OTHER PARKS

GOMBE STREAM NATIONAL PARK
It is Tanzania’s smallest park covering only 52 sq km! It is located 16 km north of the town Kigoma on the shores of Lake Tanganyika and is reachable only by boat. With thanks to Dr. Jane Goodall and her colleagues, who have been studying the primates here since 1960, the Gombe Stream National Park is now one of a few places in the world that Chimpanzees can still be found in their natural habitat. Gombe is a place of different characters as Chimpanzees are as individually unique as humans; they share more than 95% of human genes and when looking at them remember that you are really observing your closest animal relative! The best place to spot them is at the Chimpanzee Feeding Station. Allow at least two days to see them as there are no assurances where and when they will be each day. Gombe is a mountainous strip bordering the shore of Lake Tanganyika; it is heavily forested making it unsuitable habitat for carnivores and therefore safe for walking safaris. There are no roads in the park, which allows you to walk and experience nature with all of your senses! The majority of mammals found in Gombe are primates like Chimpanzees, Red Colobus, Colorful Red-tail and Blue Monkeys, Olive Baboon, as well as African Civet, Palm Civet, Genet, Grey Duiker, Bushbuck, White-tailed Mongoose, Marsh Mongoose and others. Birdwatchers will be also richly rewarded; species like Ross’s and Livingston’s Turaco, African and Trumpeter Hornbills, Pied and Giant Kingfishers, Tropical Boubous, White browed Coucal, and Crowned Eagle can be seen.

KATAVI NATIONAL PARK
In the southwestern part of Tanzania, about 40 km southeast of Mpanda town and on a high flood plain surrounding Lake Katavi, the Katavi National Park is situated, covering an area of 4.500 sq km. It is remote and quite difficult to reach; an air charter is probably the best way to access it. Katavi is best known for its highest Hippo and Crocodile population in the country and undisturbed natural landscape; here you will have a chance to share the park only with the abundance of wildlife. Four of »the Big Five« can be seen here: Leopard, Lion, Elephant and Buffalo; as well as Spotted Hyena, Eland, Roan and Sable Antelopes, Southern Reedbuck, Topi and Zebra. Vegetation consists of mainly miombo woodland. The major characteristics of the park include Lake Katavi with its vast short grass flood plains in the north, the palm fringed Lake Chada in the southeast, and the Katuma River, connecting the two lakes. Lake Chada is known for its density of crocodiles as well as rich bird-life; over 400 species of birds have been recorded here including large flocks of Pelicans. The name Katavi immortalizes a legendary hunter, Katabi, whose spirit is believed to possess a tamarind tree ringed with offerings from locals begging his blessing.

MAHALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Another sanctuary of the Chimpanzee population is Mahale Mountains National Park, located 120 km south of Kigoma town on the shores of Lake Tanganyika and reachable only by boat. Some 1.000 Chimpanzees wander in the hills and valleys of this 1.600 sq km big park. A trip to see Chimpanzees is a unique experience; unexpectedly you can find yourself in the middle of a family of them (they form groups from five up to thirty). Allow at least two days to see them as they are not always easy to locate. Baboons and Colobus Monkeys also live in the park. Other inhabitants include Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, and Giraffe, Bush pig, Porcupine and various types of antelope. Mahale offers wonderful and various types of birdlife; among others you can spot African Snipe, Green Sand Piper and Crested Lark. Clear waters of Lake Tanganyika provide home to some 250 species of fish.

RUBONDO ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
Located on the south-west shores of Lake Victoria, Rubondo Island National Park includes Rubondo Island and several other small islands on Lake Victoria. The park boasts a rich and diverse variety of butterflies and bird life, easily viewable from the lake shore. The rare Sitatunga, an extremely endangered amphibious antelope, can sometimes be viewed escaping charging predators by hiding and camouflaging itself in the lake shore marshes. A visit to Rubondo Island National Park offers visitors a break from game viewing in the tranquil peace of a lake shore setting. Exploring the islands within the park makes for exciting day trips. Fishing expeditions into Lake Victoria are easily arranged through the major lodges. Rubondo Island National Park is a break from the rigours of the safari circuit and a relaxing place from which to explore Lake Victoria.

SAADANI NATIONAL PARK
Saadani National Park is the perfect union of beach and bush. Located just 70 km north of Bagamoyo and immediately accessible by paved road from Dar es Salaam Saadani has recently become a fully protected national park and is a popular day-trip from beach resorts scattered along Tanzania’s northern coast. The Wami River, which passes through Saadani National Park and empties into the Indian Ocean, hosts a large population of hippos, crocodiles, flamingos, and many large bird species. Elephants are often viewed bathing and playing on Saadani’s beach, especially in the early hours of the morning.
A good choice for visitors based in Dar es Salaam who don’t have time for longer safaris to visit more remote parks around the country, Saadani is easily visited on a day trip or short weekend safari. It’s elephant population frolics in the sands and sometimes ventures into the crashing surf, which alone makes Saadani one of the more special and unique parks to visit in Tanzania.