The Southern circuit Mikumi National Park:  The park at an altitude of 550 m, covers an area of 3.230sq.km, and is rich in variety and wildlife. Buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, elephant, impala, hippo, warthog and antelope are to be seen in all seasons. The Uhuru (Tanzania-Zambia) railway line marks the boundary of Mikumi with Selous Game Reserve to the south. Divided into tree zones allowing you to see all the wildlife and certain rare species as the wild dog. Situated a four hours drive from Dar es Salaam, or a one hour flight. Mikumi Wildlife Lodge and Mikumi Wildlife Camp offer good accommodation and food for overnight stays. There are campsites and a youth hostel. The park can be visited all year, but between March and May you must use a four wheel drive vehicle. Recommended days to visit the park: 3-5 Selous Game Reserve: This is situated in Southern Tanzania and has enormous land area (50,000 sq.km); making it the largest unexploited wildlife area in the world. Crossed by the Rujifi river and its tributaries which form a network of lakes ideal for boat safaris. It contains some of the largest elephants in Africa, vast numbers of wildlife including 350 species of birds, as well as some of the finest virgin bush left in Africa. Respecting the natural rhythm, you can be sure to get up close to wildlife. In Selous you can have game drives, boat and walking safaris together. The reserve can be reached by a 7 hours drive from Dar es Salaam or a thirty minute flight. June to February is the best time to visit Selous.  Recommended days to visit the park: 5-10. Ruaha National Park Covering 13,000 sq.km. This relatively new and undisturbed park is Tanzania's second largest park and also the largest elephant sanctuary. Its name derives from the great Ruaha River, which flows along its entire eastern border creating spectacular gorges and scenery. Hippos, crocodiles, turtles and fish inhabit the river. The park is also known for its concentration of Lesser and Great Kudu, its Roan and Sable antelope and its rich bird life. Special photographic blinds have been built at strategic places where there are wildlife conserves. Situated an eight hour drive from Dar es Salaam, or 1.5 hours flight. There are lodges, tented camps, campsites, huts and hostels within the park and god hotels in Iringa town. Best time to visit this park is from June to February. Recommended days to visit the park: 3-7. Udzungwa Mountains National Park: This absolutely new national park, established in 1998, covers 1,900 sq.km and reaches from 300-2800m above sea level. Not very far from Mikumi National Park there are animals,  which you can not find in other parks.(sanje mangabey, sykes monkeys). Also rhinos, birds and other animals found in Serengeti can be seen here. Accommodation and good food available near the park gate at the Twiga Resort. Three campsite have been established inside the park. Very basic supplies available at Mang'ula village. Recommended days to visit the park: 2-3.                                              The Western circuit Katavi National Park This park has an area of 2.253 sq.km, and is situated 40km southwest of Mpanda town astride the main Mpanda-Aumbawanga road. The park is famous for its undisturbed natural face compared to other parks in the country. The main vegetation found here is the Miombo woodland, while the noteworthy fauna include elephant, buffalo, zebra, topi, hippo, sable and roan-antelopes, also eland, leopard, crocodile and lion. The park has the highest population of crocodiles in Tanzania. Other main attractions in the park include Lake Katavi, Lake Chada and the Katuma River which connects the two lakes. Rest houses and campsites are within the park area and hotels and lodges in Mpanda and Sumbawanga provide good accommodation. Recommended days to visit the park: 3-5.  Mahale Mountains National Park This is situated 120 km south of Kigoma on a peninsula that cuts into Lake Tanganyika. It covers a total area of 1,577 sq.km and the length of the park is about 50 km. Its western boundary is the shore of Lake Tanganyika while the Mahale Mountains range at the middle part of the east side of the lake, forms a part of the eastern wall of the Western Rift Valley. Studies conducted by a Japanese group take place here. There are numerous species of animals in the park. The most remarkable creature of the park is the chimpanzee. It is estimated that there are about 1000 chimpanzees, which can be seen in groups of five and up to 30 at a time in their natural habitat. Mahale also offers wonderful and various types if bird life. A luxury tented camp only open during dry season (May-October) and a small guest house can be found near Kasiha village. There are campsites and visitors are advised to have enough supply of food and to be equipped with cooking and eating utensils and other essentials as these are not readily available. The park can be reached by a 4-9 hour boat trip(depending on the boat!) from Kigoma or a 2 hours flight from Arusha. The best time to see this park is from May to October. Recommended days to visit the park : 3-5. Gombe Stream National Park The park lies about 16 km north of Kigoma in the north-western part of Tanzania. It is the smallest park in Tanzania with only 52 sq.km. For those who want to view wildlife without distracting sounds of engines, this is their destination! This park remains as one of the few areas in Africa which harbors one of the most rare species of animals - the chimpanzees. This territory has been studied by the scientific team led by Jane Goodall since 1960, this is why the chimpanzees tolerate the human presence. Note that the chimpanzees are strong and dangerous, so discrete behavior is required. Apart from Mahale Mountains south of Kigoma there is nowhere else in Tanzania where chimpanzees can be observed in the wild. There is a hostel for 15 people in the park, good hotels are situated in Kigoma. Beds, mattresses and utensils are provided at the hostel, but visitors are required to bring their own food. Camping in the park is allowed on special request. Visitors can reach the park from Kigoma by boat (takes 1 hour). Recommended days to visit the park: 3-5.

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