Tanzania National Parks established in 1959, manages now thirteen National Parks namely; Arusha, Gombe, Katavi, Kilimanjaro, Lake manyara, Mahole, Mikumi, Ruaha, Rubondo, Serengeti, Saadani, (Newly), Tarangire, and Udzungwa.
Although this National Parks occupy a mere 4,5% of the country total area, they play a major role in biodiversity preservation and form the back bone of nature based tourism industries in Tanzania.
NORTHERN CIRCUIT NATIONAL PARKS AND CONSERVATION
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK.
The Serengeti national Park is the largest in Tanzania and is about 14763 Sqkm in area . The National park name means “Endless Plains” defined from Maasai language. It lies in a high plateau between the Ngorongoro highlands and Kenya/ Tanzania border. It is very famous for its migration system.
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Tarangire National Park covers approximately 2600sq km in area and is second only to Ngorongoro Crater in the concentration of wildlife to be seen. It derives its name from the Tarangire river which provides the only permanent water for wildlife. Its known for its Baobab trees and more number of elephants.
NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA AUTHORITY
The Ngorongoro Conservation Authority covers some 8300 sq km. It boasts of the finest blend of landscapes, wildlife, people and archeological sites in Africa. It is also a pioneering experience in multiple land use. Well known Caldera or Collapsed Volcano, 250sqkm and 23 km wide with average depth of 600metres. Its spectacular setting and abundance of wildlife combine to make it a wonder of the natural world. Walking tours to Empaakai, Olmoti and Oldonyo Lengai is well arranged by Tanzania Summit Adventure.
LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
Lake Manyara covers an area of 226 sqkm including part of the lake, is on the way to Ngorongoro and Serengeti National Park on the base of Great East African Rift Valley. Famous for its tree climbing lions, tropical forests, baboons and the alkaline lake.
ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK (MOMELLA).
Since it is not very far from Arusha town (about 35km) it is an ideal place for a day excursion. It consists of three spectacular features ie. Momella lakes, Ngurdoto Crater and Meru Crater. On clear days views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru (4575Masl) can be seen from almost any part of the park. The park is only 137sq kms.
