Tanzania is home to some of the most spectacular national parks in the world, offering breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable safari experiences. At Kanuth Adventure Safaris, we provide expertly guided tours to the most iconic parks, ensuring you witness the true beauty of Africa. Whether you’re searching for the Big Five, witnessing the Great Migration, or exploring hidden gems, our safaris promise a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Here’s a detailed guide to the best national parks in Tanzania:
Why Choose Tanzania for a Safari?
Tanzania is home to some of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world, boasting the highest concentrations of wildlife and vast, untouched landscapes. Here are some reasons why Tanzania is the ultimate safari destination:
The Great Migration – Witness millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrating across the Serengeti.
Big Five Safaris – Experience sightings of lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes.
Diverse Ecosystems – From savannahs and forests to mountains and lakes, Tanzania offers a variety of habitats for wildlife.
Rich Cultural Heritage – Interact with indigenous tribes like the Maasai and Hadzabe to learn about their traditional ways of life.
Exclusive Safari Experiences – Choose from budget-friendly tours to luxury safari lodges with world-class services.
Now, let’s dive into the best national parks in Tanzania for an unforgettable safari adventure.
1. Serengeti National Park – The Land of Endless Plains
Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous safari destinations in the world, known for its vast open plains, large predator populations, and the legendary Great Migration. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras move across the park for fresh grazing land, closely followed by lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles. Beyond the migration, the Serengeti offers year-round wildlife encounters, making it a dream destination for nature lovers.
Top Attractions:
✔ The Great Migration – One of the world’s most dramatic wildlife spectacles.
✔ The Big Five – Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos.
✔ Hot air balloon safaris – A breathtaking aerial view of the Serengeti.
✔ Seronera Valley – Prime location for predator sightings.
✔ Mara River crossings – Witness wildebeest battling crocodiles.
Best Time to Visit:
- January – March: Calving season in the southern Serengeti, with thousands of newborn wildebeest and intense predator activity.
- June – October: Peak dry season, ideal for general wildlife viewing. The Great Migration moves north, with Grumeti River crossings (June-July) and Mara River crossings (July-September).
Best Safari Experience
2. Ngorongoro Crater – A Natural Wildlife Haven
Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most unique safari locations, boasting one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the continent. The crater, formed by a collapsed volcano, acts as a natural enclosure, offering an excellent chance to see the Big Five in a single day. Permanent water sources make it a year-round safari destination, while the scenic views from the crater rim are breathtaking.
Top Attractions:
✔ The Big Five – Spot all five iconic species in one place.
✔ Lake Magadi – A seasonal soda lake attracting large flocks of flamingos.
✔ Lerai Forest – Home to massive elephants and leopards.
✔ Densest lion population in Africa – Strong, well-established pride.
✔ Scenic crater views – One of the most photogenic safari locations in the world.
Best Time to Visit:
- June – October: Dry season, offering easier wildlife spotting due to reduced vegetation.
- November – March: Green season, with lush scenery, fewer crowds, and fantastic birdwatching.
- April – May: Fewer tourists, but some roads may become muddy due to rain. Wildlife remains abundant year-round.
Best Safari Experience
3.Tarangire National Park – The Elephant Paradise
Tarangire National Park is a hidden gem, famous for its massive elephant herds, striking baobab trees, and rich biodiversity. Tarangire offers a quieter, more relaxed safari experience, unlike the more popular northern parks. During the dry season, the Tarangire River becomes a magnet for large concentrations of wildlife, creating spectacular game-viewing opportunities.
Top Attractions:
✔ Largest elephant herds in Tanzania – Sometimes numbering over 300.
✔ Ancient baobab trees – Stunning landscapes filled with towering trees.
✔ Seasonal migration – Wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes flood the park.
✔ Over 550 bird species – One of Africa’s best birdwatching destinations.
✔ Leopards, lions, and cheetahs are regularly spotted in the park.
Best Time to Visit:
- June – October: Peak wildlife season as animals gather near the Tarangire River.
- November – May: Green season—fewer tourists, lush landscapes, and excellent birdwatching.
Best Safari Experience
4. Ruaha National Park – Tanzania’s Hidden Gem
Ruaha, Tanzania’s largest national park, remains one of its least visited, offering an authentic wilderness experience. It’s a haven for predators, with one of Africa’s largest lion populations and cheetahs, leopards, and African wild dogs. Its mix of savannah, baobab forests, and rocky escarpments makes it one of the most scenic and diverse parks in Tanzania.
