Tanzania National Parks Guide: Complete Overview of All 16 Parks

Tanzania is home to 16 spectacular national parks, each offering unique wildlife experiences, landscapes, and safari adventures. From the endless plains of the Serengeti to the lush forests of Mahale, this complete guide will help you discover Tanzania's natural treasures.

Northern Circuit Parks: The Classic Safari

1. Serengeti National Park

Tanzania's most famous park and one of the world's most iconic wildlife destinations. The Serengeti covers 14,763 square kilometers of endless plains, woodlands, and riverine forests.

• Best For: Great Migration, big cats (lions, leopards, cheetahs), massive herds
• Best Time: June-October for migration river crossings; January-February for calving season
• Wildlife Highlights: Over 3 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, 1.7 million gnus, large lion prides
• Unique Features: Endless plains, Great Migration, highest concentration of predators in Africa
• Activities: Game drives, hot air balloon safaris, walking safaris, cultural visits to Maasai villages

2. Ngorongoro Crater

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest intact volcanic caldera. The crater is 610 meters deep and spans 260 square kilometers, creating a natural enclosure for an incredible concentration of wildlife.

• Best For: Big Five in one day, highest density of predators, black rhinos
• Best Time: Year-round destination; June-October for dry season viewing
• Wildlife Highlights: 25,000+ animals including rare black rhinos, huge bull elephants, flamingos
• Unique Features: Self-contained ecosystem, guaranteed wildlife sightings, stunning crater views
• Activities: Crater floor game drives, rim walks, visits to Olduvai Gorge

3. Lake Manyara National Park

Compact park known for its tree-climbing lions, huge elephant herds, and incredible birdlife. The park is dominated by the shallow soda lake that attracts thousands of flamingos.

• Best For: Tree-climbing lions, elephants, birdwatching (400+ species)
• Best Time: November-June for birds; July-October for mammals
• Size: 330 square kilometers (70% is the lake itself)
• Activities: Game drives, canopy walkway, canoeing, night drives

4. Tarangire National Park

Famous for its huge elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and as a secret gem of Tanzania's safari circuit. During dry season, Tarangire has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife outside the Serengeti ecosystem.

• Best For: Massive elephant herds (up to 300 elephants), baobab trees, predators
• Best Time: June-October (dry season peak); November-May quieter with migratory birds
• Wildlife Highlights: Over 3,000 elephants, tree-climbing pythons, greater kudu, fringe-eared oryx
• Size: 2,850 square kilometers

5. Arusha National Park

Small but incredibly diverse park at the base of Mount Meru. Perfect for walking safaris and canoeing. Despite its size, it offers forests, crater lakes, and savannah grasslands.

• Best For: Walking safaris, canoeing, day trips, Mount Meru trekking
• Wildlife: Black and white colobus monkeys, giraffes, buffaloes, flamingos (no lions)
• Unique: Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, Mount Meru (4,566m) base

Southern Circuit Parks: Off the Beaten Path

6. Ruaha National Park

Tanzania's largest national park (20,226 sq km) and one of its best-kept secrets. Remote, wild, and spectacular, Ruaha offers an exclusive safari experience.

• Best For: Wild, untouched landscapes; large predator populations; remote safari experience
• Best Time: June-November (dry season); animals concentrate around Great Ruaha River
• Wildlife: 10% of Africa's lion population, 10,000+ elephants, endangered wild dogs, 571 bird species
• Why Visit: Incredible predator action, far fewer tourists, pristine wilderness

7. Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)

Recently renamed Nyerere National Park, this is Africa's largest protected wildlife reserve. At 50,000 square kilometers, it's larger than Switzerland and offers boat safaris, walking safaris, and fly camping.

