National Parks of Tanzania for Safari
Of course, almost everyone has heard of Serengeti — the most famous national park in Tanzania for safari. It is a unique brand of Tanzania because, in Serengeti, you can see large herds of wildebeest crossing the river during the Great Migration in July and August. Therefore, a visit to Serengeti National Park is also the most expensive, it has the most tourists, and in other months of the year many travelers go only to Serengeti when planning a Tanzania safari — explore our Tanzania safari tours.
In total, there are 22 national parks in Tanzania, all scenically different, offering excellent opportunities to see the Big Five — lion, leopard, rhinoceros, buffalo, and elephant. The experience can also vary depending on the best time to visit Tanzania for safari. Tanzanian officials encourage visitors to explore lesser-known national parks, as safari tourism plays an important role in protecting wildlife and reducing poaching.
At the 2025 World Travel Awards ceremony, Tanzania was officially named Africa’s Leading Destination and received several other prestigious tourism awards.
Tanzania's national parks are vast, unfenced wilderness areas. Animals live in their natural environment — not because they are restricted, but because it is their natural habitat. Since these parks are unfenced, animals sometimes move outside park boundaries and enter nearby areas. That is why in some regions driving after dark is not allowed — there is a real risk of encountering wild animals, and in such situations, for example, an elephant can react unpredictably.
Safari Areas in Tanzania — Northern, Southern and Western Circuits
National parks of Tanzania can be conditionally divided into several groups. Tourists on safari trips most often travel through the parks of the Northern Circuit safari or the Southern Circuit safari.
The Northern Circuit is more popular among travelers because it includes the famous Serengeti. On the other hand, those who want peace and fewer crowds often choose a safari through the Southern Circuit parks. The Western Circuit parks are visited less frequently, as they are relatively difficult to reach.
Usually, a Tanzania safari tour includes several parks, as they are all scenically different. All of them are home to African wildlife and birds, but if you want to see a specific animal or bird, our team can recommend the best locations — contact us to plan your Tanzania safari. It should be taken into account that parks are unfenced areas, animals move freely, and sightings always depend on timing and luck.
Northern Circuit Safari Parks (Arusha Region)
A safari through the Northern Circuit begins in Arusha, the tourism capital of Tanzania. The Northern Circuit includes Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and Arusha National Parks.
Serengeti National Park
At the 2025 World Travel Awards ceremony, Serengeti received awards for Africa’s Leading National Park and Africa’s Leading Big Five National Park.
The territory of the Maasai is called "Siringet", meaning vast endless plains. Serengeti is Tanzania's oldest national park and one of the oldest, largest, and most famous safari destinations in Africa. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Great Migration in the Serengeti takes place throughout the year. Large herds of wildebeest move in search of better pastures and water, forming a continuous cycle. As a result, herds are found in different parts of the Serengeti depending on the time of year.
The most dramatic moment — river crossings — can be observed in July and August, when herds cross the river. This is best experienced on a Serengeti safari.
If you want to see the river crossings, this is the best time to visit Serengeti. However, it should be taken into account that there are many tourists during this period, and you may share viewing areas with multiple safari vehicles.
Serengeti National park is usually included in our Serengeti-focused safari tours or as part of a longer Northern Circuit safari:
Serengeti safari → 3 Day Serengeti tour
Northern Circuit safari → 5 Day Northern Circuit tour
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes the famous Ngorongoro Crater and Olduvai Gorge. The name comes from the Maasai language, inspired by the sound made by cowbells — ngoro ngoro. At the 2025 World Travel Awards ceremony, Ngorongoro was officially recognized as Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction.
Ngorongoro is typically visited as part of a Northern Circuit safari, combined with Serengeti and other parks
Northern Circuit safari → 5 Day Northern Circuit tour
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is home to Lake Manyara and is a well-known destination for bird watching. More than 350 bird species have been recorded here, including large flocks of flamingos. The park is also known for its tree-climbing lions.
