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Tanzania is located in East Africa and can be termed a sanctuary for people who adore nature. Tanzania is one of the most visited countries in the world due to its diverse ecosystems, as well as numerous national parks and nature reserves. Tanzania national parks tell different stories, whether it is about the protected wilderness within the parks, the Maasai culture and lands, or the centuries-long animal migrations that have occurred. Immerse yourself in nature with adventures to cherish for years to come.
10 Popular Tanzania National Parks
Witness the great migration to secluded, peaceful nature drives in the following Tanzanian national parks.
1. Serengeti National Park
Photo: Giles Laurent / Wikimedia Commons
It comprises about 14763 square kilometres of public land in northern Tanzania and is recognised as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites for its rich biodiversity and scenery. The spectacular Savannahs form the stage for the Great Migration; over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles constantly migrate across the savannahs. The annual spectacle fascinates predators, including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, resulting in a dynamic ecosystem teeming with life. The open grasslands, riverine forests, and treed hills that comprise the park all support a unique set of flora and fauna.
Location: Northern Tanzania
Top Experience: Witness the Great Migration, hot air balloon safaris, game drives
Best Time To Visit: June to October, December to March
Entry Fee: $60 per adult per day
2. Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Photo: Zenith4237 / Wikimedia Commons
Part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and stretches for over 8,000 square kilometres. The crater floor is a mix of grasslands, swamps, and acacia forests, which provide habitats for a variety of different species. The ‘Big Five’, elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and the critically endangered black rhinoceros can be tracked here. More than 500 avian species have been observed in and around Ngorongoro, with the highlight being thousands of flamingos that crowd the alkaline lakes of the crater during certain parts of the year. The protected area includes both the natural heritage and living culture of the Maasai people.
Location: Arusha Region, near Serengeti
Top Experience: Crater safaris, cultural tours, bird watching
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Entry Fee: $70 per adult per day
3. Tarangire National Park
Photo: joel herzog / Wikimedia Commons
Tarangire National Park is located in the northern part of Tanzania and is famous for its enormous elephant herds and baobab trees. It is the sixth-largest Tanzania National Park and spans about 2,600 square kilometres in area. Tarangire is home to many animals, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests, along with a variety of predators, including lions and leopards. With more than 500 species of birds, the park is also a bird watcher’s paradise.
Among the oldest trees are ancient baobabs, with some being thousands of years old.
Location: Northern Tanzania
Top Experience: Elephant spotting, walking safaris, birdwatching
Best Time To Visit: June to October
Entry Fee: $50 per adult per day
4. Lake Manyara National Park
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons t
Lake Manyara National Park is small but rich in various ecosystems, from a large alkaline lake to dense woodlands and steep escarpments. It is known for tree-climbing lions, which can be sighted basking in the sun on acacia trees or high above the ground. It is named after Lake Manyara, whose small area fills in the peak season with great, colourful flocks of flamingos that make the shores look pink. Coupled with sights of pelicans, cormorants and storks, it is more of a haven for birdwatchers outside its avian spectacles. There is plenty of diverse wildlife, including elephants, hippos, giraffes, and buffalos.
Location: Arusha Region
Top Experience: Birdwatching, canoeing, game drives
Best Time To Visit: June to October, November to May
Entry Fee: $50 per adult per day
5. Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Photo: Sergey Pesterev / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park covers about 1688 square kilometres and is a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts hundreds of thousands of trekkers and nature lovers around the world.
Mount Kilimanjaro is situated in the park’s highest mountain peak in Africa, standing at 5895 meters above sea level. This magnificent mountain comprises three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. In montane forests, you can find elephants, buffaloes, and leopards, whereas those inhabiting higher altitudes include the Kilimanjaro tree hyrax and the grey duiker.
