Saadani: Is Tanzania’s only protected coastal wildlife preserve was gazetted in 1964. covers an area of some 250 sq km from the Wami river in the south to the Mligaji river in the north, with the Moshi railway line as the western boundary. Saadani is located in what is historically a very important coastal strip emerging as an important trading post, appearing on maps from the early 19th century. The village also contains a ruined fort, built by Arab slavers in the last century. This fort later became a German Boma (administrative centre) after 1888. There is a further ruin in the village of a mosque built in the mid19th century. In 2002 Saadani was gazetted to become Tanzania’s 13th National Park and it is hoped that the upgrade to National Park status will bring improved infrastructure, access and anti-poaching activities, as well as the reintroduction of various animal species.
Selous: Selous Game Reserve covering about 50,000sq km,, less than an hour by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam. Remote and wild, Selous offers a variety of exclusive and professionally run safari options; by foot, boat or vehicle. The Selous Game Reserve is Africa’s biggest protected wildlife area that extends 150km into Mozambique. This is the highlight of Tanzania’s southern safari circuit. The Rufiji River flows through the reserve attracting great herds of Tanzania’s great elephant population and allows visitors to experience the reserve by boat. It is said that this reserve hosts Africa’s biggest elephant and wild dog populations, attracted to the tranquillity of the park and the water supplied by the rivers and lakes. July to October could be pin-pointed as the best time of year to visit the Selous, as it is a classic dry season destination. The wildlife congregate at the water sources and put on a great game-viewing performance.
Mikumi: First gazetted in 1964 with additions made to the north and south in 1975, Mikumi National Park has risen through the ranks to be the 4th largest National Park in Tanzania with an area of 3230 sq km. Combined with Selous Game Reserve which borders it to the southwest, this greater ecosystem is the size of Denmark. The park is surrounded by an arc of mountains and protected land, with the Uluguru Mountains to the east, the Mbesera, Madzini and Mazunyungu hills to the north and west. Perhaps due to the shadow cast by these mountainous areas, Mikumi is renowned as having the most fabulous light and colour, making it a favourite with wildlife and safari photographers, both professional and amateur. The landscape is divided into two by a road and it seems that the partition separates 2 distinct environments. The north west of the park is characterised by alluvial plains, baobabs, acacias, and palms, while the south east of the park is less accessible and not as popular with wildlife.
Ruaha National Park: Is the second largest national park in Tanzania, after the Serengeti. It is a remote bastion of spectacular wilderness, undisturbed wildlife, and breath-taking scenery and also combines well with the Selous Game Reserve. A major attraction here is the fact that it is one of the least visited parks offering a personal and private safari experience. Ruaha offers one of the largest populations of elephant in any African park, and the vast open areas are teeming with antelope and buffalo followed by the predators especially lion and potentially leopard, as well as African hunting dog and numerous giraffe and zebra. Historically, Ruaha was not a sought after destination for tourists due to the arid environment and the tsetse fly population; however, nowadays, the tsetse flies are under control and wildlife abounds. The best part is that it is still an uncrowded and undiscovered reserve.
