Tanzania is one of Africa’s must visit safari destinations, boasting some of the most famous national parks in the world. Whether you’re looking to witness the Great Migration, a chance to spot the Big Five, or simply want to explore the beauty of nature God has made for us, Tanzania has it all.
This guide is for you if you are looking to find out what are the best national parks you should visit in Tanzania:
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is one of Africa’s best and famous wildlife reserves, covering a vast 14,763 square kilometers (5,700 square miles) in the northern part of Tanzania. Established in 1940, the park is known for its seemingly endless golden plains, home to a variety of wildlife including the Africa big five.
Serengeti has gained its popularity because it hosts the world’s largest annual migration of land animals, where over 1.5 million wildebeests, 250,000 zebras, and thousands of gazelles are constantly moving in search of fresh grazing lands. This event attracts predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, making it one of the most thrilling phenomena which make tourists all over the world come to Tanzania and visit.
In addition to the Great Migration, Serengeti National Park has the largest lion population in the African continent. The park ecosystem is mostly savannahs and also has the woodlands and riverine forests, which provide a habitat for elephants, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and many more countless bird species.
Why is Serengeti the Best National Park?
- Here you witness the Great Migration, one of the biggest world’s known wildlife events
- Serengeti has largest concentration lions innAfrica
- An amazing plains view which create best Safari game drive
- Excellent for year-round game viewing especially around central serengeti
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Crater, along with its surrounding highlands, is one of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes in Tanzania. This big volcanic crater provides a lush and fertile habitat that supports a variety of wildlife. As the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, Ngorongoro boasts one of the highest concentrations of big game in Africa. Here it is very simple to spot all the African Big Five in just one day safari game drive.
Why Should You Go to Safari Ngorongoro Crater?
- Home to the Big Five: Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino
- This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with incredible natural view
- You can go Safari all year-round regardless season
- This is the home to Maasai tribe, so expect to find them here
Nyerere/ Selous National Park
One of the best National parks in Tanzania, Nyerere/ Selous National Park holds the title of Africa’s largest standalone national park and ranks among the largest globally with 30,893 square kilometers. Located in the southeastern part of Tanzania, approximately 230 kilometers from Dar es Salaam.
Nyerere National Park is home to an incredible number of wildlife, featuring one of the densest populations of wild animals in Tanzania. Since the park sees fewer visitors compared to other northern parks, many animals here are less accustomed to human presence. Selous provides an excellent opportunity to see big cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, alongside large mammals like elephants, rhinos, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and various antelope species.
Why Should You Visit Selous/ Nyerere National Park?
- Largest national park in Africa with untouched wilderness
- Excellent for spotting big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs
- You may experience boat safari on the Rufiji River
- Best for Safari day trip from Zanzibar
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is located in the central part of Tanzania, is the country’s second-largest protected area after Nyerere National park. Due to its remote location, it attracts fewer visitors compared to the parks in the South and Northern Circuit, making it an ideal destination for those seeking unique safari experience.
The Great Ruaha River plays a big role in this park’s ecosystem and sustaining diverse wildlife. The park is known for its rich vegetation, with over 1,650 plant species. Besides wild animals, Ruaha National park is famous for its iconic baobab trees and acacia woodlands.
Why Should You Go Safari in Ruaha National Park?
- It is located remote and less crowded park
- One of the best places to see large elephant herds after Tarangire
- Beside Safari, explore baobab trees and the Great Ruaha River
- Big cats availability including lions, leopards, and cheetahs
Saadani National Park
Located in Mkoa wa Pwani and Tanga region, Saadani National Park is one of Tanzania’s most unique parks compared to other parks, as it is the only national park along East Africa’s coastline. This rare combination of beach and bush makes Saadani one of exceptional safari locations where you can watch wild animals alongside the Indian Ocean.
The park is home to a variety of ecosystems, including mangrove forests, savannah plains, and large coral reefs. The park is paradise for over hundreds of bird species including Flamingos and Kingfisher. Wami River (Mto Wami) plays a crucial role in the ecosystems of Saadani National Park where a variety of wildlife depend on, like Hippos and crocodiles.
Why Should You Visit This Place?
