Serengeti National Park

Location and Size: Located in northern Tanzania, Serengeti National Park spans approximately 14,750 square kilometers, making it one of the largest national parks in the country. It borders Kenya’s Maasai Mara and extends into the Great Rift Valley, creating a vast and diverse ecosystem.

Wildlife: The Serengeti is world-renowned for its incredible wildlife, particularly the annual Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles traverse the plains. The park is also home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros—as well as numerous other species such as cheetahs, giraffes, and various bird species.

Accessibility and Activities: Accessible via flights from Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airports or by road, the Serengeti offers a range of activities including game drives, hot air balloon safaris, and guided walking tours. Visitors can also enjoy cultural experiences with the Maasai people, enhancing their understanding of local traditions and lifestyles.

Ngorongoro Crater

Location and Size: Situated in northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The crater itself is a large volcanic caldera, approximately 260 square kilometers in size, with a depth of about 600 meters.

Wildlife: The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places in Africa to see a variety of wildlife in a relatively small area. It boasts a high density of animals, including the Big Five. The crater floor is teeming with wildebeests, zebras, lions, elephants, and black rhinoceroses, along with hippos and flamingos inhabiting the crater’s lakes.

Accessibility and Activities: Accessible from Arusha and nearby towns, visitors can reach the crater by road. Activities include game drives on the crater floor, bird watching, and visits to the nearby Olduvai Gorge, a significant archaeological site. Cultural tours with the Maasai communities living around the conservation area are also popular.

Tarangire National Park

Location and Size: Located slightly off the northern safari circuit, Tarangire National Park covers approximately 2,850 square kilometers. It is situated south of Lake Manyara and is about 118 kilometers southwest of Arusha.

Wildlife: Known for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, Tarangire is a wildlife haven. The park supports a diverse range of animals, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, and various antelope species. During the dry season, the Tarangire River becomes a vital water source, attracting numerous animals.

Accessibility and Activities: Tarangire is easily accessible by road from Arusha, making it a convenient addition to a northern Tanzania safari. Activities include game drives, bird watching, and walking safaris. Visitors can also enjoy the stunning landscapes and the unique opportunity to observe elephants in large numbers.

Ruaha National Park

Location and Size: Located in central Tanzania, Ruaha National Park is the largest national park in Tanzania, covering an impressive 20,226 square kilometers. It is part of the larger Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem.

Wildlife: Ruaha boasts a rich variety of wildlife, including large populations of elephants, lions, and African wild dogs. The park is also home to a significant number of lesser kudu, sable, and roan antelopes. Birdlife is abundant, with over 570 species recorded.

Accessibility and Activities: Ruaha is accessible by charter flights from Dar es Salaam and Arusha or by road, although the latter can be challenging. Activities include game drives, guided walking safaris, and bird watching. The park’s remote location and vast wilderness offer a more exclusive and less crowded safari experience.

Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)

Location and Size: Located in southern Tanzania, the Selous Game Reserve, now part of Nyerere National Park, covers an extensive area of about 50,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest faunal reserves in the world.

Wildlife: Selous is known for its diverse habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands, supporting a wide array of wildlife. The park is home to significant populations of elephants, lions, hippos, and crocodiles, as well as African wild dogs and numerous bird species.

Accessibility and Activities: Selous can be accessed by charter flights from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or Arusha. Road access is possible but less common. Activities include game drives, boat safaris on the Rufiji River, walking safaris, and fishing, providing varied and immersive wildlife experiences.

Lake Manyara National Park

Location and Size: Situated between the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara, this park covers around 330 square kilometers, with the lake itself making up a large part of this area.

Wildlife: Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos. The park also hosts elephants, hippos, giraffes, and a variety of bird species. The diverse ecosystems within the park, from groundwater forests to savannahs, support a rich array of wildlife.

Accessibility and Activities: Easily accessible from Arusha by road, Lake Manyara is a popular destination for day trips. Activities include game drives, bird watching, canoeing on the lake (seasonal), and visiting the hot springs. The park’s diverse landscapes provide a picturesque setting for wildlife photography.

