Difference Between A Game Reserve And A National Park : While a game reserve refers to the area of land which is protected to keep wild animals safe and ensure suitable hunting procedures are followed before animal hunting, National Park does not offer chances for animal hunting and it is illegal to hunt one. Many find it difficult to distinguish the two terms; game reserve and national park. Today, in this article we will explore the contrasts between the two as follows: –
OWNERSHIP
National Parks and Game Reserves may be contrasted in terms of ownership. While the former is owned by the government (i.e., Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) in Tanzania, which currently owns over 22 National Parks), Game Reserves are owned by Lodges within. This is to say private companies. Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Mikumi, Nyerere and Tarangire are examples of National Parks, whereas Gurumeti, Maswa and Kirejeshi are of Game Reserves.
ACTIVITIES
In terms of activities, there are many to distinguish between the two. But one thing to note is the fact that National Park’s activities are mostly often restrictive while Game Reserves offer more activities and they are less restrictive. National Parks allow activities like game view by a guide and restrict activities like the hunting of wildlife animals as well as natural resources extractions, in Game reserves all activities may be conducted as per certain settled procedures. On top of that, Game Reserves offer more flexibility, night games and time.
PRICES
While prices vary between the two, National Parks offer lower prices and their activities are costless compared to Game Reserves. The rationale for that is the activities allowed in both National Parks and Game Reserves, night gaming and satisfaction. Game reserves, give you the maximum of their activities, chances of hunting, and natural resource extractions, for all of those activities you must pay an adequate amount of money compared to the National Parks.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Both, National Parks and Game Reserves provide excellent accommodation services. And that is one of the reasons for their registration in the TANAPA’s systems. However, since National Parks occupy a large area compared to Game Reserve, the likelihood of having large safari hotels, lodges and camps is higher compared to Game Reserve.
HUNTING PROCEDURES
Many visitors often get attracted to wildlife and so the need to hunt, or test their meat arises. The Game Reserves added this activity to their Wildlife Safari expeditions to attract more tourists. While that activity is permissible in Game Reserve bear in mind that it is not permitted in National Parks. However, hunting wildlife animals requires fulfilling certain procedures which often involve payment of large sums of money depending on the nature of the animal habitat and vulnerability. This is to say that not all animals are permitted to be hunted.
Consequently, the choice between Game Reserves and National Parks remains exclusively yours to make depending on what you need to experience, learn, see and expedite. To further help you let’s explore some of the best National Parks and Game Reserves in Tanzania, as follows: –
Serengeti, Ruaha and Bugiri are the best examples of National Park which comprises Game Reserves within. While, Gurumeti, Maswa, and Kirejeshi are entailed within Serengeti, Usangu within Ruaha, Ibanda Game Reserve is for Bugiri National Park.
Serengeti National Park is known for its composure of endless plains, exclusive sceneries, the “Big Five” and as the host of the Wildebeest Migration. Gurumeti, Maswa and Kirejeshi Game Reserves offer Serengeti National Park strength by extending its ecosystem. While, these Game Reserves encroach animals like Elephants, Antelopes, Lions, Zebras, Leopards and many others, giving tourists their best green sceneries and chances for hunting, they still provide Serengeti National Park with adequate water through their river channels and areas for animal breeding.
Ruaha National Park is one of the best wildlife safari destinations in Tanzania. it is said that over 10% of all the Lions in the world are found in this park. However, other wildlife animals like Elephants, Leos, and Zebra are also mothered within. Usangu Game Reserve is found within Ruaha’s ecosystem. This Game Reserve is a mother for over 570 species of Birds which migrate from Europe to enjoy the greenish scenery and beautiful wetlands of Usangu Game Reserve. It is also a nice place for animal breeding and feeding. It is during the wet season (February to June) when many tourists and travellers from all over the world come to witness the heavenly atmosphere of this reserve.
Bugiri National Park is famously known as the home of Honeymoon Safaris. It comprises birds, flowers and rocks which make its scenery so special for game view. Another attraction of this park is its land and water animals like elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinoceros and other species of fish. Ibanda Game Reserves lives inside this park, one thing special about this reserve is the viewpoint where you can stand and watch the countries of Uganda and Rwanda as they border them. Other activities include sport fishing, boat safari and canoeing.