- The only national park in East Africa located close to the coastline
- Opportunity to combine Marine with a safari experience
- Easy accessible park from Dar es Salam and Zanzibar
- A chance to see 4 of 5 Africa big five, which means only rhinos are missing
Gombe National Park
Gombe National Park is the smallest national park in Tanzania, covering just 35 square kilometers (14 square miles) along the shores of Lake Tanganyika in the western part of Tanzania, Kigoma district. Despite its size, this park plays a big role in primate research and conservation.
This park is most famous for being the site of Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking research on chimpanzees for 50 years, which began in 1960. Today, it serves as a safari destination where visitors can trek through the dense jungle and observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The park also features a mix of grasslands, woodlands, and steep valleys, creating a diverse and beautiful landscape.
Apart from chimpanzees, Gombe is home to olive baboons, red colobus monkeys, and a variety of bird species, approximately over 200 bird species found in the park. The park’s location along Lake Tanganyika offers opportunities to explore the wild with local boats.
Why Should You Visit Gombe National Park?
- One of the rarest places in the world to see wild chimpanzees
- Get to know more how this incredible woman (Jane Goodall) lived during her 50 years of research.h
- Offers the best hiking and exploring the Lake Tanganyika
Katavi National Park
Katavi National Park is one of the best National Parks in Tanzania, located in western Tanzania. The park is not so famous compared to others, but this is a hundred percent one of must visit parks if you love nature. One of the main reasons that this park is less popular is because it is located very far west of Tanzania.
For this reason, the travel costs may be higher than other many parks like Serengeti, Selous and Ngorongoro. The park was established in 1974 covering 4,471 square kilometers, making it among Tanzania’s largest national parks.
The park is home to the Katuma River (Mto Katuma) and other small seasonal Lake Katavi and Lake Chada floodplains, which attract large concentrations of wildlife, particularly in the dry season.
Hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and thousands of buffaloes can be found here, while the surrounding plains host lions, leopards, and other predators. Historically, the land was home to the Rungwa, Manda, and Kimbu peoples, adding cultural depth to its natural wonders, you will learn more about these tribes when taking a tour to these National parks.
Why Should You Visit This Park?
- It is remote and less crowded safari park
- High concentrations of wild animals, including buffalo herds, Elephants and hippos
- Witnessing the predators in action, including lions and leopards
- If you travel for photography, this is must visit
Lake Manyara National Park
Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, one of the smallest while best National park we can recommend to travelers. Lake Manyara National Park offers a great view and diverse ecosystems.
Have you ever seen a lion climbing a tree in any safari episode? It may have happened in Lake Manyara. The tree-climbing lions make this park stand out, which are rarely seen elsewhere in the African continent. Its underground water forests provide a habitat for many other animals including primates.
For birdwatchers travelers, Lake Manyara is a paradise, boasting over 350 bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, and storks. At certain times, more than two million flamingos can be seen covering the lake in a pink spectacle.
Why Should You Go Safari in Lake Manyara National Park?
- Famous for its rare tree-climbing lions
- Home to unique hot springs
- Over 350 bird species, making it the best for bird watching
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park, located in northern Tanzania’s Manyara Region, derives its name from the Tarangire River (Mto wa Ngiri), which serves as the primary water source for wildlife during the dry season. This makes the park a hotspot for animal concentrations, particularly elephants, which gather here in large herds compared to any other place in Tanzania.
During the dry months, thousands of animals, including giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes, move into Tarangire from surrounding areas of the park, this we normally call as an internal migration. Once this happens, the park is now becoming one of the best places where you can encounter wildlife. Besides animals, the park is also known for its oldest baobab trees, which dot the landscape and add to its striking scenery.
Why Should I go Safari to Tarangire National Park?
- The best park in Africa to spot large elephant herds
- The park serves as migration hub for wildebeests, zebras, and other grazing animals
- Exploring the Giant baobab trees
- The park provide year-round wildlife viewing opportunities
Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is the fourth-largest national park in Tanzania, Covering 3,230 square kilometers. Located along the Dar es Salaam–Zambia highway, it is an ideal safari destination for those seeking a day trip Safari from Dar es Salam or Zanzibar because it just takes 30 minutes to land on Mikumi Airstrip.
The park is dominated by savannah plains and a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, wildebeest, and buffaloes. The Mkata River floodplain in Mikumi is a hotspot for game viewing, attracting predators and herbivores alike which make it a great spot to experience the wildlife safari.
Why Should You Go Safari to Mikumi?
