 20,000 square kilometres.
This national park is also found in the southern part of Tanzania and also has numerous wildlife species. Ruaha national park is also a remote safari destination and is easier to access by flight during safaris in Tanzania. These flights can be got from Dar es Salaam.
When exploring Ruaha national park during a safari, you can enjoy views of the scenery which consists of vast plains, woodland and also the Ruaha river. Wildlife species gather around the river to drink especially during the dry season.
Wildlife species which can be seen around Ruaha national park during safaris in Tanzania include elephants, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, jackals, lions, gazelles, giraffes, buffalos, waterbucks, hartebeests, antelopes and many others.
Ruaha national park is said to have the largest number of elephants in Tanzania. The best time to visit Ruaha for a safari is the dry season when wildlife viewing is at its prime and wildlife species gather at water sources and the rainy season from around November to April is more favourable for bird watching since migratory bird species can also be seen during safaris.
- Serengeti national park
Serengeti national park is another big national park in Tanzania which covers about 14,750 square kilometres.
This national park is found in the northern part of Tanzania and is a popular tourist destination in Tanzania known for having numerous wildlife species. Serengeti national park is also known for the annual wildebeest migration which is among the seven wonders of Africa and also the largest movement of animals.
Over 2 million wildebeests can be seen during a safari around Serengeti national park and this migration takes place through the year including January to March which is a time for the calving season in southern Serengeti, April to May where it can be seen in the central parts of Serengeti and also around June to August which is for the river crossings along the Mara river in the northern part of Serengeti national park and the Grumeti river in the western part of Serengeti national park.
The big five can also be seen during safaris around Serengeti national park and they include elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalos. Other wildlife species found in Serengeti national park include wildebeests, hippos, giraffes, cheetahs, hippos, impalas, gazelles, kudu, hyenas, elands, dik dik, waterbucks and many others.
Activities which are done during safaris in Serengeti national park include game drives, nature walks, hot air balloon safaris and also bird watching. The best time for a safari in Serengeti national park is also the dry season from June to October which is also a time when the wildebeest migration is at its peak.
Visit Tanzania and enjoy an experience of exploring the different national parks as you search for the various wildlife species.
