Top 10 National Parks to Visit in Tanzania 🌍🦁

Tanzania is a treasure trove for wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and nature lovers. With vast savannahs, lush forests, and stunning landscapes, Tanzania's national parks offer some of the most breathtaking safari experiences in the world. Whether you're planning your first safari or a return visit, here are the Top 10 National Parks to Visit in Tanzania — complete with activities, travel tips, and insider advice!

1. Serengeti National Park

Why Visit: Home to the Great Migration and the iconic Big Five, the Serengeti is the crown jewel of Tanzania’s parks.

Activities: Game drives, hot air balloon safaris, guided walking tours.

How to Get There: Fly to Seronera Airstrip from Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

Personal Experience: Witnessing the wildebeest migration crossing the Mara River is a life-changing moment. The early morning balloon safari gave me panoramic views unlike any other. Check out our Serengeti Safari Packages

Tourists in safari vehicles witness the breathtaking spectacle of the wildebeest migration across the vast savanna.

2. Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Why Visit: The world’s largest unbroken caldera with abundant wildlife and stunning views.

Activities: Game drives, cultural visits to Maasai villages, hiking the crater rim.

How to Get There: Accessible by road from Arusha (about 3-4 hours drive) or fly into Lake Manyara Airstrip nearby.

Personal Experience: Spending a full day exploring the crater floor, spotting rhinos and lions, was unforgettable. The mix of wildlife and Maasai culture enriches the experience.Explore Ngorongoro Tours

3. Tarangire National Park

Why Visit: Famous for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees.

Activities: Game drives, bird watching, walking safaris.

How to Get There: About 2 hours’ drive from Arusha, or by charter flights to Tarangire Airstrip.

Personal Experience: I loved the peaceful vibe here — fewer tourists but incredible wildlife, especially the elephants at sunset by the Tarangire River.

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Embarking on an adventure: A group excitedly poses at the Tarangire National Park gate, ready for their first day of safari in Tanzania.

4. Lake Manyara National Park

Why Visit: Known for tree-climbing lions and flamingo-filled lakes.

Activities: Game drives, birding, canoeing on Lake Manyara (seasonal).

How to Get There: 2-hour drive from Arusha or flights to nearby airstrips.

Personal Experience: The sight of lions lounging in fig trees was surreal, and the flamingos made the lake look like a pink paradise.Discover Lake Manyara Packages

5. Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Why Visit: Africa’s highest peak and a climber’s dream.

Activities: Trekking to Uhuru Peak via various routes, nature walks, photography.

How to Get There: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, then drive to the park entrance.

Personal Experience: The summit climb was grueling but reaching the roof of Africa was one of my greatest achievements!

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6. Ruaha National Park

Why Visit: Tanzania’s largest park, known for its remote wilderness and large prides of lions.

Activities: Game drives, bird watching, walking safaris.

How to Get There: Fly to Ruaha Airstrip from Dar es Salaam or Mbeya, or a long drive from Iringa.

Personal Experience: The solitude and vast landscapes felt like true African wilderness. The night skies were incredible for stargazing.

7. Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)

Why Visit: One of the largest faunal reserves in the world, perfect for river safaris.

Activities: Boat safaris, walking safaris, fishing.

How to Get There: Fly into Selous airstrips from Dar es Salaam.

Personal Experience: Cruising along the Rufiji River, spotting hippos and crocodiles, was a highlight unlike typical game drives.Explore Selous Safaris

8. Mikumi National Park

Why Visit: Great for a short safari with easy access from Dar es Salaam.

Activities: Game drives, bird watching, photography.

How to Get There: 4-5 hour drive from Dar es Salaam or fly to Mikumi airstrip.

Personal Experience: The savannah landscapes and friendly guides made this a great introduction to Tanzanian wildlife.Check Mikumi Safari Deals

9. Gombe Stream National Park

Why Visit: Famous for chimpanzee trekking in a beautiful forest setting.

Activities: Chimpanzee trekking, nature walks, bird watching.

How to Get There: Fly to Kigoma, then a boat ride to the park.

Personal Experience: Spending time tracking chimpanzees in the forest was incredibly rewarding and peaceful.

10. Katavi National Park

Why Visit: Remote and wild, a true off-the-beaten-path safari destination.

Activities: Game drives, walking safaris, bird watching.

How to Get There: Fly from Dar es Salaam or Mwanza to Katavi airstrip.

Personal Experience: The vast untouched landscapes and huge hippo pools gave me a raw safari experience rarely found elsewhere.

Tips for Visiting Tanzania National Parks

• Best Time to Visit: June to October (dry season) for easier wildlife spotting.

• What to Pack: Lightweight neutral clothing, hat, sunscreen, binoculars, camera, insect repellent.

• Health: Vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis are recommended.

• Guided Tours: Hiring local guides enriches your experience and supports conservation.

read more Best time to visit

Lake Eyasi, Lake Natron, Ol Doinyo Lengai, Mount Meru, cultural tours in Arusha, Mto wa Mbu, Materuni, and Zanzibar with historical sites.

Lake Eyasi

Why Visit: Lake Eyasi is a remote, seasonal soda lake best known for its cultural significance. It’s home to the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes — some of the last true hunter-gatherer and blacksmith communities in East Africa.