Katavi National Park

Location and Size: Located in the remote western part of Tanzania, Katavi National Park spans approximately 4,471 square kilometers, making it the third-largest national park in the country.

Wildlife: Katavi is known for its unspoiled wilderness and high concentrations of wildlife, particularly during the dry season when water becomes scarce. The park is home to large herds of buffalo, elephants, and hippos, as well as predators like lions and crocodiles.

Accessibility and Activities: Due to its remote location, Katavi is less accessible than other parks, with most visitors arriving by charter flights from Arusha or Dar es Salaam. Activities in the park include game drives, walking safaris, and bird watching, offering a truly off-the-beaten-path safari experience.

Mikumi National Park

Location and Size: Mikumi National Park is located in southern central Tanzania, approximately 283 kilometers west of Dar es Salaam. It covers an area of about 3,230 square kilometers, making it the fourth largest national park in the country.

Wildlife: Mikumi is known for its rich variety of wildlife, including the Big Four—lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards. The park is also home to zebras, giraffes, hippos, and a diverse array of bird species. The Mkata Floodplain is a particularly good spot for wildlife viewing.

Accessibility and Activities: Mikumi is easily accessible by road from Dar es Salaam, making it a popular choice for shorter safaris. Activities include game drives, guided walks, and bird watching. The park’s accessibility and diverse wildlife make it a great option for first-time safari-goers and those looking for a shorter safari experience.

Arusha National Park

Location and Size: Situated near the northern Tanzanian town of Arusha, Arusha National Park covers approximately 552 square kilometers. The park encompasses the slopes, summit, and ash cone of Mount Meru, the Momella Lakes, and the Ngurdoto Crater.

Wildlife: Arusha National Park is home to a variety of wildlife including giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and a range of primates such as colobus monkeys and blue monkeys. The park also boasts an impressive bird population with over 400 species recorded.

Accessibility and Activities: The park is easily accessible from Arusha town, which is just a short drive away, and is also near Kilimanjaro International Airport. Activities in the park include game drives, walking safaris, canoeing on the Momella Lakes, and climbing Mount Meru. The park’s diverse landscapes and close proximity to Arusha make it a convenient and rewarding destination.

Mahale Mountains National Park

Location and Size: Mahale Mountains National Park is located on the western border of Tanzania, along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. It covers an area of about 1,613 square kilometers and includes a portion of the lake and the surrounding Mahale Mountains.

Wildlife: Mahale is renowned for its population of chimpanzees, offering some of the best chimpanzee tracking opportunities in Africa. The park also hosts other primates, elephants, lions, and a variety of bird species. The pristine waters of Lake Tanganyika are home to numerous fish species.

Accessibility and Activities: Mahale is remote and typically accessed by charter flights from Arusha or Dar es Salaam, followed by a boat transfer. Activities include chimpanzee tracking, hiking in the Mahale Mountains, swimming, snorkeling, and fishing in Lake Tanganyika. The park’s remoteness ensures a secluded and intimate wildlife experience.

Gombe Stream National Park

Location and Size: Gombe Stream National Park is situated on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania. It is one of the smallest national parks in the country, covering just 35 square kilometers.

Wildlife: The park is famous for its chimpanzee population, studied by Jane Goodall since 1960. Visitors can also see other primates such as red colobus and olive baboons. The park’s rich birdlife and the aquatic life in Lake Tanganyika add to its biodiversity.

Accessibility and Activities: Gombe Stream is accessible by boat from the town of Kigoma, which is connected by flights from Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Activities include chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, hiking, and swimming in Lake Tanganyika. The park’s small size and the focus on chimpanzees make it a unique and specialized destination.

Kilimanjaro National Park

Location and Size: Kilimanjaro National Park is located in northern Tanzania and covers an area of about 1,688 square kilometers, encompassing the entire Mount Kilimanjaro and its surrounding montane forest.

