The Top National Parks in Tanzania

The top national parks in Tanzania
The top national parks in Tanzania

Located in East Africa and near the equator, there is a stunning landscape bursting with life: Tanzania.

Tanzania is a unique and amazing place to visit. Surrounded by tall mountains and rainforests, the desert plains are only one small part of this landscape. Tanzania actually has 21 protected national parks, which are designed to preserve this wondrous place where some of the earliest human activity has been discovered.

These parks allow us to visit and see the wildlife in its natural state while offering them protection without interference. With so many to choose from, it’s hard to pick which are the top parks to visit. Fortunately, with Tanzania safari tours, there is something for everyone, and each park is different and unique.

Tanzania’s Varied Parks and Attractions

Some parks in Tanzania are famous worldwide, while others may only be familiar to the locals. This does not diminish their appeal, though. In fact, you might discover your hidden paradise in these lesser-known parks.

The well-known parks are popular for a reason: they cater to the majority of people’s desires and bucket-list items. We often read about these parks in popular literature and envision them when we think of Africa.

However, Tanzania offers so much more than the popular attractions, and these are worth visiting as they are less touched by humanity and are thus more natural. You can experience everything from birdwatching to canoeing and still witness the Big Five animals as they roam across the country.

Tanzania safari packages transport you to what feels like another world. You will experience fun and excitement as you search for your Big Five animal photo opportunity. Simultaneously, you will also be astonished by the diverse ecosystems.

This may be surprising to some, but Tanzania does not always have scorching hot temperatures. There are cooler times of the year and even a rainy season, so check the weather forecasts before you go.

The Glory of Tanzania: Serengeti National Park

The largest and most famous national park in all of Africa resides in Tanzania. Lush expanses of green grasslands, desert plains, and the iconic boba trees all call them home. 

This is none other than the stunningly beautiful and thrilling Serengeti National Park, the crown jewel of Africa. It is famous for everything you have ever heard of when it comes to an African safari vacation and so much more.

Serengeti National Park is a diverse landscape that attracts all the wildlife you usually associate with Africa. The Big Five animals roam freely through this region. As well, birds of all shapes, sizes, and colours flock around the watering hole, and you can have some of the most life-changing encounters and photo opportunities.

The Elephant Kingdom: Tarangire National Park

Elephants are giants in the animal world; they are pillars of strength, power, and intelligence and have long been revered in African lore and history. Often associated as the gatekeepers of ancestral history in the animal world, they are able to pass down their knowledge from one generation to the next.

As they traverse the plains of Africa, they often go to the biggest and most reliable water source when the drought hits: the Tarangire River, located in Tarangire National Park. This park is also known as “The Elephant Kingdom” due to the vast number of elephant herds that gather there when water supplies run short.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that other animals don’t reside here, but for the elephant lover in the group, this is a must-see magical experience.

The Crater of Mankind: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

In the heart of Tanzania lies the dormant volcanic crater from which some believe humanity and animals alike emerged: the Ngorongoro Crater. 

This crater is a conservation area that is rich in its biodiversity. While many animals are able to travel to and from this unique landscape, the surrounding regions can often prove challenging for others, making this area safe from some predators.

Additionally, the Maasai people reside here and peacefully coexist with all the wildlife. You can thus take in the rich history of early humankind, learn about another culture, and experience life in a whole new way.

For a wildlife experience, the Ngorongoro Crater is the perfect place to see the dwindling numbers of black rhinos that still roam free. The Big Five animals also pass through this area, and depending on the time of day, you can find them easier to spot.

Later in the year, the dry season is cooler temperature-wise. However, during this period, the grass is also dry and sparse, which makes animal sightings much easier.

Spring is the wetter time of year, so while everything comes back to life and becomes lush, full, and bright, it also makes the Big Five animals harder to view since they have more camouflage available.

A Nighttime Safari: Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is one of the perfect parks to visit for a nighttime safari adventure. While it may only span a small area around the lake, its biodiversity is unmatched.

During the day, you can experience the largest concentration of animals in the country, so you are guaranteed to catch a glimpse of a big predator or a powerful elephant.

There is also a wide range of exotic and gorgeous birds to see around the edges of the lake. They come in all shapes and sizes, and include everything from the small bee-eaters to the stunning and elegant flamingo.

Contact Zara Tanzania Adventures for Exquisite Tanzania Safari Packages

Whether you are looking for a hiking tour through lush forests or you want to experience the thrill of the chase in the plains, there is a Tanzania safari adventure for everyone.

At Zara Tanzania Adventures, not only do we know all the best areas and parks, but we also strive to actively give back to the community, empowering the local residents and protecting the endangered wildlife.
Visit our website to see the amazing range of Tanzania safari packages and tours that you can choose from. You can call us at 1-866-551-2970 to speak to a team member about personalizing your trip even further, or contact us online. Your African adventure is waiting!

You cannot copy content of this page

Book Now