15 National Parks in Tanzania

Wildlife Parks in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park, Gombe Stream National Park, Katavi National Parkand and many more.

Are you in search of popular national parks in Tanzania? If yes, be ready to chase yourself for the best. With a host of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in its reserve, Tanzania is a most loved vacation spot among wildlife buffs and adventure seekers. People from all parts of the world land here to experience its wildlife safaris which have Big5 gaming as their prime highlight

Whether you want to dig deeper into the nomadic African lifestyle or indulge in bird spotting and nature walks, the wildlife paradise of Africa has something for everyone. Escape away from the city streets into these dense jungles to enjoy solitude or spike your adrenaline with a quick hike- you will never fall short of ways to satiate your wanderlust here.

However, wildlife parks in Tanzania are not only about their vast variety of flora and fauna. Most of its national parks also welcome you with their diverse landscapes where you can relish the vistas of lakes, hills, rainforests, and grasslands- all in one place.

From the lush green environs of Serengeti to hilly backdrops of Udzungwa National Park, hiking trails of Kilimanjaro to tropical rainforests of Gombe Stream, the diversity offered by these places will leave you speechless. Eager to delve deeper into the ardent wildlife of this adventure capital? If yes, read on and know about the best national parks in the city where you can completely submerge in nature.

Here are some of the best national parks in Tanzania:

01

Serengeti National Park

If you are scrutinizing the best wildlife parks in Tanzania, make your way to Serengeti National Park where endless plains and extensive wildlife scenes are waiting to be explored. The park is home to a wide array of wildlife animals including the Big5. It is also known for its yearly migration of zebra and wildebeest that happens to be the most unique feature of this park.

Being one of the oldest parks in Africa, Serengeti has a plethora of adventure activities in its reserve. While here, you can either enjoy a hot-air balloon safari or spot a handful of predators on your wildlife tour. If you want to get an authentic experience of national parks in Tanzania, plan your stay in one of its luxury lodges which promise nothing but the best to its guests.

Location: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Approx Safari Cost: 60 USD

Highlights:
Zebra and wildebeest migration
Predator spotting
Hot air balloon safari
Big5 spotting

02

Ngorongoro Conservation Crater

Boasting of its mixed landscape that includes grasslands, wooden regions, lakes, and swamps, this park is truly a sight to behold. Sprawled across 3200 square miles, it is nestled in the Arusha region of Tanzania. Other than its aesthetic setting and diverse habitat, it stands out with its volcanic formations such as Ngorongoro Crater and Empakaai.

While here, you can easily spot a wide array of animals including predatory animals such as leopards and lions as well as herds. If you are lucky, you might also get to see the endangered African hunting dog and black rhinoceros. With around 400 species of birds to boast, Ngorongoro forms an ideal getaway for birdwatchers too.

Location: Tanzania

Approx Safari Cost: 50 USD

Highlights:
Bird species including hornbills, flamingos, and sunbirds
Herds such as wildebeests, zebras, and Grant’s gazelles
Predatory animals including leopards, cheetahs, and spotted hyenas.

03

Lake Manyara

Forming a major hangout spot for flamingos and several other bird species, Lake Manyara is a hidden gem in Africa where you can de-clutter your mind with nature that too in absolute peace. Counted among the most sought-after national parks in Tanzania, it is primarily known for its tree-climbing lions and breathtaking landscapes which will leave you awe-struck.

Not only this, the park is a house to 350 bird species and other wildlife gems including zebras, waterbucks, wildebeests, and warthogs, to name a few. While the pristine lake Manyara covers about one-third area of this park, its ecosystem also constitutes acacia woodlands and lush green floodplains.

Location: Lake Manyara, Tanzania

Approx Safari Cost: 53.10 USD

Highlights:
Tree climbing lions
Elephant herds
Pink flamingoes
Lake Manyara tree-top walkway

04

Tarangire National Park

Do you want to escape to national parks in Tanzania to have some peaceful time to yourself? If yes, then embark on a trip to Tarangire National Park- a less crowded jewel with abounding wildlife in its offerings.

