Tanzania is one of the top African safari destinations offering a wide range of national parks and game reserves. The country offers travelers some of the most diverse safari experiences in Africa.
The East African country is home to all of Africa’s big five, a variety of rare and endangered species, countless birdlife, and of course the Great Migration – the greatest wildlife spectacle in the globe.
Where you go will depend on what you want to see and experience while on safari in Tanzania. In this article, we share a list of what we consider as Tanzania’s must-visit safari destinations.
Serengeti National Park
Explore the wonders of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, UNESCO World Heritage in Northern Tanzania. Home to the legendary Wildebeest Migration, it hosts millions of animals crossing its plains annually. With the largest population of lions, elephants, leopards, and cheetahs, wildlife encounters are abundant year-round.
Serengeti’s diverse bird species and breathtaking landscapes offer unforgettable experiences for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Exclusive camps and lodges provide luxurious accommodations among thrilling safari adventures.
Whether marveling at lions in the sun or tracking elusive leopards, every moment in Serengeti promises excitement and wonder. Prepare for an unforgettable journey where the magic of Africa awaits at every turn.
Kilimanjaro National Park
Located in Moshi town, Kilimanjaro National Park is home to Africa’s tallest peak and the highest single free-standing mountain in the world at an altitude of 5,895m above sea level. With diverse habitats, the park flourishes with several cape buffaloes, giraffes, grey duikers, leopards, forest elephants, Tree hyrax, and many others.
Kilimanjaro National Park is also home to various primates which can be seen during hikes and nature walks. Kilimanjaro National Park can be visited between the months of January to March and June to October where there are better views of scenery and comfortable hiking conditions.
Lake Manyara National Park
Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park is located between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley. The park’s center attraction is the stunning soda ash Lake Manyara, surrounded by diverse habitats including woodlands and highlands.
The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, it ranks among Africa’s exclusive trio of parks hosting these majestic creatures. The park also hosts vast herds of elephants, Masai giraffes, cheetahs and diverse bird species, including thousands of pink flamingos on the lake’s shores.
You can enjoy safari game drives, walks and birdwatching, indulging yourself in the park’s rich biodiversity. Lake Manyara National Park promises unforgettable wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an integral part of Tanzania with relaxing beaches perfect for relaxation. Accessible via ferry from Dar-es-Salaam or by flight, the island offers the captivating Stone Town experience, complete with vibrant delectable street food. Spice tours, forest walks, and water adventures like snorkeling, Dhow cruising, kiteboarding, and even skydiving await adventurous travelers.
Dive into the island’s rich cultural and historical sites, or venture to neighboring islands like Pemba, Chole, and Mafia for even more thrilling adventures. Whether unwinding on the shores or immersing in vibrant local culture, Zanzibar promises a memorable escape for every type of traveler.
Nyerere National Park
Formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Tanzania. The park offers various landscapes and remarkable wildlife encounters hosting a diversity of wildlife including buffaloes, lions, giraffes, and abundant bird species making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Boat safaris along the Rufiji River offer a unique perspective, while accommodation options cater to all travelers. With its stunning scenery and unparalleled biodiversity, Nyerere National Park promises an unforgettable safari experience.
Lake Tanganyika
Lake Tanganyika is the world’s longest freshwater lake and is cradled by the tall cliffs of the Great Rift Valley. Its waters and surrounding landscapes create one of the planet’s most biodiverse ecosystems.
The presence of Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream National Parks along its shores adds to its allure, offering unforgettable safari experiences. The Mahale Mountains flourish with tropical rainforests filled with wildlife, while Gombe Stream is renowned for remarkable chimpanzee trekking.
Despite their remote locations, the effort to reach these destinations is rewarded with unforgettable encounters with nature in its purest form. Explore the depths of the jungle, track chimpanzees through dense forests, and immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Lake Tanganyika’s surroundings for a safari experience unlike any other.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
This is another popular safari destination in Tanzania. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the northern safari circuit, neighboring Serengeti National Park.
If you are looking for a whole safari package in one place, Ngorongoro is probably the best destination. It is also the largest caldera in the world and has been active for several years now. The crater offers diverse habitats including wetlands, forests and savannah grasslands that reward tourists with stunning views.
The conservation area is home to over 30,000 wild animals among which include lions, elephants, black rhinos, giraffes and antelopes, etc. You get the most magical views in the wilderness at the rim of the crater. If you are planning a safari to Ngorongoro, the best time to go is between April to May when the crater is lush and beautiful.
Katavi National Park
Katavi offers very rewarding safari experiences. It is home to predators like lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, wild dogs, and jackals. It is very easy to encounter predators in Katavi compared to other animals. A variety of grazers including elephants, giraffes, cape buffaloes, zebras, reedbucks, sable antelopes, roan antelopes, and impalas, among others.
Katavi features a river from where the Park derives its name and two seasonal lakes namely Katavi and Chada that are home to a range of crocodiles and hippos. The park can be visited throughout the year, especially between June and November when the animals gather around the scarce water sources.
Best time to Visit
Tanzania’s extended dry season goes from July to September. These months are widely regarded as the best time for safaris, witnessing the Great Migration, trekking adventures, and enjoying beach holidays in Zanzibar.
Enjoy Your Tanzania Safari
If you’re looking for a safari experience that’s equal parts thrilling and indulgent, pack your bags and head to Tanzania. Because here, amidst the roar of lions and the trumpeting of elephants, you’ll find that these destinations are a must-see.
