Mikumi National Park

The landscape of Mikumi is often compared to that of the Serengeti. The road that crosses the park divides it into two areas with partially distinct environments. The area north-west is characterized by the alluvial plain of the river basin Mkata. The vegetation of this area consists of savannah dotted with acacia, baobab, tamarinds, and some rare palm. In this area, at the furthest from the road, there are spectacular rock formations of the mountains Rubeho and Uluguru. The southeast part of the park is less rich in wildlife, and not very accessible.

The fauna includes many species characteristic of the African savannah. According to local guides at Mikumi, chances of seeing a lion who climbs a tree trunk is larger than in Manyara (famous for being one of the few places where the lions exhibit this behavior). The park contains a subspecies of giraffe that biologists consider the link between the Masai giraffe and the reticulated or Somali giraffe. Other animals in the park are elephants, zebras, impala, eland, kudu, black antelope, baboons, wildebeests, and buffaloes. At about 5 km from the north of the park, there are two artificial pools inhabited by hippos. More than 400 different species of birds also inhabit the park

Ruaha National Park

Tanzania’s second-largest National Park is still relatively unknown, making it ideal for those seeking the trails less-traveled and the wildlife less-visited. The miombo woodland and characteristic sand rivers of Ruaha supports a unique range of wildlife, borne of the park’s location of the cusp of the eastern and southern species. Ruaha wildlife expectation, you can meet the big five: rhino, lion, buffalo, elephant, and leopard

The park is about 130 kilometers (81 mi) west of Iringa. The park is a part of the 45,000 square kilometers (17,000 sq mi) Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem, which includes the Rungwa Game Reserve, the Kizigo, and Muhesi Game Reserves, and the Mbomipa Wildlife Management Area.

The name of the park is derived from the Great Ruaha River, which flows along its southeastern margin and is the focus for game-viewing. The park can be reached by car on a dirt road from Iringa and there are two airstrips – Msembe airstrip at Msembe (park headquarters), and Jongomeru Airstrip, near the Jongomeru Ranger Post.

Selous Game Reserve

The largest in Africa, Selous Game Reserve represents the Africa wilderness of its most untouched. Navigating the network of lakes and rivers, in a boat offers a hippo’s-eye, view of the big game safari lands, whilst the privileged perspective afforded from encountering the wildlife on foot relives the experiences of the explorers, settlers and big game hunters of safari’s golden age. Selous Nature Reserve where a boat safari on the Rufiji River will lead you to the discovery of hippos, crocodiles and numerous water birds.