National Parks and Game Reserves in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park is arguably the finest game park in Africa. It is also one of the most iconic destinations in the world, so it's no wonder it’s one of Tanzania’s top attractions. The subject of many nature documentaries, the park is host to the dramatic Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles must cross the Mara River.  Between June and October, travellers can witness this epic event: the clouds of dust, hooves pummelling the earth, the grunts and splashing of herds crossing the river — some inevitably falling prey to the waiting crocodiles. But that’s not all. On the vast Serengeti plains, you can spot cheetahs scanning from the top of a termite mound, lions beginning their prowl at dusk and herds of browsing elephants moving from tree to tree. At 14,763 square kilometres in size, the Serengeti is arguably the finest national park in Africa and offers a wealth of wildlife viewing opportunities. Pretty much every large animal in East Africa can be regularly seen in the national park or wider ecosystem. When you include all the contiguous protected areas, of which Ngorongoro is one of the most noteworthy, the total size of the entire Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is a staggering 30,000 square kilometres packed choc-full of truly extraordinary wildlife sightings. Renowned for its predators – especially lions, leopards and cheetahs – and with plenty of elephants favouring the western woodlands of Grumeti, the Serengeti dazzles even the most hardened safari critics. Regions Of Serengeti Though most imagine the plains as the Serengeti, this immense reserve is divided into three eco-regions. 1. The Serengeti plains: These are the great treeless expanses of grassland in the south which most think of as typifying the park. Here the wildebeest breed from roughly December to May. You’ll find other hoofed animals here like zebra, gazelle, impala, hartebeest, buffalo and waterbuck. 2. Western Corridor: This area is mostly known for the Grumeti River and its surrounding forests, where crocodiles, monkeys, hippos and eagles dwell. 3. The Northern Serengeti: This area is primarily open woodlands and hills. Though not heavily visited, this region is a good environment to spot elephants and giraffes. The vast Serengeti ecosystem is one of the planet’s oldest, its vegetation and wildlife are little different than they appeared a million years ago. The area is a prehistoric cradle for mankind as well. Early man inhabited the nearby Olduvai Gorge about 2 million years ago. Signs of early tool making and other artefacts have been found here. The Great Migration Imagine this scene before you: 500,000 newborn wildebeest calves filling the reaches of these great plains. Plus young zebra, gazelle, eland, and more… out to the horizons. This is the incredible cycle of nature – a gift for all of us. The calving season occurs in January and February and within a few months, the young are big enough to move with the herd as it heads to the Grumeti and Mara Rivers, searching for water and more abundant grasses. The Serengeti is unfenced, allowing the thousands and then millions of herding wildlife to move into the bordering Masai Mara. Serengeti is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Serengeti Park may be the most immersive and untouched province of unspoiled Africa any of us will ever experience. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a “Ten Natural Travel Wonders of the World” recipient. Protection and management requirements The site (Serengeti National Park) has a well-designated and partially demarcated boundary, and since 2009 funds have been allocated to demarcate the entire boundary. Its management is regulated by both international and government policies and legal obligations. The National Parks Ordinance Cap 412 of 1959 provides for Tanzania National Parks with the mandate to manage the site. In addition, The 1974 Tanzanian Wildlife Conservation Act and the 2009 Wildlife Conservation Act provide for both within the site and adjacent area protection of resources, respectively. A General Management Plan (2006-2016) has been formulated to guide the daily management of the site sustainably and is currently being implemented. The Plan guides how to execute the various activities within the park under four main Themes: Ecosystem Management, Outreach services, Tourism Management and Park Operations. The site has a reasonable level of human and financial resources for effective management, but as the activities expand, and more challenges emerge, the lack of sufficient resources remains a potential future constraint. The major management concerns include poaching, tourism pressure, wildfires, and lack of adequate capacity for resource monitoring. Another important management challenge is water: despite numerous sources of water during the rainy season, there is only one perennial river (Mara) which is transnational. However, this river currently faces multiple human-mediated cross-boundary threats. So join us on a safari exploration of this spectacular setting in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park – Tanzania’s most popular park. read more read less

