Tanzania is home to some of Africa's most iconic national parks and game reserves, protecting a stunning diversity of wildlife and landscapes. The country's protected areas cover over 30% of its land mass, making it one of the best destinations in the world for wildlife viewing. From the endless plains of the Serengeti to the volcanic crater of Ngorongoro, each destination offers a unique safari experience.
Size: 14,750 sq km | Established: 1951 | UNESCO: World Heritage Site (1981)
The Serengeti is Tanzania's oldest and most famous national park, renowned for the annual Great Migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles. The name "Serengeti" comes from the Maasai word "siringet," meaning "endless plains," and indeed the park's vast grasslands stretch as far as the eye can see.
High Season (Jul-Mar): $70-100/day
Low Season (Apr-Jun): $60-70/day
Under 16: 50% discount
Size: 260 sq km (crater floor) | Established: 1959 | UNESCO: World Heritage Site
The Ngorongoro Crater is often called "Africa's Garden of Eden" and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. It's the world's largest inactive, intact volcanic caldera, formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed on itself 2-3 million years ago. The crater floor hosts an estimated 25,000 large animals, giving it the highest wildlife density in Africa.
Year-round is excellent. June-September offers dry weather, December-March is good for calving in adjacent Ndutu area.
$70-80 per person per day
Vehicle fee: $40-50
Under 16: 50% discount
Size: 2,850 sq km | Established: 1970
Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds (up to 300 in a group) and ancient baobab trees. During the dry season (June-October), the Tarangire River becomes the only permanent water source, attracting vast numbers of wildlife.
June-October (dry season) for best wildlife viewing. The park is much quieter in the green season (November-May).
$55-70 per person per day
Under 16: 50% discount
Size: 330 sq km (230 sq km is lake) | Established: 1960
Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions, thousands of flamingos, and groundwater forests. The park stretches along the Rift Valley escarpment, creating a stunning setting.
Year-round. Dry season (June-October) offers best game viewing near the lake.
$55-70 per person per day
| Park | Size (sq km) | Main Attraction | Best Time | Days Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serengeti | 14,750 | Great Migration, Big Cats | June-Oct, Dec-Mar | 3-5 days |
| Ngorongoro | 260 (crater) | Crater, Rhinos, Flamingos | Year-round | 1-2 days |
| Tarangire | 2,850 | Elephants, Baobabs | June-Oct | 1-2 days |
| Lake Manyara | 330 | Tree Lions, Flamingos | Year-round | 1 day |
| Arusha NP | 552 | Mt Meru, Colobus monkeys | Year-round | 1 day |
