The Hidden Gems of Tanzania: Top 5 Lesser Known Safari Spots in the Country

If you’ve already traveled to Tanzania before, then you’ve probably been to the Kilimanjaro, or the Serengeti, or maybe even Zanzibar. But you’re slightly mistaken if you think that’s where the traveling options in Tanzania end. There’s a lot more that you are yet to discover, and we are here with all the information you need now! Dive in to find out the top 5 best kept safari secrets of Tanzania- the best five places that are lesser known among the travel enthusiasts, but are a must visit!

Top 5 lesser known safari spots in Tanzania:

• Rubondo: Noah’s Ark

One of the best, yet somehow not as popular as the others- Rubondo National Park is a wonderful destination for all your safari dreams! Located on the biggest lake of Africa, Lake Victoria, this beautiful destination is home to a number of wild animals, as well as the lush greenery that is their habitat. Due to the exceptional and abundant natural bounty found here, Rubondo National Park is fondly often referred to as ‘Noah’s Ark’ among travelers, wildlife enthusiasts and others who know the place closely.

While you’re on a game drive, you can get an opportunity to witness chimpanzees, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, monkeys among a few others. In addition to this, the National Park also houses over 200 bird species, so bird lovers and those who generally enjoy bird watching are also in for a treat. There are also over 70 species of butterfly and about 40 species of flowers. Truly, is this a National Park or the Garden of  Eden?

The best time to visit would be somewhere around June to October. However, there is only one accommodation option available- the Rubondo Island National Park, so book your trip well in advance!

• Mafia Island

The lesser known counterpart of the popular Zanzibar island, Mafia Island has somehow remained a hidden gem for a really long time now. Though over 200 kms away from Zanzibar, Mafia island does not stop short of anything- much like Znzibar, Mafia boasts of an expansive stretch of stunning blue waters, with the soft warm breeze and a gorgeous sun far off in the horizon.

Offering a plethora of water activities like diving, swimming, snorkeling and many others, Mafia island is your perfect beach holiday. The best time to visit is around October to April every year, while some of the best places to stay include Thanda Island and Chole Mjini

• Ruaha and Katavi

While Serengeti receives millions of tourists every year, and all year round, there are also other National Parks in Tanzania, which a majority of people haven’t even heard of. Two of them- Ruaha and Katavi are what we have brought to you today

The best of game drives, with a colorful assortment of wild beasts- leopards and lions to name a few, and overall one of the best National Parks to visit, both Ruaha and Katavi bring to you one of the finest wildlife watching experiences.

The best time to visit Ruaha is around June to October; though the peak season for game driving is around August to October, it must be kept in mind that these are also months of extreme heat. Similarly for Katavi, the best months to visit are June to October, while some of the best places to stay include Jabali Ridge at Ruaha and Jabali Bridge at Katavi.

• Mahale Mountains

Another one of Tanzania’s hidden gems, the Mahale Mountain offers one of the most  calm and relaxing travel experiences. The primary activities offered at this destination includes mainly chimpanzee trekking, but the solitude and peace that this place offers is definitely something to revel in. And if you’re already a mountain lover, then there is no place better than this for you!

The best  time to visit the place is during July to October, and the best places to stay include Greystoke Mahale and Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge.

Nyerere National Park (Previously Selous)

If you’re up to date on your travel research about Tanzania, then you’ve probably heard of Serengeti National Park. A popular wildlife destination that invites millions of tourists all year round, but have you heard of its lesser known sibling the Nyerere? There is plenty of wildlife to see, with the added benefit of a smaller tourists crowd in Nyerere National Park.

Nyerere National Park also boasts the most dense population of buffaloes and wild dogs in the country, and also offers a wonderful experience at the game drives, and a wonderful safari experience in Africa, untouched by the excess of tourist crowds pouring in from all parts of the world.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tanzania

• What are the ‘Big Five’ in Tanzania?

Answer: The Big Five in Tanzania refers to a group of the most dangerous wild beasts found in Africa- namely- The lion, the African Elephant, the African Buffalo, the rhinoceros, and the leopard.

• What are five interesting facts about Tanzania?

Answer:

1. Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa, about four times the size of United Kingdom
2. Tanzania has two capitals- Dar es Salam, Dodoma
3. Tanzania is home to the largest crater- Ngorongoro Crater
4. Nearly 30% of Tanzania is taken up by protected National Parks
5. Africa’s tallest freestanding mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro is also located in Tanzania.

• What is famous in Tanzania to buy?

Answer: There are a lot of popular things in Tanzania to buy, but the thing that tops the list is perhaps- Tanzanite, a blue violet semi stone, which is usually bought by tourists visiting Arusha, who love good jewelry pieces as a beloved souvenir  from their trip.