Whether you wish to explore the dense woods on foot or take a closer look at ancient rock paintings of Kolo, Tarangire will intrigue you with its huge bundle of surprises. This place is also known for being home to about 300 elephant species. If you are lucky, you might also get to witness the lion and some other predators. The tall and thick baobab trees lining its confines form a perfect backdrop for game viewing.

Location: Tarangire National Park, Manyara

Approx Safari Cost: 70 USD

Highlights:
300 elephant species
Herds of antelope, and buffalo
Walking safaris
Hot air ballooning
Kolo paintings

05

Selous Game Reserve

Sprawled across 50,000 sqm, this wildlife sanctuary houses a wide array of species including giraffes, cheetahs, crocodiles, hippo, and rhinoceroses. Travellers are welcome to soak in its unadulterated surroundings as well as to take a walk through its diverse habitats which include wooden grasslands, Miombo woodlands, and riverine forests.

The game reserve also harbours several lakes and rivers which form the bedrock of its beauty and fame. If you are craving an adrenaline rush, set out on the park safari and get ready to witness some awesome game.

Location: Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Approx Safari Cost: 50 USD

Highlights:
Peaceful natural surroundings
Abundant wildlife including crocodiles, giraffes, hippo, and cheetahs.
Water bodies including rivers and lakes

06

Ruaha National Park

If you are all set to explore the national parks in Tanzania in the dry season, there is no better place to start than Ruaha National Park. Being the largest national park in Tanzania, it offers an outstanding wildlife viewing experience to the visitors.

In addition to being a one-stop destination for spotting predators such as lions and wild dogs, Ruaha also forms an ideal escape for travellers who want to unwind amidst the wilderness of nature. Diverse species of antelopes and elephants are the other two major draws for tourists seeking optimal wildlife exploration.

Location: Tanzania

Approx Safari Cost: 40 USD Per vehicle and 15 USD per person

Highlights:
Guided walks
Best wildlife exploration in dry months
Wild dog and lion spotting
Abundant birdlife
10,000 elephants
Unique antelope species including roan, sable, and kudu

07

Gombe Stream National Park

Nestled on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Gombe Stream National Park is an enchanting site marked by its lush green canopy, exotic wildlife, and pristine lake views. Though this park is primarily known as a haven for a large population of chimpanzees, one can also get to spot other animals including baboons, forest pigs, monkeys, and vervet.

Apart from walking through its dense woods with an expert guide, tourists love to come here to indulge in adrenaline sports such as hiking and swimming. The park also offers ample opportunities for birding safaris and mountain climbing- an added advantage for adventure junkies.

Location: Tanzania

Approx Safari Cost: 100 USD

Highlights:
Birding Safari
Mountain climbing
Walking safaris
Chimpanzee and other wildlife species including baboons, monkeys and many others.
Camping

08

Katavi National Park

Perched in the western region of Tanzania, Katavi National Park is a beautiful wildlife destination known for housing the largest herds of buffalo. Whether you want to retreat to the secluded camp of Nomad Chada, head for a laidback game drive to spot elephants, leopards, buffalos, and hippos, or stroll through the diverse plains of Katavi- the list of things to do at this wildlife destination goes on.

Katavi is blessed with a wide array of habitats, ranging from dense waterways to open grasslands and seasonal lakes. So, if you are a nature lover seeking some time alone in the wild, this is one of the best national parks in Tanzania for you.

Highlights:
Herds of buffalo, and other wildlife species including, zebra, elephant, roan antelope, and reedbuck
Nomad Chada campsite
Fly camping and game drives
Walking safaris through grasslands, and floodplains

09

Mahale Mountains National Park

Get ready to take the best Chimpanzee safari in the whole of Africa at this verdant forest which is teeming with lakeside beaches, colourful butterflies and a wide array of wildlife species. Spread across an area of 1600 sq km, this national park is home to a whopping 1000 chimpanzees.

However, tourists who are looking for more can also enjoy other wildlife sightings including yellow baboons, vervet monkeys, and red colobus. If you are here to soak in the laps of nature, don’t forget to spend some time by the lakeshore beach- a white sandy beach with lush green mountains on its backdrop. Being one of the most panoramic wildlife parks in Tanzania, Mahale deserves a prominent spot in your travel itinerary.