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, situated in northern Tanzania, offers one of the continent's most remarkable safari adventures.  This UNESCO World Heritage Site, which spans 829,200 hectares, is an integral component of the Serengeti ecosystem, a Tanzanian highlight. Its diverse landscape encompasses everything from short-grass plains, where zebras and wildebeests roam in abundance, to serene crater lakes and cloud-enshrouded volcanic summits. The famous Ngorongoro Crater — one of the new Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and the feature from which the Ngorongoro Conservation Area takes its name — is the world’s largest inactive and empty volcanic caldera, formed 2 to 3 million years ago. Around 25,000 large animals live in the 30,000-hectare crater, including lions, black rhinos and elephants. A stunningly beautiful place, it's often referred to as the ‘Garden of Eden’. Ngorongoro has been the site of numerous archaeological discoveries over the years, and it's now one of the best places for safari in East Africa.  Spend a day on safari in the crater, pausing for a special lunch in the bush. Visitors can also hike up the Olmoti volcano, trek down to the Empakaai Crater lake (where pink flamingos flock in the shallows) or visit a Ngorongoro village to learn about Maasai culture.  Attractions at Ngorongoro Crater The caldera is an important landmark for human history, as well as an essential habitat safeguarding animal diversity. Despite its small area, the caldera has excellent bio-diversity, and several globally threatened species live on these plains. These plains form part of the route of the Great Migration.  The caldera is of scientific importance as important discoveries were made here that shed light on the path of human evolution.  Aside from the main caldera, there are two other volcanic craters: the Olmoti and Empakai. The Olmoti is famed for its beautiful waterfalls, and the Empakai is known for its deep lake and lush green walls. Another amazing site is the Olduvai Gorge, a 14km long ravine. To protect this incredible natural wonder, visitor numbers are closely monitored, and you must obtain a permit to enter the crater and the gorge. The crater was formed around 2.5 million years ago when a volcano - thought to be roughly the same height as Kilimanjaro - erupted and collapsed in on itself. Now dormant, the volcano’s crater is 610 metres deep and 20km wide, making it the world’s largest inactive caldera Wildlife at Ngorongoro The crater basin boasts a variety of fresh water and alkaline lakes, alongside marshes and swamps. These alkaline lakes are a magnet for thousands of flamingos during the wet season. Hosting approximately 30,000 animals, the crater serves as a seasonal home for some who partake in the Great Migration, while others reside here throughout the year. During the dry season, the crater's rich, volcanic soil supports a diverse array of wildlife, including warthogs, impalas, and buffaloes. These animals are prey for predators such as lions, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, wild hunting dogs, and golden cats. Honey badgers, jackals, foxes, and ostriches are present all year. The Lake Ndutu area, to the west of the crater, is notable for its significant populations of cheetahs and lions. The crater also provides a habitat for over 500 bird species, including the Rüppell’s Griffon vulture. Among the rarest animals to be found here are the black-maned lion and the black rhinoceros. Notably absent are giraffes, presumably due to the crater's steep sides which are difficult for them to navigate. Hiking at Ngorongoro Crater The Ngorongoro Crater provides a full day's safari experience, but for those extending their stay, several hiking trails ascend the crater's walls.  Trekking routes along the crater's rim offer breathtaking panoramic vistas encompassing the crater area, stretching to the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. On days when the sky is clear, one might even glimpse Kilimanjaro and Lake Natron in the distance. For the adventurous, the southern highlands of the crater feature Mount Lemagurut, towering at 3,147 meters. The ascent is challenging, requiring good physical fitness. Hikers typically set out after breakfast for a day-long journey. Upon reaching the peak, climbers are greeted with magnificent views of the Serengeti plains, the vast Ngorongoro Crater, and the shimmering Lake Eyasi. When is the Best Time to Visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area? The optimal period for visiting the Ngorongoro Conservation Area spans from June to February, particularly for those interested in witnessing the Great Migration. The crater's wildlife is present throughout the year, ensuring a rewarding game-viewing experience whenever you choose to visit.  The rainy season peaks in March and April, leading to a quieter period for the crater. While the wet season offers stunningly lush landscapes, it may not be ideal for wildlife spotting. Conversely, the months from July to September mark the high season, aligning with the most favourable conditions for game viewing. For visitors eager to observe predators, January and February are recommended, as these months offer a break in the rains and coincide with the wildebeest calving season, making of a great time to visit Tanzania. Some visitors opt for the low season to avoid the crowds of the high season. Despite fewer visitors, the experience remains delightful, especially with the increased flamingo populations at Lake Magadi due to higher water levels. Predators are a constant presence in the basin, ensuring ample hunting opportunities. Travelling during the off-peak months means missing the Great Migration but also experiencing the serenity of the crater, albeit with a chance of rain. read more read less

