Tanzania has grown in popularity as a tourism destination because of its rich culture and diverse animals. In a nutshell, this is among the world’s most famous safari locations. Among other things, you can see the incredible animals, including as the famous wildebeest migration. We examine Tanzania’s top five smallest national parks in this guide.
National Park near Gombe Stream
Gombe Stream National Park is situated on the beaches of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania. The national park is the smallest in Tanzania, with an approximate total area of 52 square kilometers.
Gombe is well-known for the work of primatologist Jane Goodall, which greatly expanded our knowledge of primate behavior. The parks were created in 1968 to preserve the habitat of wild chimpanzees.
Steep, forested hills define this magnificent national park, which is also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including more than 200 bird species and several primate species, such as olive baboons, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and blue monkeys.
Chimpanzees are the park’s most distinctive feature, drawing tourists who want to feel the excitement of seeing these sentient monkeys in their natural environment.
Hiking to Jane Goodall’s research house, tracking chimpanzees, birdwatching, and boat cruising along the shores of Lake Tanganyika are among the activities available to visitors to this lovely park.
National Park Kitulo
One of Tanzania’s smaller national parks, Kitulo National Park is situated in the Njombe region of the country’s southern highlands and spans an area of roughly 412.9 square kilometers. The national park, often known as the “Serengeti of Flowers,” is made up of montane forest and grasslands on the Kitulo Plateau.
In addition to its abundant biodiversity, Kitulo National Park is well-known for the many indigenous orchid and other wildflower species that bloom there during the rainy season. Antelopes, elephants, and many bird species, including the endangered yellow-breasted cuckoo, tiny grebe, harlequin quail, and red-winged francolin, among others, thrive in the park’s stunning scenery.
Game viewing, mountain climbing, birdwatching, and flower gazing are just a few of the rare and unusual activities available to visitors at Kitulo National Park.
Kitulo National Park’s fauna
National Park on Rubondo Island
Rubondo Island National Park is one of two national parks in Tanzania, the other being Saanane Island National Park. Both are located on the Tanzanian side of Lake Victoria. The towns of Mwanza and Bukobaa are important entry points for tourists, while Rubondo Island, which is located 150 kilometers west of Mwanza in the southwest of Lake Victoria, is closest to Ukerewe to the east. Eleven islets, none larger than two square kilometers, make up this intriguing island.
One of the smaller national parks in the nation, Rubondo Island National Park is made up of these ten islands and spans 457 square kilometers. Rich biodiversity, including marshes, lush woods, and stunning sandy beaches, define the park.
The park is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, which includes a wide range of animals such as the uncommon shoebill stork, African grey parrots, and the elusive sitatunga antelopes. Hippos, crocodiles, many monkey species, and numerous birds, particularly in the vicinity of the lake, are among the other animals.
Chimpanzees, which were brought to the islands, are another well-known feature of the region. The greatest place to visit during a Tanzanian safari is Rubondo Island National Park, which provides visitors with a serene setting and chances for hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.
The National Park of Arusha
Standing at an elevation of roughly 4566 meters above sea level, Arusha National Park is situated in Tanzania’s northern region. The primary goal of this national park’s creation in 1960 was to preserve and safeguard the region due to its abundant biodiversity. With a total size of about 137 square kilometers, the park is one of Tanzania’s smallest national parks. It is administered by the Tanzania National Park Authority, a government agency tasked with safeguarding all national parks.
Despite its small size, Arusha National Park receives an estimated 66,808 visits annually due to its rich biodiversity, stunning surroundings, and numerous wildlife species, which are among the park’s top tourist attractions and draw visitors from all over the world.
Mount Meru, a dormant volcano that offers breathtaking scenery and hiking opportunities, is one of its most well-known characteristics. The park is also known for its rich birdlife, with over 400 species recorded including the resident wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and buffalos.
Arusha National Park also serves as a gateway to the famous Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, making it a perfect stop for visitors before heading to larger parks.
Observing wildlife at Arusha National Park
Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park
Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park is located in the Kagera region in Tanzania and has an area which is 200 square kilometers (77 sq.ml). The Park is rich in wildlife attractions and sunrise and sunset are easily seen within the park. The animals that can be seen easily seen in the reserve include hippos, antelopes, impalas, elands, and baboons.
The Kagere River is the main source of water for the park and nitrifies its rich resources from the underground providing easy access to travelers exploring the Great Lakes Region. The most undiscovered gem in western Tanzania is Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park, which is known as a paradise with picturesque rolling hills, valleys, and acacia savannah plains. The central basin is divided by seasonal rivers that fill the various lakes and swamps throughout your Tanzanian tour.
This park was originally opened in 1974 and it was gazetted as a national park in 2019 due to its commitment to conservation and biodiversity. Visitors to Ibanda-Kyerwa have the chance to engage in a number of activities such as hunting safaris which is one of the most common activities in this area
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about what are the top five smallest national parks in Tanzania and then book with our tours and travel companies
At East Africa Gorilla Safaris, under All In Africa Safaris, we specialize in unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences and diverse wildlife safaris.
Our expertly guided tours provide intimate encounters with gorillas and rich African wildlife, ensuring an unparalleled adventure in the heart of East Africa.
Payment Options Available
