Capturing the wildlife of Tanzania

Audley traveler John Cornish traveled to Tanzania and Zanzibar in January this year. An avid wildlife photographer, John was particularly interested in capturing the abundance of wildlife found on safari in the Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park.

After three nights beneath the shaded canopy at the rustic Lake Manze Tented Camp, in the heart of the Nyerere National Park, mornings and afternoons spent on game-drives in Ruaha and time to explore Zanzibar’s lush interior at Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, John was able to spot hippo, elephant, wild dogs and monkeys, as well as a variety of colorful birdlife.

Some of John’s favorite photos from his trip

Nyerere National Park

The largest park in Africa, Nyerere National Park offers all the normal big game. You're likely to spot healthy numbers of lion, leopard, buffalo and the much rarer and endangered wild dog.

The park is in the south east of Tanzania. To get there you'll fly direct to Dar es Salaam, from where you'll take a 30-45 minute light aircraft flight to the park.

Activities

The lakes and channels of Nyerere National Park make it a popular place for boat trips. Floating quietly along on the water you'll have the opportunity to see crocodile, elephant, giraffe, various types of antelope and a myriad of birdlife.

Best time to visit

The best time to safari in the Nyerere National Park is from late June to October. It's dry season at this time and the wildlife is easier to spot since animals gather at water holes and rivers and the vegetation is thinner.

Ruaha National Park

This is Tanzania's largest park. The Ruaha River is flanked by woodland and tumbles over boulders as it forms the park’s southeastern border.

You'll have every chance to see lion, spotted and striped hyena, wild dog and leopard. They all prey on the impala, waterbuck, bushbuck, giraffe, zebra and buffalo in the park. The birdlife is particularly colorful and it's not unusual to spot many species while you sit in your camp.

Situated in the southern central area of Tanzania, its location is the reason so few visit. The quickest way to get there is by flying direct to Dar es Salaam, from where you'll take a light aircraft to the park.

Activities

Activities in Ruaha focus mainly on game drives, although you can also join a walking safari. There are over 500 species of birds in the park so birdwatching is popular with many visitors.

Best time to visit

Like Nyerere National Park, the best time to visit Ruaha is during the months of June to October. At this time the climate is hot and dry and consequently the waterholes are busy, making spotting the wildlife easier.

Zanzibar

The Zanzibar Archipelago lies just 30 kilometers off the Tanzanian coast and it can be the ideal accompaniment to your safari. The only protected wildlife habitat on the island is Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park. Established only relatively recently in 2004, it's home to many animals, most famously the Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey.

Activities

As well as spending time in Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park, the island is perhaps best known as a world-class destination for its white powder sand beaches. Its warm and generally benign tropical waters are the perfect combination if you want to try snorkeling, diving or boat trips. If you hanker after more of a cultural break, you can wander the labyrinth of streets in Stone Town.

Best time to visit

As Zanzibar is near the Equator there is little temperature fluctuation between summer and winter, with temperatures ranging from about 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) all year round.