Wildlife: The park’s wildlife includes elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and a variety of antelope species. However, the primary attraction is the diverse flora and the unique ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests to alpine deserts.

Accessibility and Activities: Kilimanjaro National Park is accessible from Moshi and Arusha, with Kilimanjaro International Airport providing a convenient entry point. The main activity is trekking to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Other activities include shorter hikes on the lower slopes and wildlife viewing in the montane forests.

Mkomazi National Park

Location and Size: Mkomazi National Park is situated in northeastern Tanzania, bordering Tsavo National Park in Kenya. It covers approximately 3,245 square kilometers.

Wildlife: Mkomazi is known for its efforts in rhino conservation, with a dedicated rhino sanctuary. The park is also home to elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and predators like lions, cheetahs, and African wild dogs. Birdlife is abundant with over 450 species recorded.

Accessibility and Activities: Mkomazi is accessible by road from Arusha and Moshi, with the nearest town being Same. Activities include game drives, guided walks, bird watching, and visits to the rhino sanctuary. The park’s proximity to other northern circuit attractions makes it a good addition to a broader safari itinerary.

Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Location and Size: Located in south-central Tanzania, Udzungwa Mountains National Park covers about 1,990 square kilometers. The park is part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, known for their biodiversity.

Wildlife: Udzungwa is renowned for its high level of endemism, particularly among primates and plants. Notable species include the Udzungwa red colobus and the Sanje mangabey. The park is also home to elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species.

Accessibility and Activities: Udzungwa is accessible by road from Dar es Salaam and Mikumi National Park. Activities focus on hiking and trekking through the park’s diverse habitats, including trails to the Sanje Waterfalls. Bird watching and exploring the unique flora and fauna are also popular activities. The park’s rich biodiversity makes it a haven for nature enthusiasts and researchers.

Saadani National Park

Location and Size: Saadani National Park is located on the northeastern coast of Tanzania, where the Indian Ocean meets the bush. It covers an area of about 1,100 square kilometers.

Wildlife: Saadani is unique as it is the only national park in Tanzania where wildlife and the beach meet. The park hosts elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and numerous antelope species. The coastal and marine environments also support a variety of bird species, hippos, crocodiles, and green turtles.

Accessibility and Activities: Saadani can be accessed by road from Dar es Salaam and Tanga or by charter flights. Activities include game drives, walking safaris, boat trips on the Wami River, and relaxing on the beach. The combination of savannah and marine ecosystems provides a unique safari experience.

Kitulo National Park

Location and Size: Known as the “Garden of God,” Kitulo National Park is located in the southern highlands of Tanzania. It covers an area of about 412 square kilometers.

Wildlife: Kitulo is renowned for its botanical diversity, particularly its wildflowers, which bloom spectacularly from November to April. The park is home to various bird species, including rare and endemic species like the Denham’s bustard and the blue swallow. Mammals are less abundant but include eland and other antelope species.

Accessibility and Activities: Kitulo is accessible by road from Mbeya. Activities focus on hiking and botanizing, with several trails offering stunning views of the flowers and landscapes. Bird watching is also popular, making the park a haven for botanists and bird enthusiasts.

Rubondo Island National Park

Location and Size: Rubondo Island National Park is located in the southwestern corner of Lake Victoria. It covers an area of about 457 square kilometers, including the main island and several smaller islets.

Wildlife: The park is a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife, including chimpanzees, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and numerous bird species. The waters around the island are rich in fish, including Nile perch and tilapia, attracting fish eagles and other water birds.

Accessibility and Activities: Rubondo Island can be accessed by charter flights from Mwanza or by boat from the nearby shores of Lake Victoria. Activities include chimpanzee tracking, game drives, bird watching, boating, fishing, and hiking. The island’s isolated location provides a serene and secluded experience.

Saanane Island National Park

Location and Size: Saanane Island National Park is situated in Lake Victoria, near the city of Mwanza. It is the smallest national park in Tanzania, covering just about 2.18 square kilometers.