• Best For: Boat safaris, walking safaris, wild dogs, hippos and crocodiles, remote adventure
• Best Time: June-October (dry season)
• Wildlife: Largest populations of elephants, hippos, and African wild dogs; over 400 bird species
• Unique Activities: Boat safaris on Rufiji River, multi-day walking safaris, fly camping

8. Mikumi National Park

The most accessible park from Dar es Salaam (4-5 hours drive). Part of the greater Selous ecosystem, Mikumi offers excellent wildlife viewing with a beautiful backdrop of mountains.

• Best For: Easy access from Dar es Salaam, lions, elephants, buffaloes
• Wildlife: Lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, impalas, wild dogs (rare)
• Size: 3,230 square kilometers

Western Circuit Parks: Chimpanzee Trekking

9. Mahale Mountains National Park

One of the most beautiful and remote parks in Africa. Accessible only by boat across Lake Tanganyika, Mahale is home to approximately 1,000 wild chimpanzees - one of the largest populations in the world.

• Best For: Chimpanzee trekking, pristine beaches, crystal-clear lake, ultimate remote experience
• Best Time: May-October (dry season, chimpanzees lower on mountains)
• Wildlife: 1,000 chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, bushbucks, over 350 bird species
• Unique: Swim in Lake Tanganyika, world's longest freshwater lake

10. Gombe Stream National Park

Tanzania's smallest national park but internationally famous as the site of Jane Goodall's pioneering chimpanzee research. This is where modern primatology was born.

• Best For: Chimpanzee trekking, Jane Goodall legacy, birdwatching
• Size: Only 52 square kilometers
• Wildlife: 100+ chimpanzees (habituated), red colobus monkeys, olive baboons
• Access: Boat from Kigoma on Lake Tanganyika

11. Katavi National Park

One of Africa's most remote and least visited parks. During the dry season, Katavi hosts one of the most spectacular wildlife concentrations in Africa.

• Best For: Ultimate wilderness, massive buffalo and elephant herds, huge crocodile and hippo pods
• Best Time: June-October (dry season - incredible wildlife density)
• Wildlife: 4,000+ elephants, 1,000+ hippos in single pools, huge buffalo herds (several thousand), lions, leopards
• Size: 4,471 square kilometers of pristine wilderness

Coastal & Island Parks

12. Saadani National Park

The only Tanzanian national park with an Indian Ocean beachfront. Unique combination of beach, bush, and safari in one place.

• Best For: Beach and safari combination, boat safaris, remote coastal experience
• Wildlife: Elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos; plus marine life including dolphins and sea turtles
• Unique: See elephants on the beach; combine snorkeling with game drives

Lesser-Known Parks Worth Exploring

13. Lake Natron

Alkaline soda lake fed by hot springs and rivers. It's the only regular breeding area in East Africa for 2.5 million lesser flamingos.

• Best For: Flamingo breeding (August-October), dramatic landscapes, Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano
• Unique: Lake turns red due to algae; extremely high alkalinity preserves animals like stone
• Activities: Flamingo viewing, volcano trekking, waterfall visits

14. Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Home to Africa's highest peak (5,895m). While not a traditional safari destination, the park offers unique high-altitude wildlife and trekking experiences.

• Best For: Mountain trekking, unique afro-alpine wildlife, glaciers
• Routes: 7 routes to summit (Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Umbwe, Shira)
• Wildlife: Blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, bushbucks; unique plants like giant groundsels

15. Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, a biodiversity hotspot with incredible endemic species. Known as the "Galapagos of Africa."

• Best For: Hiking, primate viewing (6 endemic primate species), birdwatching
• Unique Wildlife: Udzungwa red colobus (found nowhere else), Sanje crested mangabey
• Activities: Hiking to Sanje Waterfalls (170m), forest walks, primate tracking

16. Mkomazi National Park

Lesser-known park near the Kenyan border, part of the same ecosystem as Kenya's Tsavo West. Important sanctuary for black rhinos and wild dogs.

