National Parks of Tanzania

Of course, almost everyone has heard of Serengeti -  It is a unique brand of Tanzania in the world because, in Serengeti, you can see large herds of wildebeest crossing the river during the great migration in July and August. Therefore, the visit to the Serengeti National Park is also the most expensive, it has the most tourists, and in the other months of the year, many tourists go only to the Serengeti.

In total, there are 22 national parks in Tanzania, all of them are scenically different, and there are great opportunities to meet the big 5 - lion, leopard, rhinoceros, buffalo, elephant. Tanzanian officials are encouraging tourists to visit other, lesser-known and less popular national parks, as tourists driving through the park in safari jeeps and watching the animals are a natural weapon in the fight against poachers.

Tanzania's national parks are vast, unfenced wilderness areas. Animals in national parks live in their natural environment, and they live in park areas because it is their home and they like living there, not because a fence would limit their choices. Since the national parks of Tanzania are unfenced areas, sometimes the animals tend to go outside the park area and enter the town or village. That is why there are areas in the country where it is not allowed to drive after dark, the driver can be punished for driving after dark - because there is a real risk of meeting a beast and in such a case, for example, an angry elephant will not hesitate - he will sweep the car off the road, and with two legs in an iron box it can also end fatally.

National parks of Tanzania can be conditionally divided into several groups. Tourists on safari trips most often go through the parks of the so-called Northern Circle and the so-called Southern Circle. The northern circle is more popular among tourists because it includes the famous Serengeti. On the other hand, those who want peace and quiet more often choose a trip through the parks of the Southern Circle. Tourists often travel less to the parks of the West Rim because these parks are relatively difficult to reach.

Usually a safari tour includes several parks as they are all scenically different. All of them are home to African wild animals and birds, but if you want to see a specific animal or bird - just ask. Our experts will recommend the best places. It should be taken into account that the parks are unfenced areas, animals move freely in the parks, therefore - no matter how close or far, while resting or hunting - seeing an animal is a matter of luck.

Northern Circle

A safari through the parks of the Northern Circle begins in the tourism capital of Tanzania, Arusha. The Northern Circle includes Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Arusha National Parks.

Serengeti National Park

The territory of the Masaji park is called "Siringet", which means vast endless plains. The Serengeti is Tanzania's oldest national park and one of the oldest, largest, and most famous national parks in Africa. The Serengeti is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Great Migration in the Serengeti takes place throughout the year. This means that large herds of wildebeest go in search of better pastures and water and go in circles throughout the year. Consequently, herds of wildebeest are found in different parts of the Serengeti during different months of the year. The biggest show offered by nature can be observed in July - August, because at this time herds of wildebeest cross the river.

Therefore, if you want to see the spectacular crossing of the river by herds of wildebeest, you should go to the Serengeti in July - August. Conversely, if you definitely want to go to the Serengeti, we recommend doing it in July - August. True, it should be taken into account that there are many tourists in the Serengeti at this time and you will have to compete with several dozen tourist jeeps for a place at the best viewing areas.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes the famous Ngorongoro Crater and Olduvai Gorge. The name of the area comes from the Maasai language - the Maasai pastoralists named it after the sound made by the cow's call - ngoro ngoro.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manaras National Park is home to Lake Manaras, a paradise for bird watchers. More than 350 species of birds have been identified in it. More than two million flamingos have been counted in the lake at the same time. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire Park takes its name from the Tarangire River that flows through the park. Tarangire Park is one of the most scenic national parks in Tanzania. Some also call this park the paradise of elephants.

Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is located at the foot of Mount Meru. Lake Momello, popular with flamingos, and the Ngurdoto Crater reveal picturesque landscapes.

Southern Circle

Safari tours to the Southern Circle Parks start in Dar es Salaam. Located on the coast of the Indian Ocean, it is a port city and, with a population of 7.5 million, is the largest city in the country and the economic and financial center of Tanzania.

Nyerere National Park

Nyerere National Park is the largest national park in Africa. Part of it is the so-called Selous Game Reserve, so the two names are often used interchangeably in everyday life. The park is named after the father of the nation and the first president of Tanzania, Julius Nyerere. The mighty Rufiji River flows through the park, allowing travelers to enjoy boat safaris. Unlike other national parks that feature savanna, here is a bush that offers travelers a different view of African nature.

Mikumi National Park

Thanks to its accessibility, including during the rainy season, Mikumi is one of the most popular national parks in Tanzania. Mikumi National Park is called by some the reception desk of Tanzania's national parks - the park is not big, but it is home to many different species of wild animals and birds, so to speak, all animals come to this park to register as a reception desk.

Udzungwa Mountains National Park

The park offers a number of spectacular waterfalls, including the largest waterfall in Tanzania's national park system, the Sanje Falls. Its height is 170 m. A mountain hike will be a wonderful adventure for fans of active recreation.

Ruah National Park

The name of the park comes from the Ruah River. Ruah Park is more difficult to access because it is far away, so there are fewer tourists. A visit to Ruah Park will be a beautiful experience for those who seek unspoiled wild nature away from the tourist crowds.

Western Circle

The Western Circle parks can be visited by continuing your journey through the Southern Circle parks.

Katavi National Park

Katavi National Park is more difficult to access - it is located near the western border of the country. Due to the location of the park, as well as the relatively small number of visitors, this park is sometimes called the Wild West of Tanzania. Tourists are encouraged to visit this wildlife area, as tourist jeeps that drive around the park in search of animals are a good weapon in the fight against poachers.

Kitulo National Park

Kitulo National Park is often called a botanist's Serengeti because it has no animals but flowers that cover the hills and valleys like a colorful carpet.

Gombe National Park

Gombe National Park is located in a mountainous area on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. This area can only be accessed by boat, from the lake side. The main asset of Gombe National Park is the chimpanzees. Almost everything known in the world about chimpanzees has been studied here by British researcher Jane Goodall. This park can only be visited during the dry season, as the chimpanzees do not like rain, and they move from the coastal strip to higher mountains, which in turn become inaccessible to humans during the rains.

Explore Tanzania’s incredible national parks to find the perfect destination for your safari adventure. With such a diverse array of parks, each offering unique landscapes and wildlife, it’s important to select the right one for your experience. Not sure where to start? Check out our guide, How to Choose Parks for Tanzania Safari Adventures, for expert advice on planning your trip. For a truly personalized experience, consider a private tour with us at Tanzania Safari Experts—our team is here to craft a journey tailored to your interests and travel style. Start your adventure with us today!