Tanzania is a country found in the Eastern part of Africa and a dream destination for safari enthusiasts and nature lovers looking for remarkable safari adventures from hiking the majestic Mountain Kilimanjaro to experiencing wildlife safaris at Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater.
On these safaris, you watch the Big Five Wildlife animals (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) in their natural vegetation habitat as well as other animals like cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and thousands of bird species.
Why Choose Tanzania for a Safari?
Tanzania stands out as one of the best safari destinations in Africa for several reasons.
-
Diverse Wildlife: Home to an incredibly diverse range of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and thousands of bird species.
-
World-Famous National Parks: Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s most renowned and pristine safari parks, including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire.
-
The Great Wildebeest Migration: Every year, the Serengeti and Maasai Mara are the backdrop for one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth—the Great Wildebeest Migration. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, migrate across the plains in search of fresh grazing land.
-
Variety of Safari Experiences: Whether you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, a luxury lodge stay, a walking safari, or a more traditional game drive, Tanzania offers a wide range of safari options to suit all types of travelers.
-
Breathtaking Landscapes: From the vast Serengeti plains to the lush green forests of the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania offers stunning, diverse landscapes that add to the safari experience.
National Parks and Wildlife Areas in Tanzania
1. Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is the most famous safari destination in Tanzania and includes vast endless plains with the Great Wildebeest Migration which takes place annually. The park offers unique wildlife adventures to all travelers on holiday and are visiting the vast Serengeti National Park.
Overview of Serengeti
- The Great Migration: Between December and July, the Serengeti becomes the center of the wildebeest migration, with thousands of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles making their way across the plains.
- Big Cats: Serengeti is home to large populations of lions, cheetahs, and leopards, providing thrilling opportunities for predator sightings.
- Endless Plains: The park’s massive size (over 14,000 square kilometers) provides a vast, open environment for game drives and hot air balloon safaris.
2. Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater also referred to as the “Garden of Eden,” is a collapsed volcanic caldera that serves as one of the most remarkable wildlife havens on the planet. It is situated in between the Serengeti National Park and Lake Manyara National Park. It is home to many wildlife species that are watched while on Game Drive as you traverse from one track to another watching wit your camera or binoculars taking many photos to keep.
Overview of Ngorongoro
- Big Five: The crater is one of the best places to see all five of the Big Five animals in one location, especially African elephants, lions, and rhinos.
- Crater Floor: The lush, fertile lands of the crater floor are home to large herds of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and buffaloes.
- Unique Terrain: The area’s varied terrain landscape includes grassy plains, swamps and a large soda lake that attracts flamingos, making for picturesque safari experiences.
3. Tarangire National Park
Located in the northern part of Tanzania, Tarangire National Park is often overshadowed by the Serengeti and Ngorongoro but is an exceptional destination in its own right. The park is famous for its wildlife animals which are seen while on Game Drive, herds of elephants and beautiful baobab trees.
Overview of Tarangire National Park
- Elephants: Tarangire has one of the highest concentrations of elephants in Tanzania, and seeing herds of elephants wandering through the park is a highlight.
- Baobab Trees: The park’s iconic baobab trees are ancient, towering plants that provide a surreal and magical landscape for game drives.
- Birdwatching: With over 500 bird species, Tarangire is also a great destination for birdwatching.
4. Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is another gem in Northern Tanzania offering a unique combination of diverse terrain landscapes, wildlife adventures as well as the tree climbing lions. The park sits on the western shore of Lake Manyara, with dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and alkaline waters attracting large flocks of flamingos.
Overview of lake Manyara National Park
- Tree-Climbing Lions: Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions, a rare sight in the wild.
- Birdlife: The park’s alkaline lake is a prime location for birdwatching, particularly flamingos, pelicans, and storks.
- Diverse Habitats: The park’s variety of ecosystems, lake shores, woodlands, and savanna provides the opportunity to see a wide range of animals.