• Best For: Black rhino sanctuary, wild dog conservation, off-the-beaten-path experience
• Wildlife: Black rhinos (sanctuary project), wild dogs, gerenuk, lesser kudu, oryx
• Views: Spectacular views of Kilimanjaro on clear days

How to Choose Which Parks to Visit

For First-Time Visitors

Recommended Circuit: Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara)

• Best infrastructure and lodge options
• Highest density of wildlife year-round
• Best chance to see the Big Five
• Witness the Great Migration
• Easy to combine in 7-10 day safari

For Seasoned Safari-Goers

Recommended: Southern Circuit (Ruaha, Nyerere) or Western Circuit (Katavi, Mahale)

• Far fewer tourists for exclusive experience
• Pristine wilderness areas
• Excellent predator viewing
• Unique activities: walking safaris, boat safaris, chimpanzee trekking
• True adventure in remote locations

For Wildlife Photographers

Best Parks: Serengeti (action and migration), Ngorongoro (all species in one day), Ruaha (predators), Katavi (huge herds)

For Primate Enthusiasts

Best Parks: Mahale or Gombe (chimpanzees), Udzungwa (endemic monkeys)

For Beach & Safari Combo

Best Option: Northern Circuit safari + Zanzibar OR Southern Circuit + Mafia Island

Practical Safari Planning Tips

How Many Parks Should You Visit?

• 7-Day Safari: 2-3 parks (e.g., Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire)
• 10-Day Safari: 3-4 parks (add Lake Manyara or extend Serengeti time)
• 14-Day Safari: 4-5 parks or combine Northern + Southern circuits

Park Entry Fees (2025)

• Serengeti: $70 USD per adult per day
• Ngorongoro Crater: $70 + $295 crater service fee
• Most other parks: $35-$50 USD per adult per day

Getting Between Parks

• Northern Circuit: 4x4 safari vehicle (driving safaris)
• Southern/Western Circuits: Often require fly-in safaris (light aircraft)
• Flight times: Arusha to Ruaha (2.5 hours), Arusha to Mahale (4+ hours with stops)

Best Time to Visit Tanzania's National Parks

Dry Season (June - October)

• Best wildlife viewing (animals congregate at water sources)
• Easier game spotting (less vegetation)
• Great Migration river crossings (July-October)
• Best weather for photography
• Peak season - higher prices and more tourists

Short Rains (November - December)

• Green season begins, beautiful landscapes
• Fewer tourists, lower prices
• Excellent birdwatching (migratory birds arrive)
• Great Migration in southern Serengeti

Long Rains (March - May)

• Lowest prices of the year
• Very few tourists (ultimate privacy)
• Lush, green scenery
• Some camps close; roads can be difficult
• Best for budget travelers and photographers who want dramatic skies

Calving Season (January - February)

• 500,000+ wildebeest calves born in southern Serengeti
• Incredible predator action
• Excellent photography opportunities
• Pleasant weather (short dry spell)

Conservation Success Stories

Tanzania's national parks represent one of Africa's greatest conservation success stories:

• Black Rhino Recovery: Mkomazi's rhino sanctuary has successfully bred and protected critically endangered black rhinos
• Wild Dog Conservation: Ruaha and Nyerere host significant populations of endangered African wild dogs
• Elephant Protection: Anti-poaching efforts have helped stabilize elephant populations across Tanzania
• Chimpanzee Research: Gombe's 60+ years of research has revolutionized our understanding of great apes
• Community Involvement: Revenue from park fees supports local communities, creating incentives for conservation

Final Thoughts: Planning Your Tanzania National Parks Safari

With 16 unique national parks spanning savannahs, mountains, forests, lakes, and beaches, Tanzania offers unparalleled diversity for safari enthusiasts. Whether you're seeking the classic Big Five experience of the Northern Circuit, the remote wilderness of the Southern parks, or the primate encounters of the Western parks, Tanzania delivers extraordinary wildlife experiences.

The key is to match your interests, budget, and time available with the right combination of parks. Most visitors start with the Northern Circuit, and many return to explore the more remote southern and western regions. Whatever you choose, you're guaranteed memories that will last a lifetime.