Tanzania national parks protect some of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth. Here, you can watch huge herds of wildebeest and zebra move across the endless Serengeti plains. You can also see elephants gather under ancient baobab trees in Tarangire. Above it all rises Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
Most safaris focus on the famous northern circuit. This route links the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Arusha National Park. Because these parks lie fairly close together, you can see a lot in one trip. The national parks are managed by the country’s parks authority, TANAPA. Meanwhile, the Ngorongoro Crater sits inside its own conservation area, where people and wildlife share the land.
At Roots Tours & Travel, we plan tailor-made Tanzania safaris from our base in Kampala. Below, you will find our guide to the parks we visit most. That way, you can compare them and choose the places that suit you best.
Mount Kilimanjaro rises alone from the plains of East Africa, a vast snow-capped dome floating above the clouds. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. It is also one of the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each continent. Unlike most of
Arusha National Park lies just outside the busy city of Arusha, the safari capital of northern Tanzania. Many travellers rush past it on their way to the Serengeti, and many later wish they had not. It is a green, beautiful world of misty mountain forest and open glades where giraffes
Tarangire National Park comes alive in the heat of the dry season. While the rest of northern Tanzania turns brown and dusty, a river keeps flowing through the park. And so the animals come. Elephants arrive in herds of a hundred or more, wading into the river and digging in
Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s most famous wildlife area and one of the most celebrated parks on Earth. Drive onto its plains for the first time, and the land seems to go on forever. A sea of golden grass stretches to every horizon. Only flat-topped acacias and great piles of
Each of the Tanzania national parks has its own highlights. Therefore, it helps to know what makes each one special before you plan your route. Here is a short guide to the main parks.
Serengeti National Park is the most famous park in Tanzania and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its name comes from a Maasai word meaning “endless plains”, and that is exactly how it feels. The park is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes and giraffes. In addition, it hosts the great wildebeest migration, when vast herds follow the rains in a yearly circle with Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
The herds move through different areas at different times of year. For example, they usually calve in the southern plains early in the year. Later, they head north and cross the rivers. Our team will help you choose the right part of the park for your dates. You can also take a sunrise hot air balloon flight for a truly unforgettable view.
Tarangire National Park is known for its large elephant herds and its giant baobab trees. The Tarangire River is the main source of water in the dry season. As a result, animals gather along its banks in great numbers. Besides elephants, you may see lions, leopards, zebras, wildebeests and many antelopes. The park is also a rewarding place for birders.
Arusha National Park is small, green and close to the town of Arusha. Because of this, it makes a great first or last stop on your safari. The park includes forest, the Momella lakes and the slopes of Mount Meru. Here, you can look for giraffes, buffaloes, colobus monkeys and flamingos. Moreover, it is one of the few parks where you can join a guided walking safari or a canoe trip.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Kilimanjaro National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climbers pass through farmland, rainforest, heath, alpine desert and finally the icy summit zone. Even if you do not plan to climb, the views of its snowy peak are a highlight of any trip in the north.
Two more stops complete the northern circuit. First, the Ngorongoro Crater is a huge volcanic caldera filled with wildlife. It is one of the best places in Tanzania to see the rare black rhino. Second, Lake Manyara National Park sits below the Rift Valley wall. It is known for its tree-climbing lions, its forests and the flamingos on its lake.
You can go on safari in Tanzania all year round. However, the long dry season, from about June to October, is the most popular time. During these months, the grass is short and animals gather near rivers and waterholes. So, game viewing in Tarangire and the Serengeti is excellent.
The short rains usually fall around November and December, while the long rains come from about March to May. Even so, the green season has its own rewards. For instance, January and February are often a great time to see the wildebeest calving in the southern Serengeti. The parks are also quieter, and the landscapes look lush and fresh.
Most northern circuit safaris start and end in Arusha, which is close to Kilimanjaro International Airport. From there, a classic route heads first to Tarangire and Lake Manyara. Next, it continues to the Serengeti, then returns via the Ngorongoro Crater. If you have less time, you can focus on the Serengeti and Ngorongoro alone.
As a rule, plan at least two nights in the Serengeti, because it is large and the drive there is long. In addition, you can easily finish your safari with a beach break. A short flight takes you to the island of Zanzibar, where you can relax by the Indian Ocean. Read our guide to beach holidays in Zanzibar for ideas.
To make planning easier, we have created sample itineraries. You can book them as they are, or we can adjust them to your pace and budget.
Roots Tours & Travel is a Kampala-based safari company and a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO). We specialise in tailor-made trips across East Africa. So, you can easily combine Tanzania with Kenya, gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, or a beach stay in Zanzibar. First, tell us when you want to travel and what you hope to see. Then, we will send you a clear, personal itinerary for free. Get in touch today and start planning your visit to the national parks of Tanzania.
Love to Travel? We are the whole Tool & Box that you need. At Roots Tours & Travel Uganda we look forward to speaking to you!