The Ultimate Guide to Tanzania’s National Parks
Tanzania is home to some of the most stunning national parks in Africa, each offering a unique safari experience. From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the lush forests of Gombe, Tanzania’s national parks are a paradise for wildlife lovers and adventurers. Here's everything you need to know to plan your visit to these iconic parks.
1. Serengeti National Park
Best for: The Great Migration, big cats, wildlife diversity
Highlights: The Serengeti is world-famous for its annual Great Migration of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, which attract predators like lions and cheetahs. It offers a variety of landscapes, including vast savannahs, riverine forests, and kopjes (rocky outcrops).
Activities: Game drives, hot air balloon rides, bush picnics, walking safaris
Best time to visit: June to October (dry season, migration)
2. Ngorongoro Crater
Best for: Wildlife viewing, scenic beauty
Highlights: Known as the "Garden of Eden," the Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera and teeming with wildlife. The crater hosts the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—along with flamingos, hyenas, and wildebeest.
Activities: Game drives, visits to Olduvai Gorge (early human site)
Best time to visit: Year-round, but especially good in the wet season (November to April)
3. Tarangire National Park
Best for: Elephants, bird watching
Highlights: Famous for its large elephant herds, Tarangire is a great destination for birdwatchers, boasting over 500 species. The park’s baobab trees and seasonal swamps attract a wide range of animals, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Activities: Game drives, walking safaris, bird watching
Best time to visit: June to October (dry season)
4. Lake Manyara National Park
Best for: Tree-climbing lions, flamingos, diverse landscapes
Highlights: Lake Manyara is known for its unique tree-climbing lions, along with large flocks of flamingos. The park features diverse landscapes, from lush forests to the alkaline Lake Manyara.
Activities: Game drives, canoeing (in the wet season), bird watching
Best time to visit: Year-round, but most popular during the dry season
5. Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Best for: Hiking, mountaineering
Highlights: Home to Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, this park offers several trekking routes to the summit. Adventurers can challenge themselves on a multi-day hike to the top or explore the lower rainforest and moorland areas.
Activities: Mount Kilimanjaro trekking, day hikes, cultural tours
Best time to visit: January to March and June to October (dry season)
6. Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)
Best for: Remote safaris, river safaris
Highlights: One of the largest wildlife reserves in Africa, Selous offers a more remote safari experience. The park is home to a variety of species, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and wild dogs. It also features the Rufiji River, where you can enjoy boat safaris.
Activities: Game drives, boat safaris, walking safaris
Best time to visit: June to October (dry season)
7. Ruinsori National Park
Best for: Primate watching, hiking
Highlights: Home to the chimpanzees of Gombe Stream National Park, this park offers a chance to trek into the forest to observe these great apes in the wild. The park's dense forests and scenic shores of Lake Tanganyika provide a stunning backdrop.
Activities: Primate tracking, hiking, boat rides on Lake Tanganyika
Best time to visit: June to October (dry season)
8. Mikumi National Park
Best for: Big game safaris, ease of access
Highlights: Known for its elephants, giraffes, and large populations of zebras and wildebeest, Mikumi is an excellent park for a traditional safari. Its proximity to Dar es Salaam makes it easy to visit.
Activities: Game drives, walking safaris
Best time to visit: June to October (dry season)
9. Katavi National Park
Best for: Off-the-beaten-path safaris, large herds of animals
Highlights: Katavi is one of Tanzania's least-visited parks, offering a truly wild safari experience. You’ll find large herds of buffalo, hippos, and elephants, as well as abundant birdlife.
Activities: Game drives, walking safaris
Best time to visit: June to October (dry season)
10. Saadani National Park
Best for: Beach and safari combination
Highlights: The only park in Tanzania with a coastline, Saadani offers a rare combination of beach and safari experiences. Visitors can enjoy both wildlife viewing and swimming in the Indian Ocean.
Activities: Game drives, beach activities, boat safaris
Best time to visit: June to October (dry season)
Tips for Visiting Tanzania’s National Parks:
- Safari Essentials: Pack light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars, and a camera.
- Safari Vehicles: Most parks offer game drives in 4x4 vehicles, but you may also be able to take walking safaris or boat trips.
- Safari Guides: A knowledgeable guide is essential for a successful safari experience. They can help spot wildlife and provide insight into the local ecosystems.
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season (June to October) is generally the best time to visit for game viewing as animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot.