1.Gombe Stream National Park
Covering just 56 km², Gombe National Park is Tanzania’s smallest national park, but it holds immense ecological and historical significance. Located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Gombe is best known as the site where Jane Goodall began her groundbreaking chimpanzee research in the 1960s, making it a world-renowned destination for primate lovers.
The park is a haven for chimpanzees, many of which are habituated to human presence. Trekking to see them involves challenging hikes through steep hills and lush valleys, but early morning excursions almost guarantee sightings—and the reward is unforgettable. Gombe’s verdant forest, crisscrossed by 13 streams that cascade down to sandy beaches, offers breathtaking scenery.
Besides chimpanzees, Gombe is home to olive baboons, often seen along the lakeshore, and other primates like red colobus and red-tailed monkeys—some of which are even hunted by chimps, showcasing unique primate behavior.
The park also hosts a remarkable variety of bird species, including the African broadbill, crowned eagle, Ross’s turaco, red-capped robin-chat, and palm-nut vulture—making it ideal for birdwatching.
Visitors can enjoy multiple activities such as chimpanzee tracking, forest walks, birdwatching, and swimming or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika. Highlights include a visit to Jane Goodall’s former research station, Jane’s Peak, and the scenic Kakombe Waterfall.
Though small in size, Gombe offers an unmatched blend of wildlife, natural beauty, and scientific heritage—making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife researchers.
2.Mahale Mountains National Park
Located in western Tanzania, south of Kigoma town, Mahale Mountains National Park borders the pristine Lake Tanganyika—the world’s longest, second-deepest, and least-polluted freshwater lake, home to over 250 endemic fish species.
The park is world-renowned for its large population of chimpanzees, offering one of the best places on Earth to track these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. In addition to chimpanzees, Mahale supports Tanzania’s densest population of primates, including red colobus, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, and yellow baboons.
Hiking through misty forests and along scenic trails, visitors might also encounter roan and sable antelope, warthogs, mongoose, and occasionally even leopards and lions. Though rare, crocodiles inhabit the lake's shores, while hippos can often be seen swimming in the lake’s crystal-clear waters.
The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting nearly 355 bird species. Along the sandy beaches and forest edges, you might spot pelicans, storks, fish eagles, malachite and pied kingfishers, Livingston’s turacos, crested guinea fowls, narina trogons, and the vibrant blue-cheeked bee-eaters.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities including chimpanzee tracking, forest walks, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and sport fishing in Lake Tanganyika’s rich waters. The white sandy beaches and waterfalls add a serene touch to this remote wilderness escape.
Mahale is an unforgettable destination that offers a unique blend of wildlife, untouched nature, and lakeside beauty—making it ideal for both adventure seekers and nature lovers.
3.Saanane Island National Park
Covering just 2.2 square kilometers, Saanane National Park is one of Tanzania’s smallest and most unique parks, located on an island in Lake Victoria, near Mwanza City. The park is named after its former owner, Mzee Saanane Chawandi.
Originally established as Tanzania’s first zoo in 1964, Saanane was later designated a game reserve in 1991 and officially declared a National Park in 2013. Its proximity to Mwanza makes it the only Tanzanian national park located within a city, accessible by a short 15–20 minute boat ride from the city center.
Despite its size, the park is rich in biodiversity and offers memorable wildlife experiences. It is home to various mammals including impalas, velvet monkeys, rock hyraxes, wild cats, and notably, the rare De Brazza's monkey—making it the only national park in Tanzania where this species is found.
Reptiles are also common, including crocodiles, monitor lizards, agama lizards, pancake and leopard tortoises, and pythons. The surrounding waters of Lake Victoria are inhabited by aquatic species such as Tilapia and Nile Perch.
Bird enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy, with 44 documented bird species, and many more visiting throughout the year depending on the season.
Saanane National Park offers a perfect day trip for visitors in Mwanza looking to enjoy nature, wildlife viewing, bird watching, or a peaceful boat ride on the lake. It’s a compact yet diverse destination, combining nature, relaxation, and education in one unique island setting.
4.Rubondo Island National Park
Located in the southwest corner of Lake Victoria, Rubondo Island National Park spans 240 km², making it one of only two Tanzanian national parks on an island. Originally declared a game reserve in 1965, Rubondo became a national park in 1977. The island remains uninhabited, with over 90% covered by forest, offering a pristine sanctuary for wildlife and fish breeding grounds across its nine satellite islets.
The park’s landscape is dominated by evergreen and semi-deciduous forests, rocky eastern shores, sandy beaches, and western papyrus swamps lined with palms. This diverse habitat supports a surprising variety of large animals including elephants, giraffes, bushbuck, chimpanzees, hippos, and crocodiles.
Rubondo is particularly notable for its chimpanzees, introduced in a groundbreaking rehabilitation project—making it one of the few places in Africa where captive chimps have been rewilded. Trekking through the forest gives visitors a rare opportunity to observe them in their natural environment.
The island is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 300 species including African darters, egrets, pied kingfishers, African grey parrots, and a high concentration of fish eagles.
For water enthusiasts, canoeing and kayaking along the island's shores provide a tranquil experience. Rubondo is also one of Africa’s best destinations for sport fishing, especially for catching Nile perch, one of the continent’s largest freshwater fish.
With its untouched wilderness, rich biodiversity, and unique wildlife encounters, Rubondo offers a rare blend of adventure, relaxation, and ecological discovery.
3.Ukerewe Island
Ukerewe Island, covering approximately 530 km², is the largest island in Lake Victoria and the largest inland island in Africa. Located in Ukerewe District, the island lies about 45–50 km north of Mwanza and is accessible by a scenic 3–4 hour ferry ride from Mwanza or a shorter ferry crossing via the Rugezi Channel.
The island is known for its unspoiled beauty, tranquil lifestyle, and cultural depth. Its rugged shoreline is carved into numerous bays and surrounded by 27 smaller islands, three of which are uninhabited, while the others host fishing communities. The island's main settlement, Nansio, is the gateway to exploring Ukerewe’s history, landscapes, and local life.
What to See & Do in Ukerewe
-
Cultural & Historical Sites: Visit Kagunguli, home to Tanzania’s oldest Roman Catholic Church (built in 1895), as well as early 20th-century schools and dispensaries. Don’t miss the Chief’s Palace in Bukindo, a modest royal residence built in 1923 with stories surrounding its mysteriously sealed room.
-
Rubya Forest: The island’s largest forest offers peace, shade, and access to natural beaches and fishing spots—just a short drive from Nansio.
-
Rutare Hill: A scenic hill that overlooks the island, perfect for hiking or biking with panoramic views.
-
Cultural Experiences: Engage with traditional dance groups, visit local healers, or join cooking sessions with Kerewe families to get immersed in the island’s way of life.
-
Dancing Stone on Ukara Island: Just a few hours from Ukerewe, this legendary stone is said to dance in response to sacred songs. While you can’t return the same day due to ferry schedules, it’s a mystical experience worth planning for.
-
Biking & School Visits: Ukerewe is perfect for cycling through peaceful villages. Visitors are also welcome at local primary schools to learn about education in rural Tanzania and interact with local children.
Activities
-
Walking / Hiking
-
Cultural Visits
-
Biking / Cycling
-
Canoeing / Kayaking
-
Fishing / Sport Fishing
Accommodation
Nansio town offers several comfortable hotels including Monarch Beach Hotel, La Bima Hotel, Kondeni Hotel, and Holiday Motel. A local tour guide can assist with bookings and provide personalized recommendations.
There are as many as places you can visit in Western circuit up to approximately 19