Location: Northern Tanzania
Top Experience: Climbing Kilimanjaro, nature walks
Best Time To Visit: January to March, June to October
Entry Fee: $70 per adult per day
6. Ruaha National Park
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
Ruaha National Park, located in the heart, is the largest Tanzania National Park in the country, covering an area of about 22,226 square kilometres. It comprises various habitats, such as savannahs, miombo woodlands, and riverine forests interspersed with the Great Ruaha River. Ruaha is known for its very large population of elephants, one of the largest in East Africa. In addition to elephants, Ruaha is also home to many predators, like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the endangered African wild dog with a variety of antelope species.
Location: Southern Tanzania
Top Experience: Game drives, birdwatching, walking safaris
Best Time To Visit: June to October
Entry Fee: $50 per adult per day
7. Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
Formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere National Park is one of the largest conservation areas in Africa. It extends to approximately 30,893 square kilometres in the southeastern region of Tanzania. The park is famous for its rich ecosystems, ranging from savannah to forests and wetlands, all running down the banks of the Rufiji River, Tanzania’s largest river. You can participate in several activities, like boat safaris along the Rufiji River, walking safaris, and traditional game drives. The park is quite remote from typical Tansania National Parks, thus offering an opportunity to share pristine, even less disturbed views of wildlife viewing.
Location: Southern Tanzania
Top Experience: Boat safaris, game drives, birdwatching
Best Time To Visit: June to October
Entry Fee: $50 per adult per day
8. Mikumi National Park
Photo: mwanasimba / Wikimedia Commons
It was in 1964 that Mikumi National Park was established and is the fourth largest Tanzania national park. Located near Morogoro, this park comprises a wide savannah, particularly rich in acacia, baobab, and tamarind trees. The Mkata River, which flows through this park, creates a very productive floodplain that accommodates an amazing array of wildlife. You can encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalos, hippopotamuses, and crocodiles. Mikumi also presents over 400 species of birds, including the Marabou Stork and Black-bellied Bustard, among other hornbill varieties.
Location: Near Morogoro, Southern Tanzania
Top Experience: Game drives, photography, wildlife observation
Best Time To Visit: June to October
Entry Fee: $30 per adult per day
9. Katavi National Park
Photo: Calle v H / Wikimedia Commons
Katavi National Park is the third-largest Tanzania national park and is found in western Tanzania, offering a real retreat to anyone who wants to enjoy a lonely safari. It has extensive ecosystems comprising large floodplains, reed beds, and seasonal lakes that support many wildlife species. Apart from that, Katavi has some of the biggest herds of buffalos in the world, often numbering in the thousands. Major predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs also roam around. Apart from that, the park is remote, and with few visitors, you can enjoy very personal wildlife experiences without mass tourism interruption.
Location: Western Tanzania
Top Experience: Remote safaris, camping, wildlife viewing
Best Time To Visit: June to October
Entry Fee: $30 per adult per day
10. Mahale Mountains National Park
Photo: Caelio / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Mahale Mountains National Park has to be one of the most biodiverse areas in Africa. Apart from this wide variety of wildlife, Mahale has a population of wild chimpanzees. The guide takes you through the slopes of the Mahale Mountains, forested areas shrouded in misty forest. There is a clan that has a close understanding of Mimikri, which means M-group, and they are very friendly to humans. You find them, and you are allowed to spend up to an hour watching the activity, usually grooming, foraging, and socialising.
Location: Western Tanzania
Top Experience: Chimpanzee trekking, lake activities, birdwatching
Best Time To Visit: July to October
Entry Fee: $80 per adult per day
Tanzania is not just a destination; it puts you in an experience. Lose yourself in the haunting beauty of baobab-studded landscapes, and Tanzania has seasoned adventures from emotional to all others. End your days beneath a star-covered sky listening to the orchestra of the wilderness, reminding you that it is nature that dominates in Tanzania. Plan your trip with TripXL to experience extraordinary settings and make memories to treasure forever.
Cover Photo: Giles Laurent / Wikimedia Commons