Tarangire National Park is in northern Tanzania, just south of Lake Manyara. One of the lesser-known game reserves in Tanzania, The park rivals the Serengeti in the great number and diversity of its wildlife. This is a protected area of colossal baobabs, grassy plains and huge herds of elephants. The park is one of the most underrated of Tanzania’s attractions, receiving just a fraction of the Serengeti’s visitors, which means more space and exclusivity for those who do make it to Tarangire. Wildlife at Tarangire National Park Every year during the dry season from June to November Tarangire hosts a wildlife migration which is not as dramatic as the Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti but receives a somewhat large number of animals. As most of this part of the country is dry, the Tarangire River remains the only source of water and consequently attracts large numbers of wildebeests, elephants, gazelles, zebras and hartebeest, buffaloes plus various predators like lions that come to drink and graze around the river banks. during the rainy months of November to May, The zebras as well as large herds of wildebeests move into the north-western direction towards the Rift Valley floor amongst the large numbers of animals that spread across the large open areas of the Masaai Steppe and dispersing all the way to Lake Manyara. Tarangire National Park is most well-known for its yearly elephant migration of over 3000 elephants but the park offers so much more than that! This quiet park offers year-round opportunities to view four of the big five, and the guides in the region are so knowledgeable about the migration patterns of the animals within the park that you will no doubt get a glimpse at these exotic creatures up close. No matter the time of year! More so, the great baobab trees and large termite mounds that dot the landscape are like something out of a fairytale. As if it couldn’t get better, this park emulates the importance of national parks in Tanzania as currently, it is home to the fringe-eared oryx, greater kudu, and Ashy Starling. All of these are greatly endangered and can only be found here in Tanzania in the Tarangire National Park. Tarangire Landscape The permanent Tarangire River is the most dominant feature here and it’s after this river that the park was named. there are a number of large swamps that feed off some of its tributaries however, these are usually dry for most of the year but get very impassable during the rains .The Tarangire park is usually very dry, in fact drier than the Serengeti, however its vegetation is much more green especially with lots of elephant grass, vast areas with mixed acacia woodlands and some of the wonderful ribbons of the aquatic forest not to forget the giant baobab tree that can live up to 600 years storing  between 300 and 900 liters of water Tarangire is the ideal park for those who want to explore beyond game drives. Walk through the savannah to study the smallest creatures and learn about tracking animals. Soar through the sky in a hot-air balloon at dawn or head out on a night drive to find nocturnal wildlife.  read more read less

Ruaha National Park is the second-largest national park in Tanzania, home to many wildlife species. Due to its low visitor numbers, a safari here feels secluded and exclusive. During the dry season, the savannahs are golden and dotted with baobab trees, while misty hills stretch across the horizon. The annual rains bring lush green grasslands and nudge the ancient baobabs to bloom. Ruaha National Park became Tanzania’s second largest national park when it expanded its borders in 2008. Today, it holds 10% of the world's lion population and Tanzania’s largest elephant population. The park’s landscape is made up of giant mountains that lead into vast grasslands, rocky outcrops, and a network of rivers. The largest of which, the Great Ruaha River, the park is named after. Visitors to the park are captivated by the lands red soil and legendary baobab trees as well as the large population of lions. Often prides of up to 25 lions are seen, sometimes attempting to take down a buffalo. Again, this park is relatively untouched by tourism but because of this, it is one of the best examples of how Africa has been for millenniums. The park derives its name from the Great Ruaha River which flows through the south-eastern section of the park and attracts a broad range of wildlife. Ruaha is an integral part of the Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem. The ecosystem spans across an area of 45,000km², and it includes the Rungwa Game Reserve, the Kizigo and Muhesi Game Reserves, and the Mbomipa Wildlife Management Area. The Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem fuses the best of Southern and East African nature. Highlights of Ruaha National Park Ruaha is often overshadowed by its bigger sisters on Tanzania's northern safari circuit. This, in many ways, is one of its biggest strengths. At Ruaha, you can experience Tanzania's wilderness without the drone of surrounding safari engines. Its remoteness - and utter vastness - is what makes it so compelling. Ruaha is part of Tanzania's southern safari circuit, often combined with Selous. Although Ruaha does not contain rhinos, it is home to the largest concentration of elephants in Tanzania, lions, and even crocodiles on the shores of the Great Ruaha River. When to visit Ruaha National Park Like most other Tanzanian national parks, it is best to visit Ruaha National Park during the long dry season from June to October. It is relatively cool during this period compared to the hot dry season from mid-December to mid-March. The dry season also provides great conditions for wildlife viewing because animals are drawn to the dwindling water sources and the grass is too short for them to hide. For bird enthusiasts, the European winter