Tanzania is one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, offering some of the continent’s most remarkable safari experiences. With 38% of its land dedicated to protected wildlife areas, Tanzania boasts a vast array of national parks and game reserves, each catering to different interests and travel preferences. Currently, Tanzania is home to 32 game reserves, special conservation areas where wildlife is protected, and both consumptive (e.g., hunting) and non-consumptive (e.g., photography) activities are allowed under permits issued by the Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA). Human activity is strictly regulated, requiring authorization from the TAWA Director.
Nyerere National Park
Formerly, The Selous Game Reserve is Tanzania’s first game reserve. It was established as a protected area by German Governor Hermann von Wissmann in 1896 and later designated as a hunting reserve in 1905. Spanning over 50,000 square kilometers, it remains Africa’s largest game reserve and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 due to its rich biodiversity and pristine environment.
Notable Tanzania Game Reserves
Some of the most famous and attractive game reserves in Tanzania include:
- Grumeti Game Reserve
- Maswa Game Reserve
- Rungwa Game Reserve
- Moyowosi Game Reserve
- Kigosi Game Reserve
- Muhesi Game Reserve
- Kizigo Game Reserve
- Rumanyika Game Reserve
- Biharamulo Game Reserve
- Ibanda Game Reserve
- Usangu Game Reserve
- Lukwati Game Reserve
- Rukwa Game Reserve
- Burigi Game Reserve
- Luhira Game Reserve
- Ikorongo Game Reserve
- Uwanda Game Reserve
- Mkungunero Game Reserve
- Kijereshi Game Reserve
- Pande Game Reserve
Guide to Tanzania Game Reserves
Several reserves, including Grumeti, Ikorongo, Maswa, and the northern blocks of Selous, are accessible to non-hunters and offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. These reserves can easily be combined with visits to nearby national parks for a comprehensive safari experience.
Other important protected areas open to non-hunters include:
- Mwiba Wildlife Reserve
- Loliondo Game Controlled Area (GCA)
- Makao GCA
- Manyara Ranch Conservancy
- Longido GCA (Sinya)
- Ndarakwai Conservancy
- Lolkisale GCA
- Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
- Lake Natron GCA
Guide to Tanzania Game Reserves
Several reserves, including Grumeti, Ikorongo, Maswa, and the northern blocks of Selous, are accessible to non-hunters and offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. These reserves can easily be combined with visits to nearby national parks for a comprehensive safari experience.
Other important protected areas open to non-hunters include:
- Ugalla Game Reserve
- Kizigo Game Reserve
- Muhesi Game Reserve
- Moyowosi/Kigosi Game Reserve
- Rungwa Game Reserve
- Rukwa Game Reserve
- Rumanyika Game Reserve
- Ibanda Game Reserve
- Burigi Game Reserve
- Luafi Game Reserve
- Usangu Game Reserve
- Lukwati Game Reserve
- Lukwika and Lumesule Game Reserves
These reserves are often remote and difficult to access, typically requiring a private charter flight. Hunting areas generally have a lower density of wildlife compared to national parks but offer an authentic wilderness experience, far from the well-trodden tourist paths.
Understanding Wildlife Density in Game Reserves
The lower wildlife density in certain game reserves can be attributed to two main factors: these areas were never designated as national parks due to their naturally lower wildlife populations, and their remoteness makes them challenging to patrol, leading to increased poaching activities, especially during the off-season from January to June.
Impact on Wildlife Conservation
Well-regulated hunting has played a significant role in wildlife conservation across various regions of the world. For instance, the white-tailed deer population in the United States has surged from approximately 500,000 in the early 1900s to around 30 million today, thanks to hunting-supported conservation efforts.
Similarly, the plight of rhinos illustrates the complex relationship between hunting and conservation. In the early 20th century, Africa and Asia were home to an estimated 500,000 rhinos. However, by 1970, their numbers had plummeted to just 70,000 due to rampant poaching and habitat loss. Today, around 27,000 rhinos remain in the wild, with most surviving within national parks and reserves.
One notable exception is the white rhinoceros in Africa, whose population has risen from just 100 individuals in 1916 to over 18,000 by 2016. This recovery is largely attributed to the establishment of private game reserves where hunting is permitted. These reserves often generate substantial fees, sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars, which are then reinvested directly into conservation efforts, as seen with rhino conservation in Africa.
Final Thoughts
Before embarking on a luxury safari in Tanzania, it’s essential to identify the parks and reserves that best suit your interests. Let us help you design the perfect personalized safari, tailored to your needs and desires.
