Remote Destinations to Visit in Tanzania : Well-known for its wildlife, Tanzania is one of the top destinations in Africa. Most visitors, however, visit famous wildlife destinations like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire. While these attractions are fascinating, they’re not the only things Tanzania has to bring to the table. In this article, we’ll uncover lesser-known places worth a visit in Tanzania.
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park is arguably the largest national park in Tanzania, with an area of up to 30,893 square kilometers. It is situated in the southern part of Tanzania, and it’s very accessible from Dar es Salaam, the business capital of Tanzania.
Nyerere (formerly Selous Game Reserve) is remote, unlike its sister parks like Serengeti, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara, which are well-known. The vegetation is lush, and the wildlife is undisturbed, making it a unique place to stay away from the crowd.
What to see in Nyerere?
From stunning wildlife living uninterruptedly in the wilderness to beautiful birds inhabiting lush forests, Nyerere National Park has a lot to offer. You’ll spot four animals making the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalos. You’ll also encounter a dozen of other animals too, including graceful Maasai giraffes, wildebeests, impalas, zebras, hyenas, and many others.
A tour in the Nyerere is more authentic. You hear and feel nature with just a few fellow travelers. Since the park is big, you can travel to remote parts where no one has been. Nyerere also hosts over 500 bird species.
If you’re a fan of canoeing and boat safaris, then Nyerere National Park is your spot. The Rufiji River is navigable. It dissects the park into two sections: the northern and southern sides. Canoeing brings an exceptional experience of viewing aquatic species like crocs and hippos. You may also spot waterbirds and beautiful flowers and trees along the banks of this river.
Nyerere has world-class lodging options to choose from for overnight stays. Whether you want budget, midrange, or luxurious property, this park has better options. However, we advise you to check the availability, especially when you’re traveling during the rainy season.
Rubondo Island National Park
While many safari enthusiasts know much about Northern Circuit safari destinations, the Western Circuit goes unnoticed. Rubondo Island is the largest island park in Africa. With an area of about 240 square kilometers, this serene piece of land boasts stunning wildlife, vegetation, and landscapes.
The funny part is that it is situated on Lake Victoria—the greatest lake in Africa. Rubondo Island is home to wildlife species, including buffalos, elands, elephants, zebras, wildebeests, lions, and chimpanzees. But all the chimpanzees present there are wild. Habituation is ongoing.
Rubondo Island is perfect for day trips, though you can embark on a multi-day excursion. There is a single accommodation option—the Rubondo Island Camp, where you can relax. Other options are available in Mwanza.
Gombe and Mahale
You’re lagging if you haven’t been to the western corner of Tanzania. This masterpiece side of Tanzania is home to the endangered chimpanzees. Gombe National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park host the chimpanzees.
These parks have unique safari experiences—chimpanzee trekking safaris. On this tour, you’ll watch chimpanzees doing their daily search for food and play. This experience is only available in Gombe and Mahale.
If you have some free time, you can feel the coolest breezes of Lake Tanganyika on one of its beaches. Boat excursions are also available.
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park comes second in size after Nyerere National Park. It also lies in the Southern Circuit, just a few kilometers from Iringa town. Ruaha is famously known for its large population of elephants. Estimates put the number of these gray giants at 30,000 or more.
The wildlife in Ruaha flourishes in its mixed ecosystems comprising plains, riverine forests, woodlands, and many more. Commonly seen animals include buffalos, zebras, impalas, hyenas, giraffes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, etc. In addition, night safaris are permitted to view the hidden world of nocturnal animals. You may see iconic bird species since the park harbors over 500 species.
The Great Ruaha River, which runs to the south, and the Njombe River create a picturesque landscape. If pleased, you can view it from atop a hot air balloon ride. Crocodiles, hippos, and hundreds of waterbirds are residents of the Ruaha River. You can go for a canoe or boat safari to enjoy your stay in Ruaha National Park.
Kitulo National Park
Kitulo National Park lies in the south. Wildlife is the major attraction for many parks. But this is not the same for Kitulo. Its major highlight is the richer plant species and flowers that speak volumes about its flora heritage.
Kitulo is sometimes called the Serengeti of Flowers. Over 350 plant species, including 35 species of orchids, spread over the forested parts and plains of this park. It usually turns into a picturesque scene in the rainy season.
Flowers blossom and attract thousands of insects. If you’re looking for a place to study plants, Kitulo is your ideal choice. Besides flora, Kitulo hosts wildlife in its spectacular landscapes. You may be lucky to see primates, antelopes, jackals, rare Kipunji monkeys, and over 200 bird species.
That’s a wrap! There are plenty of remote destinations in Tanzania. You can discover many of them on your safari tour. If you’re inspired, try our travel style on your next adventure to Tanzania.