months (December to April) are the best time to visit as migratory birds make their way down to Tanzania. Some lodges close in the long-wet season (March-May), so you will need to be flexible when you are finding your accommodation. Wildlife at Ruaha Ruaha has the largest concentration of elephants in East Africa with a population of around 10,000 of these gentle giants. Ruaha is also home to 10% of global lion populations. You also have a chance of seeing leopards, cheetahs, zebras, elands, giraffes, impalas, bat-eared foxes, snakes, crocodiles, and jackals. Ruaha’s unique position on the verge of Southern Africa means that it is home to species from Southern and Eastern Africa. The greater and lesser kudu can both be found at Ruaha. Whilst the greater kudu is traditionally found in Southern Africa, the lesser kudu is found in East Africa. read more read less

Each year thousands of visitors visit the infamous Kilimanjaro Mountain. Its beauty and magnificence are simply unmatched. Whether it be looking out from within the mountain, or from afar toward Mount Kilimanjaro, there is no doubt that it is a stunning natural spectacle. As the highest mountain in Africa, it is a dream trek for many. En route to the top one must pass by sloping lowlands, farmlands and alpine areas. However, it is not just for the experienced trekkers anymore, first-time enthusiasts can partake in a trip to this legendary national park via more gentle trips to the top or by stopping in for a day trip. read more read less

Though compact compared to Tanzania’s larger parks, Arusha National Park offers an incredible range of landscapes—grasslands, rainforests, and alpine areas—making it a true gem for wildlife enthusiasts. Set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Meru, the park boasts Africa’s largest giraffe population and a vibrant mix of wildlife, including waterbucks, buffalo, elephants, hippos, flamingos, and playful monkeys. In just a few hours, you can explore the park’s highlights on a walking or canoe safari, getting up close to nature in a way few parks offer. Perfect as a short but rewarding stopover en route to Tanzania’s larger parks, Arusha provides an unforgettable introduction to the region’s stunning wildlife diversity. read more read less

Lake Manyara National Park offers a wilderness experience in diverse habitats, from its Rift Valley soda lake to dense woodlands and steep mountainsides. Apart from a spectacular setting, the park is famous for its unusual tree-climbing lions and the vast elephant herds it was established to protect. Ernest Hemingway remarked that this park had the loveliest lake in Africa, and he may have been right. Manyara Lake is stunning. It covers one-third of the park's size, and despite its high salt content, it is safe for animals to drink so it remains an essential life source for many animals in the area. It is also the main hangout spot for wild flocks of flamingos, and other bird life. However, truly unique to Lake Manyara National Park is its resident tree-climbing lions. Researchers have still not concluded as to why these lions habitually laze among the treetops, but it is an extraordinary sight to see. Wildlife at Lake Manyara Lake Manyara has a large number of elephants, so many giraffes; zebras, wildebeests, impalas, waterbucks, and warthogs, the less-known shy Kik’s dik dik as well as the Klipspringer that dwell along the ramps of the escarpment. Leopards are hosted within the scattered forests and escarpments, while the healthy population of lions is widely known for its unique tree-climbing capability. In addition, you will not fail to notice the very large number of baboons in this park which can live in sizeable troops of up to 200 members. Lesser flamingos and pelicans thrive at Lake Manyara, but its alkaline waters are undrinkable for most other animals. However, many animals are forced to drink Lake Manyara’s alkaline waters to survive the dry season since most other water sources dry up completely. Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions. The park’s lions tend to climb trees far more often than lions in the Serengeti National Park or Tarangire National Park. This phenomenon has baffled scientists and seeing tree-climbing lions on a game drive is an unforgettable experience. Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara Like all of Tanzania’s national parks, Lake Manyara’s peak season is during the dry months from July to September. The short dry season from mid-December to early March is also a good time to visit, but the temperatures can get very hot during this period. Although you will see wildlife during the wet season, it will be more difficult to spot animals amongst the luscious vegetation. In the dry season, animals are drawn to the few remaining water sources and wildlife viewing opportunities are excellent. For this reason, we have an article on the best times to visit Tanzania Bird enthusiasts may choose to visit during the short rainy season from the end of October to December. Migratory birds visit the park during these months, but muddy roads may be impassable, and some lodges close during the low season. Things to do at Lake Manyara Marvel at the large elephant herds Lake Manyara National Park is home to a large number of elephants just like the neighbouring Tarangire National Park and during your visit, you will get a chance to see the foliage around Game Drives The most commonly used means of exploring this small but impressive northern Tanzania Game Park is through game drives. During the peak Tanzania safari season, the park is normally crowded with several safari vehicles, especially