Katavi and Kitulo National Parks
Katavi National Park in Western Tanzania is remote and wild, a destination for the true safari aficionado. The name of the park immortalizes a legendary hunter, Katabi, whose spirit is believed to possess a tamarind tree ringed with offerings from locals begging his blessings.
Kitulo, which has only fairly recently become a fully protected national Park, is situated on the Kitulo Plateau, which forms part of Tanzania’s southern highlands. Continue reading
Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks
Forming the northern border of Africa’s biggest game reserve, the Selous, Mikumi National Park is only three to four hours drive from Dar es Salaam, lying astride the main highway to Zambia, and en route to the National Parks of Ruaha and Udzungwa Mountains.
Ruaha National Park derives its name from the Ruaha River, which flows along its south eastern border. The river provides permanent water in the park and, during the dry season, animal concentration along its banks is spectacular. Continue reading
Saadani and Selous Game Reserves
Located only 130 km north of Dar es Salaam and directly to the west of Zanzibar, Saadani is the only coastal wildlife sanctuary in East Africa, which not only means relaxing on Indian Ocean beaches after each safari, but provides the opportunity to observe Africa’s big game and birdlife interacting with the sea.
The Selous Game Reserve, with an area of about 55,000 sq. km, is the largest well-watered wildlife sanctuary in Africa, and one of the largest protected areas in the world. Its size is simply stunning, bigger than Switzerland, uninhabited and little touched by human interference.Continue reading
Udzungwa Mountain National Park
Harbouring one of East Africa’s great forests, Udzungwa Mountain National Park has an area of 1900 sq km, bordered by the Great Ruaha River to the north, with Mikumi National Park and Selous Game Reserve located further to the north and east. Protected as a national forest reserve until 1992 when it was commissioned as National Park, Udzungwa Mountains is undoubtedly one of the few true virgin and unique forested lands remaining in the world. Continue reding