Game Viewing in Tanzania
A Journey Through Untamed Wilderness
Tanzania, a land of breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems, is one of the most sought-after destinations for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its vast plains, dense forests, and towering mountains provide a perfect backdrop for game viewing, offering visitors the chance to witness some of the most spectacular wildlife spectacles on Earth. From the iconic Serengeti to the hidden gems like Selous, Tanzania’s game viewing experiences are unmatched. This article explores the top destinations for game viewing in Tanzania, the various activities that allow you to get close to the wildlife, and the best times to embark on this adventure.
Top Destinations for Game Viewing in Tanzania
Serengeti National Park
Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, embark on a treacherous journey across the plains, in search of fresh grazing grounds. This migration attracts a host of predators, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas, offering visitors a dramatic display of life and death.
Beyond the migration, the Serengeti’s vast plains are teeming with wildlife throughout the year. Elephants, giraffes, buffalos, and antelopes are common sightings, while bird enthusiasts will be thrilled with over 500 species recorded in the park. The Serengeti is divided into several regions, each with its unique landscape and wildlife. The central Seronera Valley is known for year-round game viewing, while the remote northern and western corridors offer more secluded experiences.
Ngorongoro Crater
This massive volcanic caldera is home to a dense population of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino). The crater’s lush vegetation and abundant water sources create a thriving environment for animals, making it one of the best places in Tanzania to see a wide variety of species in a relatively small area.
The crater floor is a mosaic of landscapes, including open grasslands, swamps, forests, and a soda lake, which attract a diverse range of animals. The Ngorongoro Crater is also one of the best places in Tanzania to see the endangered black rhino, which is rarely seen in other parts of the country. The Maasai people, who live around the crater, continue to graze their cattle in harmony with the wildlife, offering a unique cultural experience alongside game viewing.
Tarangire National Park
Located slightly off the beaten path, Tarangire National Park is a hidden gem known for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. The park is especially popular during the dry season (June to October) when animals congregate around the Tarangire River, the only permanent water source in the area. This makes it an excellent location for game viewing, as elephants, zebras, wildebeests, and other animals gather in large numbers to drink and graze.
Apart from the impressive elephant population, Tarangire is also home to a wide variety of other wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and over 550 bird species. The park’s varied landscapes, ranging from dry savannahs to wetlands, support a rich diversity of flora and fauna, making every game drive a unique experience.
Nyerere National Park
The Selous Game Reserve, recently renamed Nyerere National Park, is one of the largest protected areas in Africa, covering an area larger than Switzerland. The Rufiji River, which flows through the park, attracts a wealth of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of antelope species.
Selous is also known for its wild dog population, which is one of the most significant in Africa. These elusive and endangered predators are a rare sight in many other parks, making Selous a special place for those keen on seeing these remarkable animals. The park’s diverse habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands, provide excellent opportunities for walking safaris and boat safaris, adding a different dimension to the game viewing experience.
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is another lesser-known but spectacular destination for game viewing in Tanzania. As the largest national park in the country, Ruaha offers a sense of vast wilderness and solitude that is hard to find elsewhere. The park is famous for its large populations of elephants and lions, as well as its diverse landscapes, ranging from rolling hills to baobab-studded plains.
Ruaha’s remote location means that it receives fewer visitors than other parks, allowing for a more intimate and uncrowded game viewing experience. In addition to the Big Five, Ruaha is also home to lesser-known species like the greater and lesser kudu, roan and sable antelopes, and a wide variety of birdlife. The Great Ruaha River, which flows through the park, is a lifeline for the wildlife, providing excellent opportunities for watching animals as they come to drink.
Activities for Game Viewing in Tanzania
Game Drives
Game drives are the most common and accessible way to experience wildlife in Tanzania. Most national parks and reserves offer guided game drives, where visitors can explore the wilderness in specially designed safari vehicles. These drives typically take place in the early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active. Experienced guides lead the drives, sharing their knowledge about the wildlife, ecosystems, and behaviors of the animals.
Walking Safaris
For those seeking a more immersive experience, walking safaris offer a unique way to explore the Tanzanian wilderness. Led by armed and experienced guides, walking safaris allow visitors to get up close and personal with the flora and fauna, tracking animals on foot and learning about the smaller details of the ecosystem. Walking safaris are available in several parks, including Selous, Ruaha, and Tarangire.
Balloon Safaris
For a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife, balloon safaris offer an unforgettable experience. Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ruaha are popular spots for balloon safaris, where visitors can soar above the plains at sunrise, witnessing the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife from above. The gentle glide of the hot air balloon provides a unique perspective on the animals and their movements, making it a highlight of any safari.
Night Game Drives
While most game viewing takes place during the day, night game drives offer a chance to see the nocturnal side of Tanzania’s wildlife. Several parks, including Serengeti and Tarangire, offer night drives, where visitors can spot elusive creatures like leopards, hyenas, and bush babies. The experience of driving through the darkened savannah, with only the stars and the guide’s spotlight illuminating the way, is thrilling and unforgettable.
Best Time for Game Viewing in Tanzania
The best time for game viewing in Tanzania varies depending on the region and the specific wildlife experiences you are seeking. However, the general rule of thumb is that the dry season (June to October) offers the most reliable game viewing opportunities.
Dry Season (June to October)
The dry season is considered the best time for game viewing across most of Tanzania’s parks. During this period, water sources become scarce, and animals congregate around rivers, lakes, and waterholes, making them easier to spot. The vegetation is also less dense, providing clearer views of the wildlife. The Serengeti’s Great Migration typically occurs from June to July in the western corridor, with the dramatic river crossings taking place in July and August. The Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Ruaha also offer excellent game viewing during this time.
Wet Season (November to May)
While the wet season brings lush landscapes and abundant birdlife, it is generally less ideal for game viewing. However, there are still some advantages to visiting during this time. The calving season in the Serengeti occurs from January to March, when thousands of newborn wildebeests and zebras take their first steps. This is also a prime time to see predators in action, as they take advantage of the vulnerable young animals. The wet season also brings fewer tourists, lower prices, and a more tranquil experience in the parks.
Tanzania is a land of unparalleled wildlife experiences, offering something for every type of traveler. Whether you are witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti, exploring the remote wilderness of Ruaha, or floating above the plains in a hot air balloon, game viewing in Tanzania is an adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. By choosing the right destinations, activities, and timing, you can ensure that your safari in Tanzania is nothing short of extraordinary.