Overview
Tanzania boasts some of the planet's most varied safari encounters, comprising National Parks, game reserves, conservation areas, and private concessions. These regions deliver unparalleled game viewing opportunities and a plethora of safari activities, including boating and walking safaris, as well as fly camping experiences.
POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN TANZANIA
ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
Arusha National Park, located in northern Tanzania near Arusha city, offers a compact yet diverse safari experience. Highlights include the iconic Mount Meru, lush rainforests, and the scenic Ngurdoto Crater. Visitors can enjoy game drives spotting wildlife such as giraffes and buffaloes, as well as birdwatching and hiking. The park's proximity to Arusha makes it easily accessible for day trips or as a starting point for northern circuit safaris.
LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
Lake Manyara National Park, situated in northern Tanzania, is famed for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. The park encompasses the expansive Lake Manyara, renowned for its birdlife, including flamingos. Visitors can expect to encounter tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras. The park offers excellent game viewing opportunities, with guided game drives being the primary activity. Additionally, visitors can enjoy nature walks, cultural experiences, and picnics within the park. Due to its proximity to other safari destinations like the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara is often included in northern circuit safaris.
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Tarangire National Park, located in northern Tanzania, is renowned for its stunning landscapes filled with ancient baobab trees and diverse wildlife. The park is famous for its large elephant herds, while visitors can also spot lions, leopards, giraffes, and numerous bird species. Tarangire offers unique safari experiences such as walking safaris and night drives. With its less crowded atmosphere compared to other parks, Tarangire provides an intimate wildlife viewing experience and is often included in northern circuit safaris.
NGORONGORO CRATER
The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a remarkable natural wonder. Formed from a collapsed volcano, it's a vast caldera that shelters a diverse ecosystem. It's home to an abundance of wildlife, including the Big Five, and offers unparalleled game viewing opportunities. Visitors can explore the crater floor on guided game drives and also learn about the indigenous Maasai people who live in the surrounding areas. With its stunning scenery and rich biodiversity, the Ngorongoro Crater is a must-visit destination for safari enthusiasts.
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is a world-renowned safari destination known for its vast savannahs and diverse wildlife. Spanning over 14,750 square kilometers (5,700 square miles), it hosts the annual Great Migration of millions of wildebeests and zebras. The park is home to the Big Five and offers exceptional game viewing opportunities, including guided game drives and hot air balloon safaris. With its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, the Serengeti promises an unforgettable safari experience in the heart of Africa.
GOMBE NATIONAL PARK
Gombe National Park, located along the shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, is renowned for its pioneering research on chimpanzees by Jane Goodall. Covering just 52 square kilometers (20 square miles), it is one of Tanzania's smallest national parks but holds immense significance for primate conservation. Visitors can embark on guided hikes to observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat, as well as enjoy birdwatching, swimming, and snorkeling in Lake Tanganyika. With its rugged terrain and intimate atmosphere, Gombe offers a unique and immersive safari experience for nature enthusiasts.
MAHALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Mahale Mountains National Park, situated on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, is renowned for its population of wild chimpanzees. Covering approximately 1,613 square kilometers (623 square miles), it is one of Tanzania's most remote and least visited national parks. Visitors to Mahale have the rare opportunity to track and observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat amidst dense forests and steep mountain slopes. In addition to chimpanzees, the park offers diverse wildlife, hiking opportunities, and scenic beauty, including sandy beaches along Lake Tanganyika. With its secluded location and pristine wilderness, Mahale Mountains National Park promises a unique and unforgettable safari experience for nature enthusiasts.
