Best Safari Parks in Tanzania

Best Safari Parks in Tanzania - Top 10 Serengeti National Park

Deep in the lush wilderness of East Africa lies Tanzania, a nation that houses some of the world’s most diverse flora and fauna. Here, animals walk the land unafraid and unfazed. Hailed as the safari mecca, Tanzanian national parks open up a world of exploration and vivid discovery for every wildlife enthusiast. 

Home to Africa’s “Big Five,” Tanzanian safari parks promise an exciting escapade for adventurers and explorers. Two major circuits run through Tanzania - the Northern, which includes the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and the Southern circuit, which offers a more remote experience. Depending on the kind of safari you wish to undertake, you can choose one of the best safari parks in Tanzania.

Importance of Safari Parks in Tanzania’s Tourism Industry

With about 17 national parks and 20 game reserves, Tanzania offers an unparalleled opportunity to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. People from across the globe journey to the continent and partake in thrilling adventures across the numerous safari parks in Tanzania. 

Ngorongoro Crater 

• Location and Size

The expansive Ngorongoro Crater in Northern Tanzania is approximately 100 square miles. It is also the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world that isn’t filled with water. Within the crater walls that soar over 2,000 feet is an independent wildlife-rich ecosystem.

• Best Time to Visit Ngorongoro Crater

June to October: The dry season with pleasant temperatures allows for excellent game drives and animal spotting near several waterbodies.

• How to Get to Ngorongoro Crater

Kilimanjaro International Airport, about 190 miles away, is the nearest airport. From here, you can take a charter flight to either Lake Manyara Airstrip or Arusha Airport from where Ngorongoro is a short drive away.

• Where to Stay in Ngorongoro Crater

  • Ngorongoro Crater Lodge: Luxurious views and exquisite service. 

  • Rhino Lodge: Upgraded quality accommodation with good wildlife viewing.

  • Simba Campsite: Budget camping site amid nature.

• Key Attractions

• The Great Migration: One of the ‘Seven New Wonders of the World,’  countless wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles pass through Ngorongoro during the annual migration. 

• Big Five (Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, Rhinoceros): Spot lions in the grass, roaming elephants, grazing buffalo, elusive leopards in trees, and the rare black rhinoceros.

• Olduvai Gorge: Commonly called the "Cradle of Mankind," this paleoanthropological site is where very early human fossils were discovered. 

• Lake Magadi: A seasonal salt lake, it attracts a large number of flamingos and other bird species. 

• Activities

• Game Drives: A drive with experienced guides through the different habitats in Ngorongoro ensures wildlife sightings.

• Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Experience an unforgettable scene from a hot air balloon. From this exceptional vantage point - with the sun rising, glowing in a golden hue - gaze out at Ngorongoro.

• Bird Watching: With over 500 species of avifauna, Ngorongoro is home to flamingos and ostriches along with several raptor species.

Serengeti Park 

• Location and Size

Northern Tanzania houses the majestic Serengeti National Park, bordering Kenya and the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. This safari park in Tanzania spans over 5,700 square miles.

• Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park

  • June to October: The dry season is the best time to witness the Great Migration. 

  • January to March: This is the calving season, a time when the cows are birthing.

• How to Get to Serengeti National Park

The easiest way to reach the national park is to take a flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), then connect by charter flight to either Seronera or Grumeti airstrips. You can also drive for about 6-7 hours from Arusha.

• Accommodation in Serengeti National Park

  • Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge: Offers luxurious accommodation with scenic views.

  • Sayari Camp: Quality tented camp in the northern part of Serengeti.

  • Seronera Campsite: Ideal for budget travelers who want to be closer to nature.

• Serengeti National Park – Major Attractions

  • The Great Migration: This breathtaking phenomenon features the migration of millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles in search of greener pastures. River crossings and predator hunts add an extra layer of drama to this spectacle.

  • Big Five: Serengeti has a sizeable population of the Big Five, which includes lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards as well as rhinoceroses. 

  • Open Fields: Wide open fields without trees and any obstructions offer panoramic views of the park, increasing the chances of sighting wildlife.

• Serengeti National Park - Activities

• Game Drives: Explore the park on game drives led by experienced guides who take you to the best places for viewing wildlife.

• Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Get a bird’s eye view of the Serengeti on a hot air balloon safari, watching the breathtaking view of the landscape and wildlife below.

• Walking Safaris: Join a guided walking safari to learn about the flora and fauna of the park and how the ecosystem sustains itself. 

• Cultural Visits: Visit the nearby Maasai villages to get an insight into their culture, tradition, and way of life. Participate in traditional dances and even make local crafts.

• Birdwatching: With over 500 species ranging from ostriches and eagles to flamingos, Serengeti is a paradise for birdwatchers.

Lake Manyara Park 

• Location and Size

Covering about 125 square miles, Lake Manyara National Park is located at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment in the Northern part of Tanzania. 

• Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara National Park

  • June to October: Choose these months to visit the safari park to witness a greater concentration of wildlife. 

  • November to May: The lush greenery that comes with the monsoon season is ideal for birdwatching.

• How to get to Lake Manyara National Park

The Lake Manyara National Park is easily accessible via a short hour-long flight from Arusha to Lake Manyara Airport. Alternatively, a drive to Arusha town will take you two hours. 

• Accommodation in Lake Manyara National Park

  • Lake Manyara Tree Lodge: Luxury lodge with unique treehouse-style accommodation.

  • Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp: Comfortable mid-range accommodation.

  • Migunga Forest Camp: Economical retreat with cozy tents.

• Key Attractions of Lake Manyara National Park

  • Tree-Climbing Lions: This unique park features the famous tree-climbing lions that are often seen lounging in acacia trees.

  • Lake Manyara: Visit the spot that lends the name to the park—a shallow, alkaline lake with an incredible number of flamingos and other waterbirds can be spotted here.

  • Divergent Ecosystems: Look out for the varied habitats in the park, from groundwater forests, open grasslands, and swamps to each housing its own distinctive wildlife.

• Lake Manyara National Park - Activities

  • Game Drives: Game drives provide a perfect opportunity to spot the famous tree-climbing lions along with elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife. 

  • Canoeing: Experience the park from the water with a guided canoeing safari on Lake Manyara.

  • Birdwatching: Over 400 species of birds populate the park—pelicans, storks, flamingos, and more—making it a haven for bird lovers.

  • Night Drives: Explore the nocturnal activities of the wildlife during a night game drive in the park.

Tarangire National Park  

• Location and Size

The 1,100-square-mile Tarangire National Park in a part of Northern Tanzania is known for its enormous herds of elephants and ancient baobab trees.

• Best Time to Visit Tarangire National Park

  • June to October: Animals typically gather around the rivers and waterbodies during the dry season, ensuring visitors get a good look at them.

  • November to May: This is the wet season, which can be a good time for people who wish to enjoy the luscious green landscape and lots of birdlife.

• How to Get to Tarangire National Park

You can land at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and then connect to Arusha Airport by a domestic flight. From there, it is a two-hour drive to the park. 

• Where to Stay in Tarangire National Park

  • Tarangire Treetops: Whimsical treehouse accommodation with breathtaking views.

  • Oliver's Camp: Luxury tented camp for an authentic safari experience.

  • Tarangire Safari Lodge: Budget lodge with magnificent views of the Tarangire River.

• Tarangire National Park - Key Attractions

  • Elephant Herds: The famous elephant herds in this park can be seen in large numbers, especially during the dry season.

  • Baobab Trees: The safari park houses some of the oldest and most beautiful baobabs—some are even touted to be hundreds of years old.

  • Tarangire River: It is home to the Tarangire River, which serves as the park’s lifeline and attracts diverse wildlife.

• Tarangire National Park - Activities

  • Game Drives: Take guided game drives in the park to see elephants, lions, leopards, and other wildlife.

  • Walking Safaris: Take a walking safari led by an experienced guide to learn more about the unique ecosystem of the park.

  • Bird Watching: It is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 500 species recorded, some of which are ostriches, hornbills, and fish eagles.

Other Parks

• Nyerere National Park (Selous) 

• Ruaha National Park 

• Lake Natron Safaris

• Mahale Mountains National Park

• Katavi National Park Safaris

• Grumeti Game Reserve

Why should you book your Tanzania Safari Tours from AdventureTripr?

End-to-end logistics: Booking a trip with AdventureTripr means you can enjoy preparing and packing in peace, leaving the planning and management to our team. We take care of end-to-end logistics from making accommodation reservations to creating a day-wise itinerary to offer you a stress-free and fun experience. 

Extensive itinerary: We ensure our travelers get to see everything Tanzania has to offer. Our itineraries align with both aspects of rejuvenation and exploration, giving participants ample time to see the place and rest while on vacation. 

Adventure-focused: From night tours to canoeing, we believe the best memories come from experiential moments. At AdventureTripr, we offer Tanzania safari tours filled with activities that transform their perspectives on adventure travel. 

Cultural experiences: When traveling to a distant location, it’s equally important to immerse ourselves in the culture and traditions of that place to maximize the experience. Whether it’s participating in activities or making crafts, we encourage our travelers to experience life as a local!

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is the best time to visit the safari parks in Tanzania?

Answer 1: The best time is during the dry season from June to October when wildlife concentrates around water sources. It is at this time of the year that the Great Migration happens from June to September.

Question 2: Should I  hire a guide for safaris in Tanzania?

Answer 2: Taking a guided Tanzania safari tour is highly recommended. Guides know the parks and wildlife quite well, thus ensuring that the experience will be safe and enriching.