Wildlife: The park is home to a variety of animals including impalas, rock hyraxes, vervet monkeys, and reptiles like monitor lizards and crocodiles. Birdlife is abundant with species such as fish eagles and kingfishers.

Accessibility and Activities: Saanane Island is easily accessible by boat from Mwanza. Activities include guided nature walks, bird watching, picnicking, and boating. The park’s proximity to Mwanza makes it a convenient day trip destination.

Burigi-Chato National Park

Location and Size: Burigi-Chato National Park is located in the northwestern part of Tanzania, near the borders with Rwanda and Uganda. It covers an area of about 4,707 square kilometers.

Wildlife: The park boasts a diverse range of wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, and a variety of bird species. The park’s lakes and wetlands also attract hippos and crocodiles.

Accessibility and Activities: Burigi-Chato can be accessed by road from Mwanza and other nearby towns. Activities include game drives, bird watching, and boat safaris on the park’s lakes. The park’s diverse habitats and remote location offer a unique and less crowded safari experience.

Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park

Location and Size: Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park is located in the northwestern region of Tanzania, near the border with Uganda. It covers an area of about 2,000 square kilometers.

Wildlife: The park is home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and numerous bird species. The park’s rivers and wetlands support hippos and crocodiles.

Accessibility and Activities: Ibanda-Kyerwa is accessible by road from nearby towns like Bukoba. Activities include game drives, bird watching, and guided walks. The park’s remote location and rich biodiversity make it a great destination for adventurous travelers.

Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park

Location and Size: Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park is situated in the Kagera region of northwestern Tanzania. It covers an area of about 2,480 square kilometers.

Wildlife: The park hosts a variety of wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and various antelope species. The park’s rivers and wetlands attract a rich diversity of birdlife.

Accessibility and Activities: The park can be accessed by road from Bukoba and other nearby towns. Activities include game drives, bird watching, and cultural tours to nearby communities. The park’s rich cultural heritage and diverse wildlife make it a unique destination.

Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve)

Location and Size: Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, is located in southeastern Tanzania. It covers an area of about 30,893 square kilometers, making it one of the largest national parks in Africa.

Wildlife: Nyerere is renowned for its diverse habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands, supporting a wide array of wildlife. The park is home to significant populations of elephants, lions, hippos, and crocodiles, as well as African wild dogs and numerous bird species.

Accessibility and Activities: The park can be accessed by charter flights from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or Arusha. Road access is possible but less common. Activities include game drives, boat safaris on the Rufiji River, walking safaris, and fishing, providing varied and immersive wildlife experiences.

Kigosi National Park

Location and Size: Kigosi National Park is located in western Tanzania, covering an area of approximately 7,460 square kilometers. The park is part of the larger Moyowosi-Kigosi ecosystem.

Wildlife: Kigosi is known for its rich biodiversity, including large populations of elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and various antelope species. The park’s wetlands are crucial habitats for waterbirds and support species such as the shoebill stork.

Accessibility and Activities: Kigosi is remote and less accessible than other parks, with most visitors arriving by charter flights or long road journeys from nearby towns. Activities include game drives, bird watching, and guided walks. The park’s extensive wetlands and remote location offer a unique and off-the-beaten-path safari experience.

Kilimanjaro National Park

Location and Size: Kilimanjaro National Park is located in northern Tanzania, encompassing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. The park covers an area of approximately 1,688 square kilometers, ranging from tropical rainforest to alpine desert.

Wildlife: While not primarily known for its wildlife, the park is home to elephants, buffaloes, elands, and other antelope species. The montane forests support a variety of bird species, and higher altitudes occasionally host sightings of leopards and other small mammals.

Accessibility and Activities: Kilimanjaro National Park is accessible from the town of Moshi and Kilimanjaro International Airport. The main activity in the park is trekking to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via several different routes, each offering unique landscapes and challenges. Shorter hikes are also available on the lower slopes of the mountain, providing opportunities for nature walks and acclimatization. Ranger-led tours and cultural visits to nearby Chagga villages enrich the experience, offering insights into local traditions and lifestyles.