Activities: Cultural visits with the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes, hunting experiences, walking safaris, bird watching, and photography.

How to Get There: Accessible via 2–3 hours' drive from Karatu or Lake Manyara. You can include it in your Northern Circuit safari route.

Personal Experience: Spending a morning with the Hadzabe tribe, joining their early hunting walk, and learning how they live off the land was eye-opening. Their way of life is deeply humbling and untouched by modern influences.

Lake Natron & Ol Doinyo Lengai

Why Visit: Lake Natron is a surreal salt lake surrounded by volcanic hills and home to flamingos and incredible geological formations. Towering above it is Ol Doinyo Lengai — the only active carbonatite volcano in the world and a sacred site for the Maasai.

Activities: Hiking to the summit of Ol Doinyo Lengai (overnight climb), visiting waterfalls, flamingo viewing, walking tours with local Maasai guides, and exploring the lake's salt flats.

How to Get There: Best reached by 4x4 from Mto wa Mbu or Karatu (about 4–5 hours). There are also charter flight options for fly-in safaris.

Personal Experience:The climb to Ol Doinyo Lengai is not for the faint-hearted — starting around midnight, reaching the top to see the sunrise over Lake Natron was both spiritual and surreal. The remoteness and silence of the area gave me a deep sense of connection with the land.

Mount Meru

Why Visit: Often overshadowed by Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is a stunning volcanic peak within Arusha National Park — ideal for acclimatization or a standalone trekking adventure. It offers panoramic views of Kilimanjaro and diverse landscapes from savannah to montane forests.

Activities:4-day guided trek to the summit (Socialist Peak), game viewing on the lower slopes, bird watching, and nature walks.

How to Get There: Mount Meru is located in Arusha National Park, just a 45-minute drive from Arusha town. Most trekkers begin at Momella Gate.

Personal Experience: Climbing Mount Meru gave me a mix of wildlife and mountain adventure. On day one, we saw giraffes and colobus monkeys before beginning the steep ascent. The views from the crater rim were some of the most underrated in Tanzania.

Cultural Tours in Arusha

Why Visit: Arusha isn’t just a safari gateway — it’s rich with culture, history, and everyday Tanzanian life. Explore the local markets, learn traditional cooking, or visit coffee farms and art centers.

Activities: City tours, Tanzanite Museum visits, coffee farm experiences, cooking classes, local art galleries, and shopping at Maasai markets.

How to Get There: Arusha is easily accessible from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). It’s the starting point for most northern safaris.

Personal Experience: I loved starting my trip in Arusha with a local cooking class — making ugali and pilau with a Tanzanian family gave me insight into the culture that no lodge or park could provide. It’s a must-do before heading out on safari.

Mto wa Mbu Cultural Experience

Why Visit: Mto wa Mbu is a vibrant multicultural town near Lake Manyara, where over 120 tribes coexist. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in Tanzanian daily life.

Activities: Village walks, banana and rice farm tours, local market visits, traditional food tasting, and canoeing (seasonal).

How to Get There:Just 2 hours from Arusha and close to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Gate — ideal for a stop on your safari route.

Personal Experience:Walking through the banana plantations and chatting with local farmers made me feel connected to the heartbeat of Tanzania. The food tasting tour ended with a delicious banana beer tasting that I won’t forget!

Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Tour

Why Visit: Nestled in the foothills of Kilimanjaro, Materuni offers stunning waterfalls, rich forest scenery, and a chance to join a Chagga family for an authentic coffee-making experience.

Activities: Waterfall hiking, traditional coffee roasting, tasting local dishes, swimming in natural pools.

How to Get There:About 1.5 hours’ drive from Moshi town. Great as a Kilimanjaro acclimatization or post-trek relaxation trip.

Personal Experience: Grinding fresh coffee beans by hand and learning the Chagga songs was such a warm, fun experience. The waterfall hike was refreshing, and the views of Kilimanjaro peeking through the clouds made it feel magical.

Tranquil view of Zanzibar beach with traditional boats gently moored near the shore and charming thatched huts inviting relaxation on the pristine sands.

Zanzibar & Historical Sites

Why Visit: Zanzibar is more than white-sand beaches — it’s a cultural gem full of Swahili history, spice plantations, and centuries-old architecture. Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a melting pot of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences.

Activities: Stone Town tours, visiting the former slave market, spice tours, beach relaxation, snorkeling, diving, dhow cruises, and exploring historical ruins like Mbweni and Mangapwani.

How to Get There:Fly from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, or Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar International Airport. Ferries also operate from Dar.

Personal Experience:Walking the narrow alleyways of Stone Town felt like stepping back in time. I loved the mix of cultures, the scent of cloves in the air, and ending the day on a sunset dhow cruise. Zanzibar is the perfect way to relax after a safari.

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Conclusion

Tanzania’s national parks offer something extraordinary for every traveler, from iconic safaris and climbing Kilimanjaro to chimpanzee trekking and river adventures. Each park has its unique charm and unforgettable experiences waiting for you! Ready to explore Tanzania? Check out our full safari packages and start planning your adventure today.