On Safari: The Best National Parks in Tanzania

Tanzania is home to some of the best national parks in Africa, offering a wealth of opportunities for wildlife viewing, outdoor adventure, and cultural exploration. Here are some of the best national parks in Tanzania to visit on safari:

Serengeti National Park

One of the most famous and iconic national parks in Africa, the Serengeti is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino) as well as wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and more. It is also the site of the annual Great Migration when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains in search of fresh grass.

Read More on 5 of the Best Places to See the Great Migration in Tanzania

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the Ngorongoro Crater, a massive volcanic caldera that is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalos, and black rhinos. It's a great place to see large predators in action, and it's also one of the best places in Tanzania to spot black rhinos.

Tarangire National Park

Known for its huge herds of elephants, Tarangire National Park is also home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and a variety of antelope species. The park is especially beautiful during the dry season, when animals congregate around the Tarangire River.

Lake Manyara National Park

This small but beautiful national park is known for its tree-climbing lions, which are a unique sight in Tanzania. It's also home to large herds of elephants, giraffes, and buffalo, as well as a variety of bird species.

Selous Game Reserve

This vast game reserve is one of the largest in Africa, and it's home to a huge variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and crocodiles. It's also one of the best places in Tanzania to see wild dogs, which are a highly endangered species.

Ruaha National Park

Located in southern Tanzania, Ruaha is a beautiful and remote national park that offers a more off-the-beaten-path safari experience. It's known for its large elephant herds, as well as its populations of lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Katavi National Park

Another remote and rugged national park in western Tanzania, Katavi is known for its huge herds of buffalo, as well as its large populations of elephants, lions, and crocodiles. It's a great place to experience a more adventurous and wild safari experience.

Mahale Mountains National Park

This unique national park is located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, and it's home to a population of chimpanzees that can be observed by visitors. It's also a beautiful and remote location for hiking, swimming, and fishing.

No matter which national parks you choose to visit on your Tanzania safari, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience filled with amazing wildlife sightings and stunning natural scenery.