- Easily accessible from Dar es Salaam
- Perfect for a day trip Safari from Zanzibar
- Scenic savannah land, looks similar to those in the Serengeti, creates a perfect view of game drive safari.
- After Safari in Mikumi, it is possible to visit Udzungwa Mountains
Makuyuni Wildlife Park
Makuyuni Wildlife Park is located in Arusha, it is well-known as some of Tanzania northern national parks. Maybe because it is nearest to the world’s best Safari national parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire National park. However Makuyuni provides the best safari experience for the travelers who don’t have enough time for Safari.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras, making it a great alternative to more crowded reserves or you can do a short Safari here on the way to the largest national parks.
Why Should You Visit This Park?
- Fewer tourists and a peaceful safari experience
- Home to some of the African big five: lions and elephants
- You can organize a walking safaris
Lake Natron
Lake Natron is a unique salt lake located in northern Tanzania, about 3 and half hours driving from Lake Manyara. At this point I hope you already spot a pink Tanzania lake over the internet, there is a chance that the lake is Natron. The lake is situated at the base of Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano in Tanzania, the lake is known for its red and pink waters, created by salt-loving microorganisms and cyanobacteria that thrive in its highly alkaline water of Natron.
The lake Natron is shallow, with depths of less than three meters, and spans 57 kilometers in length and 22 kilometers in width. Due to high temperatures, much of its water evaporates, leaving behind high concentrations of sodium and other minerals. This makes it inhospitable for most animals but provides an ideal breeding ground for flamingos, which flock here in the thousands.
Why Should You Visit Lake Natron?
- One of the unique and strikingly colorful lakes in the world
- The best breeding ground for flamingos
- The lake is located at the base of Ol Doinyo Lengai which is the only carbonatite volcano in the world
Lake Eyasi
Lake Eyasi is a seasonal salt lake resting on the floor of the famous Great Rift Valley in the northern part of Tanzania, located just south of the Ngorongoro Highlands, so if you are a traveler visiting northern national parks you can combine your Safari with a visit to this lake.
Unlike the dry savannahs and arid plains found in northern parts of Tanzania. Lake Eyasi is featured with a greenery landscape lined with towering palm trees which makes it a perfect place for relaxation while enjoying the stunning natural atmosphere. Lake Eyasi is also home to the indigenous Hadzabe and Datoga tribes who stayed here for centuries. Interacting with these tribes is one of the best things you can do when visiting lake Eyasi.
Why Should You Visit Lake Eyasi?
- A tranquil environment away from busy safari routes
- The home of indigenous tribes Hadzabe and Datoga
- Perfect for birdwatching, especially during the wet season when the flamingos visit
Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak of Africa and is one of Tanzania’s most iconic landmarks you must visit even once in a lifetime. Every year, Tanzania receives thousands of climbers and adventure seekers set out to conquer its 5,895-meter (19,341 feet) summit, an achievement that offers breathtaking views of the African plains land.
The journey to the top of the mountain contains multiple climate zones, from green tropical rainforests with wildlife to alpine deserts and, finally, the glacier-covered which we call the “Roof of Africa.” Due to its ecological and geological significance, Kilimanjaro was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Why Should You Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
- This is the highest mountain in Africa
- Trek through diverse landscapes and see how climate change at every stage
- Experience what it is like to be on top of Africa
- Achieving to climb Kilimanjaro prof your competence to climb many other famous mountains
FAQs on Best National Parks in Tanzania
Which national park in Tanzania has the most wildlife?
The Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Katavi have the largest concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) compared to other remaining parks.
Which national park is best for first-time safari travelers?
If it’s your first time going on a safari in Tanzania, make sure you visit Tarangire, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater because they are the best and easily accessible.
Can I see the Big Five in one park?
Yes! Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places in Tanzania to see all the Big Five in a single game drive. If you don’t have enough time for Safari and are looking to spot all the big five, make sure you visit Ngorongoro.
Can I combine a safari with a beach holiday?
Yes! Many visitors combine a safari in Serengeti, Tarangire, or Ngorongoro with a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar. Learn more tips on combining Tanzania safari and Zanzibar islands.
Can I do Game Drive Safari at Jozani Forest?
No, Jozani forest is a very small reserved park in Zanzibar where you can explore the Red Colobus Monkey just by walking. If you are looking to go Safari from Zanzibar, then find out the best options here.