Location: Tanzania

Approx Safari Cost: 80 USD

Highlights:
Extensive wildlife tours to spot baboons, monkeys, colobus, hippo, and butterflies
Chimpanzee fly-in safari

10

Mikumi National Park

If you are on a short vacation with limited time to explore the African wildlife, Mikumi ought to be your preferred holiday destination. Reckoned among the largest wildlife parks in Tanzania, Mikumi provides refuge to a wide array of animal species including zebras, wild dogs, giraffes, leopards, and elephants.

The park guarantees year-round wildlife sightings and has a mesmerizing landscape dotted with grassy plains, hardwood trees, and baobabs. Being enveloped by Uluguru hills to its northeast, Rubeho mountains to its northwest, and Lumango to its southeast, it boasts a beautiful blend of rustic vibes and hilly charm.

Location: Tanzania

Approx Safari Cost: 20 USD

Highlights:
Easy wildlife sightings of animal species such as zebras, giraffes, wild dogs, elephants.
Hilly backdrops
Year-round safaris

11

Arusha National Park

Home to the world's largest population of giraffes, Arusha National Park is a small park spread across an area of 552 sq km. Being easily accessible, it witnesses a huge influx of travellers throughout the year. Tourists are free to choose between canoe safari and walking safari, both of which provide a golden chance to spot a wide variety of animals including hippos, buffalo, elephants, and zebra.

Moreover, the park also boasts of its diverse landscapes, ranging from rainforests to open savannah where you can soak in the surreal charm of nature. If you are searching for national parks in Tanzania with ample hiking opportunities, Arusha is your go-to spot.

Location: Tanzania

Approx Safari Cost: 45 USD

Highlights:
Its diverse landscapes, including rainforests, alpine forests, and open savannah.
Walking safaris and game drives to spot animals such as zebras, elephants, hippos, and buffalo.
Hike to the Mt Meru

12

Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Nestled on the Kilombero Plains, this national park is an ideal getaway for anyone who has a thing for wildlife and scenic trails. The park is enveloped between lush green plantations which makes it a perfect spot to take in some fresh air and unwind in absolute peace.

In addition to its verdant landscapes, Udzungwa is also known for sheltering the grey-faced sengi and other animal species such as crocodiles, hippos, leopards, and buffaloes. If you want to indulge in bird watching over here, head to the nearby Kilombero floodplain which is also known to harbour some other primates.

Location: Kidayi, Tanzania

Approx Safari Cost: 30 USD

Highlights:
Home to 10 species of primates
Also shelters other animal species including leopards, hippos, buffaloes, and many others.
An excellent spot for bird watching

13

Kilimanjaro National Park

Sprawled across 652 sq miles of area, this national park is home to the tallest mountain in Africa, i.e, Mt Kilimanjaro. Tourists can choose between seven different routes to climb their way up to the mountains. However, if you are a beginner, climb through the Marangu route, which is considered to be the easiest of all.

Though there is not much wildlife to be explored in this park, you might still get to spot animals like leopards, buffaloes, and elephants in the montane forest. The white colobus monkeys climbing from one tree to another form the lifeblood of Kilimanjaro Park’s popularity.

Location: Tanzania

Approx Safari Cost: 70 USD

Highlights:
Colobus monkeys
Other animal species including elephants, buffaloes, and leopards
Mount Kilimanjaro Peak

14

Saadani National Park

Experience the real essence of nature at this picturesque national park where tourists are welcomed with tall palm trees, white sandy beaches, and turquoise blue water. Presenting a perfect confluence of dense forests and beaches, Saadani happens to be the only park in East Africa with an Indian Ocean beachfront.

While here, spend hours soaking in the sun, or head for enthralling game drives to spot animals like wildebeests, buffaloes, and giraffes. Sable antelopes, yellow baboons, velvet monkeys, and red duikers are some of the other species that can be found at this wildlife destination. If you are eager to delve deeper into its marine life, go boating on the Wami River and steal your chance to spot riverine birds and flamingo

Location: Tanzania

Approx Safari Cost: 20 USD

Highlights:
Game drives to spot wildlife gems such as giraffes, elephants, and buffaloes.
Boat trip on the Wami River to witness riverine birds and other marine species.
A perfect confluence of bush and beach

15

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

Situated on Zanzibar Island, Jozani Forest is dotted with several moisture-loving ferns and trees, thanks to its low-lying location which makes it prone to flooding. Being a safe shelter for red colobus and other unique species of monkeys, this park invites its tourists to relish a series of playful moments.

