Dar es Salaam serves as the gateway to the southern safari circuit, which, although much less frequented than the northern circuit, provides an unmatchable authentic East Africa safari experience. With unspoilt lands, scenic views and diverse wildlife, here are some of the best game reserves near Dar es Salaam:
- Selous Game Reserve, now called Nyerere National Park, is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. During the dry season, the Rufiji River brings dense wildlife to the park. It’s the best place to spot endangered animals like African wild dogs. Other animals you can spot include elephant, lions, leopards, elands, hyenas, kudus, hippos and Nile crocodiles. It’s also a great place for birdwatching with over 400 species of birds.
Nyerere offers an amazing and authentic wildlife safari experience. It’s not that frequented by tourists when compared to its northern counterparts, so you’ll have the park to yourself. In fact, if you go on a game drive, you’ll spot many animals and almost no other humans!
The best time to visit this Park is from June to October.
- Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is the best place for a weekend getaway from Dar es Salaam. The Park is easily accessible and offers excellent wildlife viewing. You can spot lions, buffaloes, elephants, hippos, zebras, wildebeests, and elands. Over 400 species of birds have also been recorded here.
It takes about 4 hours to get to Mikumi from Dar es Salaam via car.
- Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Although you might not be able to spot any significant big game here, the Udzungwa Mountains National Park is still an amazing park that offers a peaceful and relaxing escape where you can be with nature.
The Park’s most popular trail, the Sanje Waterfalls trail, is definitely worth hiking on. You can even swim in the water under the waterfall, which is truly a magical experience and much-needed after a day of hiking.
You can also spot the rare Red Colobus monkeys here along with other primate species.
- Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is a beautiful and largely unspoilt park that is home to a huge concentration of diverse wildlife. It contains one of the largest elephant populations of East Africa. Other animals you can spot here include giraffes, hippos, zebras, buffaloes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the rare African wild dogs. It is also called a “predator’s paradise” due to the diverse and large population of predator present here.
Other rare species that you can spot here include greater and lesser kudus, striped hyenas and sable antelopes. It also offers incredible birdwatching opportunities with over 500 species of birds.
Guided walking safaris are also available here so you can get up close and personal with the animals. If you want to get a bird’s eye view of the park, you can also opt for a hot air balloon safari.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Dar es Salaam and explore these amazing game reserves and national parks that are in proximity to it.
Don’t forget to end your trip by traveling to Zanzibar this summer with As Salaam Air.