during the afternoon game drives Track the tree-climbing lions A large number of tourists that visit the Lake Manyara National Park do so to set eyes on these exceptional lions that have a unique character. These can be seen while in the comfort of your safari vehicles during the game drives as they rest on the large branches of the fig trees. See the large troops of baboons. On your Safari to Lake Manyara, you will be impressed by the large troops of social baboons as they cater for their young ones, feed and play about. Visit the ‘pink’ lake with flamingoes The Alkaline Lake Manyara attracts a large number of pink-coloured flamingoes that form some sort of pin ‘blanket’ covering the lake's surface. It is a breathtaking view to marvel at thousands of flamingoes all in one area. In addition, you won’t fail to notice several other wildlife within the shallows of the lake such as hippos. Explore the Lake Manyara tree-top Walkway This amazing canopy walk that gradually rises in height extends for over 360 meters offering you an opportunity to walk through the verdant tree top of the forest and see some of the unique wildlife including birds and monkeys. read more read less

Home to the largest herds of buffalo on the planet, Katavi National Park is a relatively untouched wilderness paradise, located along the rift escarpment in the western area of Tanzania. A land of massive diversity, this untamed and wild area is in the heart of one of the largest and richest wildlife areas in Tanzania. Vegetation varies from miombo woodland, where sable antelope like to hide, to riverine and various types of woodland and shrubland. The park boasts a wonderful array of habitats, which range from flood plains of thick reeds and dense waterways that teem with hippos and crocodiles to woodlands, open grasslands, forests and pristine seasonal lakes. Visitors to the area can seek out the legendary tamarind tree, which is said to house the spirit of a great huntsman named Katabi. Here, they can place an offering at the base of the tree in memory of this exceptional hunter. Largely untouched by civilization, Katavi National Park is for those seeking isolation amongst stunning views, far from the distant hum of safari vehicles. With only a few hundred annual visitors, you are more likely to meet a pride of lions here than another party on a game drive. Katavi National Park lies on the western safari circuit and is rarely visited due to the high cost of travelling to this secluded location. However, the circuit is renowned for offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities in its untarnished wilderness. The western safari circuit is primarily accessed from Arusha and Dar es Salaam via plane or boat. Best Times to Visit the Park The best time to visit Katavi National Park is during the annual dry season from June to December. During the dry season, the Katuma River is one of the only water sources within the surrounding area, and you will have spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities around the river. Hundreds of hippos and crocodiles gather around the scarce waterholes, and thousands of topis, impalas, and zebras pass through the plains. Despite the increase in visitor numbers during the peak season, you will virtually have the park to yourself. read more read less

Mikumi National Park is the perfect safari location when you don’t have the time for an extensive safari. The park is also known as the second Serengeti Plains, the open horizons of this park make wildlife viewing a highlight of any visit. Although Mikumi National Park is one of the oldest and fourth largest in Tanzania, it has not become a focus of mass tourism, despite its ease of access. Being part of the Selous ecosystem, adjacent to the Udzungwa Mountains and not far from Ruaha, Mikumi has been partly compared to the northern parks of Tanzania for its vast floodplain grassland, shrubland and forest areas, populated by herds of ponderous elephants, hump-backed wildebeests, aggressive buffalos, coquettish zebras, giant elands and graceful impalas, with their attendant predators, from lions, leopards, hyenas to the rarer wild dogs. The grounds support impressive herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo and impala. While legendary giraffe, elephant, and lion sightings are common. The landscape is scattered with the famous baobab trees, black hardwood trees, and grassy plains. And tucked in between three mountain ranges: The Uluguru, Rubeho, and Lumango Mountains ranges. Likewise, it is home to several primate research studies most notably the yellow baboon field study. Flora & Fauna The road that crosses the park divides it into two areas with partially distinct environments. The area northwest is characterized by the alluvial plain of the river basin Mkata. The vegetation of this area consists of savannah dotted with acacia, baobab, tamarinds, and some rare palm. In this area, at the furthest from the road, there are spectacular rock formations of the mountains Rubeho and Uluguru. The southeast part of the park is less rich in wildlife, and not very accessible.[citation needed] The fauna includes many species characteristic of the African savannah. The park contains a subspecies of giraffe that biologists consider the link between the Masai giraffe and the reticulated giraffe. Other animals in the park are elephants, zebras, impala, eland, kudu, black antelope, baboons, wildebeests and buffaloes. At about 5 km from the north of the park, there are two artificial pools inhabited by hippos. More than 400 different species of birds also inhabit the park.[citation needed] read more read less