Tanzania is one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations, offering vast landscapes, iconic wildlife, and unforgettable cultural experiences. From the legendary plains of the Serengeti to hidden gems like Ruaha, each park has its own charm and adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of witnessing the Great Migration, spotting the Big Five, or exploring remote wilderness areas, Tanzania’s national parks promise memories to last a lifetime.
Below are the top 10 national parks in Tanzania you should consider for your next safari.
1. Serengeti National Park
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Best For: The Great Migration & Big Five sightings
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Highlights: Home to over 2 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, the Serengeti offers one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles — the Great Migration. The park’s endless plains are also perfect for spotting lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and rhinos.
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Best Time to Visit: June–October for dry-season game viewing; December–July for migration sightings.
Board a charter flight to the Serengeti, where sweeping plains and the Great Migration await. Your private transfer brings you to a luxury tented camp nestled within the wildlife‑rich landscape. Over the next two days, explore vast savannahs on morning and afternoon game drives with your expert guide—spot lions, elephants, cheetahs, and zebra herds. Each evening, sip sundowners and enjoy gourmet meals under the African sky.
2. Ngorongoro Crater
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Best For: Dense wildlife in a unique landscape
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Highlights: Known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five in a single day. Its lush floor is home to hippos, flamingos, and predators, set against dramatic crater walls.
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Best Time to Visit: Year-round, though June–October offers drier conditions.
3. Tarangire National Park
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Best For: Elephant herds & baobab trees
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Highlights: Famous for its massive elephant populations and ancient baobab trees, Tarangire is a photographer’s paradise. In the dry season, the Tarangire River attracts large numbers of wildlife, including lions, leopards, and rare fringe-eared oryx.
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Best Time to Visit: June–October.
4. Lake Manyara National Park
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Best For: Tree-climbing lions & birdwatching
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Highlights: This small but diverse park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos along the soda lake. With a mix of forest, savannah, and wetland habitats, it’s also a birdwatcher’s dream.
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Best Time to Visit: June–October for game viewing; November–April for birdwatching.
5. Ruaha National Park
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Best For: Remote, untouched wilderness
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Highlights: As Tanzania’s largest national park, Ruaha is wild and less visited, offering a more exclusive safari experience. It’s home to large prides of lions, vast elephant herds, and over 570 bird species.
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Best Time to Visit: June–October.
6. Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)
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Best For: Boat safaris & diverse landscapes
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Highlights: One of Africa’s largest protected areas, this UNESCO site offers boat safaris along the Rufiji River, as well as traditional game drives. Expect to see wild dogs, crocodiles, hippos, and a wealth of birdlife.
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Best Time to Visit: June–October.
7. Mikumi National Park
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Best For: Short safari trips from Dar es Salaam
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Highlights: Often compared to the Serengeti for its open savannahs, Mikumi is an easy-to-reach park perfect for first-time safari-goers or those with limited time. It’s home to elephants, giraffes, lions, and wildebeest.
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Best Time to Visit: June–October.
8. Gombe Stream National Park
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Best For: Chimpanzee trekking
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Highlights: Famous for Jane Goodall’s pioneering chimpanzee research, Gombe offers intimate encounters with our closest relatives in their natural habitat. The park also has beautiful hiking trails and views over Lake Tanganyika.
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Best Time to Visit: July–October for dry-season trekking.
9. Katavi National Park
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Best For: Off-the-beaten-path safari adventures
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Highlights: Remote and wild, Katavi is ideal for those seeking solitude. During the dry season, huge herds of buffalo gather along shrinking rivers, attracting predators in dramatic numbers.
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Best Time to Visit: June–October.
10. Mahale Mountains National Park
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Best For: Chimpanzees & lake views
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Highlights: Accessible only by boat, Mahale offers a unique blend of primate trekking and pristine beaches along Lake Tanganyika. It’s one of the best places in Africa to track wild chimpanzees.
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Best Time to Visit: May–October.
Final Thoughts
Tanzania’s national parks are as diverse as they are spectacular, each offering something unique for every type of traveler. Whether you’re drawn to the world-famous Serengeti or the hidden treasures of Mahale and Katavi, your safari here will be nothing short of magical.
