There’s more to Tanzania than just the Serengeti

By Sally - Silversurfer's Editor Aug 21, 2015

Tanzania is best known as the home of the Serengeti, a vast and beautiful ecosystem, home to some of Africa’s most iconic animals.

However, Tanzania is so much more than just the Serengeti. Here we look at some of the other amazing locations throughout this diverse country, and the unique charms that can be found outside the Serengeti.

Ruaha, a park in central Tanzania, approximately the size of Belgium is magnificent for spotting wildlife, including some of Africa’s best bird watching. The park is home to an unusual combination of Eastern and Southern African birds, as well as a large population of elephants. There is also some beautiful accommodation in the park, such as the Ruaha River Lodge, the first in the area, and as such, in one of the best locations.

Katavi Wildlife Camp

For those looking for the true African wild, Katavi National Park in the west of Tanzania is a must. It is a remote park, with relatively few visitors every year. This is, however, no reflection on the park itself, but rather an indication to its untouched beauty. In the dry season, Katavi’s plains fill with thousands of zebra, topi and impala. Giraffe, waterbuck and hartebeest are also common throughout the year.

Katavi wildlife

On the eastern shore of the giant Lake Tanganyika, Mahale Monutains National Park is one of Africa’s best kept secrets. Mahale is one of the best places for viewing chimpanzees. The park is the only place on earth where lions and chimps co-exist in the wild. As well as the fantastic wildlife viewing, the park’s location on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the lake for which Tanzania is named, add an extra element to its beauty, with some of the finest golden sandy beaches, ideal for swimming, boating and snorkelling.

There is so much to do and see in Tanzania outside of the Serengeti, and Ruaha, Katavi and Mahale are some great examples of that. If you are eager for the adventure on offer, Somak Holidays offers a 10 night safari visiting all three of these awe-inspiring parks.