Lake Manyara is often included in shorter Northern Circuit safari itineraries together with Ngorongoro and Tarangire
Northern Circuit safari → 5 Day Northern Circuit tour
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park takes its name from the Tarangire River that flows through it. It is one of the most scenic national parks in Tanzania and is often called the paradise of elephants. At the 2025 World Travel Awards ceremony, Tarangire National Park received the award for Africa’s Leading Elephant Paradise.
Tarangire is usually part of Northern Circuit safaris, especially for travelers interested in elephants and varied landscapes
Northern Circuit safari → 5 Day Northern Circuit tour
Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is located at the foot of Mount Meru. Lake Momella, known for flamingos, and the Ngurdoto Crater offer diverse and picturesque landscapes.
Southern Circuit Safari Parks (Starting from Dar es Salaam)
Safari tours to the Southern Circuit parks start in Dar es Salaam, located on the coast of the Indian Ocean. It is the largest city in Tanzania and the country’s economic and financial center.
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park is the largest national park in Africa. Part of it was previously known as the Selous Game Reserve, and both names are still used. The park is named after Julius Nyerere, the first president of Tanzania.
The Rufiji River flows through the park, making it possible to enjoy boat safaris — a different experience compared to traditional game drives. At the 2025 World Travel Awards ceremony, Nyerere National Park received the award for Africa’s Leading Scenic National Park.
Nyerere National Park is typically included in Southern Circuit safaris for travelers looking for a quieter and more remote experience.
Southern Circuit safari → 5-Day Nyerere (Selous) & Mikumi Safari
Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is one of the most accessible national parks in Tanzania, including during the rainy season. It is often included in shorter itineraries and is a good introduction to a Tanzania safari — Mikumi National Park safari.
The park is relatively small but home to a wide variety of wildlife and bird species.
Mikumi National Park is often visited on shorter safaris starting from Dar es Salaam and is one of the few parks accessible even during the rainy season
Mikumi National Park safari → Mikumi from Dar es Salaam
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Udzungwa Mountains National Park offers spectacular waterfalls, including Sanje Falls, which is 170 meters high. A hike here is a good option for travelers looking for active experiences beyond classic safari.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is often combined with Mikumi in an active safari, combining game drives in open savannah with rainforest hiking and waterfalls
Udzungwa + Mikumi safari → 4 Day Udzungwa & Mikumi tour
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park takes its name from the Ruaha River. It is more remote and harder to reach, which means fewer tourists. It is a good choice for those looking for a more untouched and less crowded safari experience. At the 2025 World Travel Awards ceremony, Ruaha National Park received the award for Africa’s Leading Cultural National Park — offering fewer tourists and more wildlife.
Western Circuit Safari Parks (Remote Tanzania)
The Western Circuit parks can be visited by continuing your journey through the Southern Circuit.
Katavi National Park
Katavi National Park is located near the western border of Tanzania and is difficult to access. Due to its remote location and low number of visitors, it is often called the Wild West of Tanzania. Safari tourism here also supports conservation efforts and helps protect wildlife.
Kitulo National Park
Kitulo National Park is often called the botanist's Serengeti. Instead of wildlife, it is known for its flowers that cover the hills and valleys like a colorful carpet. At the 2025 World Travel Awards ceremony, Kitulo National Park received the award for Africa’s Leading Honeymoon Destination.
Gombe National Park
Gombe National Park is located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika and can only be accessed by boat. It is famous for its chimpanzees and for the research conducted here by Jane Goodall.
This park can only be visited during the dry season, as chimpanzees move to higher, less accessible areas during the rainy season.
How to Choose the Right National Parks for Your Tanzania Safari
Explore Tanzania’s national parks to find the best fit for your safari experience.
With such a diverse range of parks, each offering different landscapes, wildlife, and levels of accessibility, it is important to choose the right combination based on your expectations.
Not sure where to start? Explore different Tanzania safari tours to see what fits your travel style.