The verdant pathways passing through Jozani are in keeping with its abundant flora and fauna, making it a perfect site to relax in the laps of nature. If you are hunting for the most scenic wildlife parks in Tanzania, Jozani Chwaka Bay certainly deserves your attention.

Location: Tanzania

Approx Safari Cost: 7.30 USD

Highlights:
Moisture-loving plantations
A humongous population of colobus monkeys
Scenic trails

Tanzania Travel Guides

Tanzania Safari Packages

10 Safari Parks in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park Safari Tours

15 Serengeti National Park Camps

Tanzania Reviews

17 August 2015

Anurag Devar Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

Excellent

Kilimanjaro Trek in Tanzania is a special and an unique experience that I am proud and happy about sharing. I remember reading about the famous Kilimanjaro in history and geography back in high school. I used to wonder what is so great about this place. While, I saw the images of this place, I realized what a beauty this place was. I since then have this place in my wishlist. I, however, did not find time or partner to go on this trek with. Finally when I did happen to take this trek, I was spell bound. This place is beyond words – Sheer Brilliance.

16 December 2015

Gajaadhar Nambeesan Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

Superb

Kilimanjaro is beautiful. With a climate like that and a landscape like this, this place is a mini heaven. Truly this place is indeed incredible. We had a really lovely time here at the trek. It was interesting and enthralling. I personally loved the whole trekking experience. Not to mention, the beauty of the trek trails that are this old and this natural.

13 June 2015

Vimal Varman Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

Superb

Kilimanjaro trek is one of the very lovely treks. This is also one of the oldest and quite natural trek trails. While, the trek was great, it was equally tiring. My knees are worn out from the trek. Only people with high trek experience can do this.

15 February 2016

Nirbhay Nair Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

Superb

Kilimanjaro trek is one of the best sought after treks, I totally loved it

15 April 2015

Kanti Varrier Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

Superb

Kilimanjaro Trek in Tanzania was my dream since the time that Robot movie song came. Well, it may sound clichéd, but something about that song intrigued me and I was thinking of going to this place. I took this trek with my wife, and she says this is a very scary and a tough trek. However, I feel that this trek was quite uncomplicated, medium level difficult trek that is worth every penny and time spent.

15 September 2015

Shashikala Chopra Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

Excellent

Kilimanjaro Trek In Tanzania is one of its kind of a special trek that is such an old and beautiful trek. One can’t experience such a trek generally in other trek trails. Tanzania is by itself a beauty and this trek adds more grace to it. I enjoyed this trek totally and heartfully. Do try this trek. I highly and strongly suggest this.

02 November 2015

Sarla Khatri Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

Excellent

The trek was great. We loved it a lot. I personally would recommend this trek to all of you. It was a worthy experience.

04 October 2015

Devika Mehrotra Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

Superb

My boyfriend and I being the adventurous lot who try a lot of adventurous activities wanted to try our hands at trekking. After some basic treks in and around Bangalore, we decided to take this trek and we were indeed successful. The trek was not very easy, but we did enjoy even those little thorns. After a point in the trek we could feel out legs, but somehow we overcame those and did end up finishing the trek. It was such a proud and happy moment for us.

10 January 2016

Akshat Asan Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

Superb

Kilimanjaro trek was interesting and great. I had a great time with the trek here. I loved the whole experience. It was fun and interesting. We loved the whole vacation. The biggest plus about this trek is the awesome climate. It was super fun and super cool while taking trek in such a weather. Also, this trek, on the downside, drains one’s stamina as it is quite tedious despite it doesn’t look so. Therefore, being well equipped and fit is mandatory. Overall a must do trek.

03 January 2016

Balagovind Mehra Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

Superb

The trekking experience was fine and brilliant. We had a nice experience. While the trek is definitely brilliant and great, what would have made it more great would be proper organization. The trek has a few issues too as this trek easily drains your energy if you haven’t got that much experience or brilliant stamina. Apart from that though, the trek is an all together brilliant and memorable experience to take with loved ones or even alone.