Saanane Island National Park

Location: Mwanza city, Lake Victoria, Tanzania
Best Time to Visit: November to March (bird watching), June to August (dry season for game viewing and hiking)

Famous For: Tanzania’s smallest national park, city location, De Brazza’s monkeys, boat cruises on Lake Victoria

Ecosystem: Island and aquatic environment in Lake Victoria

Key Wildlife: Impala, zebra, wildebeest, vervet monkeys, De Brazza’s monkeys, crocodiles, over 70 bird species

Saanane Island National Park Overview

Tanzania’s smallest national park, uniquely situated entirely within Mwanza city limits on Lake Victoria. Established in 2013 (originally a zoo in 1964 and game reserve in 1991), it covers about 2.18 km² including the main island and two smaller islets.

Wildlife Highlights

Despite its size, hosts diverse mammals like impala, zebra, wildebeest, rock hyrax, dik-dik, otters, wild cats; notable primates including the only Tanzanian habitat of De Brazza’s monkeys; reptiles such as crocodiles, monitor lizards, tortoises; and over 70 bird species including residents and migrants. The surrounding waters teem with fish like tilapia and Nile perch.

Activities

Visitors enjoy game viewing, bird watching, rock hiking on granite boulders, boat cruises on Lake Victoria, walking safaris, picnics, photography, sport fishing, and special events like weddings and team-building.

Getting There

Accessible via a short 5-minute boat ride from Mwanza city center’s TANAPA offices at Capri Point. Mwanza itself is reachable by air, road, rail, and ferry.

Location: Kagera and Geita regions, northwestern Tanzania
Best Time to Visit: June to September (dry season), March-May and Nov-Dec (wet seasons for birdwatching)

Famous For: Large wilderness area, Lake Burigi, diverse habitats, rare sitatunga antelope

Ecosystem: Miombo woodlands, savanna, wetlands, lakes

Key Wildlife: Elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, roan and sable antelopes, over 350 bird species

Burigi-Chato National Park Overview

Tanzania’s fourth-largest national park (4,707 km²), established in 2019, stretching from Lake Victoria to the Rwandan border. Diverse landscapes include woodlands, savanna, wetlands, and lakes such as Lake Burigi.

Wildlife and Birdlife

Rich mammal diversity includes elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, and rare antelopes like sitatunga. Birdlife exceeds 350 species, featuring shoebill stork, African fish eagle, papyrus gonolek, and wattled crane.

Activities

Popular activities include game drives, walking safaris, bird watching, canoeing and boat cruises on Lake Burigi, fishing, and camping under the stars.

Getting There

Accessible by air via Chato Airport and by road (about 5 hours from Chato town).

Location: Geita Region, southwestern Lake Victoria
Best Time to Visit: June to October (dry season), December to February (bird watching)

Famous For: Wildlife rehabilitation, chimpanzee trekking, diverse bird species

Ecosystem: Forest, wetlands, pristine beaches

Key Wildlife: Chimpanzees, elephants, giraffes, sitatunga antelope, hippos, over 300 bird species

Rubondo Island National Park Overview

A secluded sanctuary of 456.8 km² including the main island and 11 smaller islets. Established in 1977, known for introducing species such as rescued chimpanzees, elephants, and giraffes.

Wildlife and Conservation

Successful rehabilitation of chimpanzees and other species. Home to sitatunga antelope thriving in wetlands and over 300 bird species including African fish eagles and grey parrots.

Activities

Chimpanzee trekking, bird watching, canoeing, sport fishing for Nile perch, guided nature walks, and cultural tours.

Getting There

Reachable by scheduled flights to Rubondo Airstrip or by road and boat from Mwanza.

Quick Facts

• Saanane Island: 2.18 km², located within Mwanza city on Lake Victoria
• Burigi-Chato: 4,707 km², spanning Kagera and Geita regions
• Rubondo Island: 456.8 km², includes main island and 11 islets
• Established: 2013 (Saanane), 2019 (Burigi-Chato), 1977 (Rubondo)
• Wildlife: De Brazza’s monkeys, elephants, lions, chimpanzees
• Bird Species: 70+ (Saanane), 350+ (Burigi-Chato), 300+ (Rubondo)
• Activities: Game drives, walking safaris, bird watching, canoeing, chimp trekking
• Access: Mwanza city, Chato Airport, Rubondo Airstrip, boat rides