Top Attractions:
✔ Huge lion pride – Some with over 20 members.
✔ African wild dogs – A stronghold for this rare predator.
✔ Great Ruaha River – A lifeline for wildlife in the dry season.
✔ Diverse landscapes – A mix of rolling hills, baobab forests, and open plains.
✔ Low tourist numbers – A remote and exclusive safari experience.
Best Time to Visit:
- June – October: Dry season—easier to spot animals near the river and watering holes.
- November – May: Green season—fewer tourists, excellent birdwatching, and stunning landscapes.
Best Safari Experience
5. Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is situated in the Morogoro Region of Tanzania, bordered by the main highway connecting Dar es Salaam to the southern safari circuit. The park covers an area of approximately 3,230 square kilometres and features a diverse landscape that includes open savannahs, woodlands, and wetlands. It’s part of the larger Selous ecosystem, which provides vital habitats for many wildlife species. The park is known for its relatively flat terrain, making it accessible for game drives.
Best Time to Visit:
The ideal time to visit Mikumi National Park is during the dry season, typically from June to October. Wildlife is more straightforward to spot during this period as animals gather around water sources. Additionally, the weather is generally cooler and more pleasant for outdoor activities. From November to May, the wet season sees lush vegetation and a vibrant landscape but may make wildlife spotting more challenging due to the dense foliage.
Top Attractions:
Wildlife Viewing: Mikumi is rich in wildlife, allowing visitors to see elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and various antelope species. The concentration of animals near permanent water sources is exceptionally high during the dry season.
Mikumi Waterhole: A popular spot for animal sightings, especially in the early morning and late afternoon when animals come to drink water. It’s an excellent place for photography and observing wildlife behaviour.
Birdwatching Opportunities: With over 400 species of birds, Mikumi is a paradise for birdwatchers. Look for both resident species and migratory birds in the park.
Guided Walking Safaris: These offer a unique chance to explore the flora and fauna of the park on foot, guided by experienced rangers who provide insights into the ecosystem.
Uluguru and Udzungwa Mountains: The stunning views of these mountains from the park are breathtaking and add to the scenic experience for visitors.
Cultural Interactions: Engage with local communities near the park and learn about their traditions, which can enhance the overall safari experience.
Mikumi National Park offers a unique combination of easy accessibility, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes, making it a fantastic destination for new and seasoned safari travellers.
Best Safari Experience
6. Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park) – The Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure
Selous, now officially known as Nyerere National Park, is Africa’s largest game reserve, offering diverse safari experiences with boat safaris, walking safaris, and traditional game drives. With its network of lakes and channels, the Rufiji River attracts large populations of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. Selous offers a quieter, more remote safari experience compared to the more famous northern parks.
Top Attractions:
✔ Boat safaris on the Rufiji River – Get close to hippos and crocodiles.
✔ One of the last strongholds of African wild dogs.
✔ Unspoiled landscapes – Vast woodlands, wetlands, and savannahs.
✔ Diverse birdlife – Over 400 recorded species.
Best Time to Visit:
- June – October: Best time for wildlife viewing—animals gather around water sources as the dry season progresses.
- November – May: Green season—lush scenery, excellent birdwatching, but some roads may be impassable due to heavy rains.
Best Safari Experience
7. Mahale Mountains & Gombe Stream National Parks – The Chimpanzee Kingdoms
Mahale and Gombe are two of the best places in the world to see wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. These remote parks are set along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, offering stunning mountain scenery, crystal-clear waters, and incredible biodiversity.
Top Attractions:
✔ Chimpanzee trekking – Follow habituated chimpanzees in the wild.
✔ Lake Tanganyika – Snorkeling, fishing, and kayaking in one of the deepest lakes.
✔ Breathtaking scenery – Mountains, waterfalls, and pristine forests.
✔ Rich birdlife and other primates – Spot colobus monkeys and colourful birds.
Best Time to Visit:
- June – October: Best for chimp trekking as chimps stay at lower elevations.
- November – May: Lush scenery and excellent birdwatching, but chimps may move deeper into the forest.
Best Safari Experience
