From the iconic Serengeti to the remote wilderness of Ruaha, Tanzania national parks provide an unparalleled safari experience. While you may not get to experience all five parks mentioned below during your Tanzania safari tour, we hope our expertise can narrow down which parks would suit your preferences.
Discovering these top five destinations with African Paradise Adventures (APA) comes with many benefits. At APA we are recognized for exceptional customer service, custom itineraries tailored to every budget, and employing local, knowledgeable guides – we can answer all your questions about Tanzania safari tours. Whether you seek the thrill of the Great Migration in the Serengeti or the tranquility of the Mahale Mountains, let our safari experts craft the perfect itinerary for an unforgettable adventure amidst Tanzania’s pristine wilderness.
1. Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is renowned worldwide for hosting the spectacular Great Migration. Visitors marvel at the sight of thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and other wildlife as they traverse the vast savannahs in search of greener pastures. Even if you don’t catch the Great Migration, this park is packed with impressive wildlife viewing opportunities year-round. APA offers customized Serengeti safari packages, allowing you to witness this awe-inspiring event at the perfect vantage points.
Best Time to Visit: To witness the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration, plan your visit between July and September. Alternatively, visit from December to March to witness the enchanting calving season of the wildebeest. APA’s expert guides will ensure you’re at the right place at the right time to maximize your Serengeti experience, no matter which safari package you choose.
Unique Facts:
- Family-Friendly: The Serengeti offers numerous family-friendly lodges and activities, including guided nature walks and educational programs for children.
- Wildlife Viewing: Besides the Great Migration, you can see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and cheetahs, giraffes, and numerous bird species.
- Cultural Opportunities: Visit a Maasai village to learn about the traditions and daily life of this iconic African tribe.
2. Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as Africa’s Eden, is one of the most unique safari destinations in the world. This massive volcanic caldera is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos. The crater’s floor is a vibrant tapestry of habitats, from dense forests and swamps to open savannahs, providing a haven for over 25,000 large animals.
Best Time to Visit: The Ngorongoro Crater is a year-round destination. However, the dry season from June to October offers the best wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources. APA’s tailored tours ensure you experience the crater’s splendor at its peak, providing ample opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.
Unique Facts:
- Family-Friendly: The crater is an excellent choice for families due to its relatively small size and high concentration of wildlife, making game viewing easy and accessible.
- Wildlife Viewing: In addition to the Big Five, the crater is home to hippos, flamingos, and a variety of bird species.
- Cultural Opportunities: Explore the nearby Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world, where early human fossils have been discovered.
3. Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park, known for its towering baobab trees and large elephant herds, is a hidden gem in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. The park’s diverse landscape, featuring riverine forests, swamps, and open woodlands, supports a rich variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, and an impressive array of bird species.
Best Time to Visit: The dry season from June to October is ideal for spotting wildlife in Tarangire, as animals gather around the Tarangire River. APA’s expert guides will take you to the best vantage points to observe the park’s unique ecosystem and its inhabitants.
Unique Facts:
- Family-Friendly: Tarangire is great for families, with lodges offering family suites and child-friendly activities such as guided bush walks and educational talks.
- Wildlife Viewing: Apart from large elephant herds, you can see kudu, oryx, and over 550 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
- Cultural Opportunities: Visit the Mbugwe tribe, who live near the park, to learn about their traditional lifestyle and customs.
4. Ruaha National Park: Untamed Wilderness
For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Ruaha National Park offers a truly wild experience. As Tanzania’s largest national park, Ruaha boasts a stunningly diverse landscape of baobab-studded plains, rocky escarpments, and the Great Ruaha River. The park is home to significant populations of elephants, lions, and the rare African wild dog, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit: Visit Ruaha during the dry season from June to October for optimal game viewing. The park’s remote location ensures a more secluded and intimate safari experience. APA’s personalized itineraries guarantee an authentic wilderness adventure in this untamed paradise.
Unique Facts:
- Family-Friendly: Due to its remote location, Ruaha is less crowded, offering a more exclusive and private experience suitable for adventurous families.
- Wildlife Viewing: Ruaha is known for large prides of lions, and it’s one of the best places in Africa to see the elusive leopard and cheetah.
- Cultural Opportunities: Engage with the Barabaig tribe, known for their distinctive beaded jewelry and traditional cattle herding practices.
5. Nyerere National Park: Africa’s Largest Protected Area
Nyerere National Park, the former Selous Game Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Africa’s largest protected wildlife reserve at a whopping 20,000 square miles. Covering an area larger than Switzerland, Selous is a haven for diverse wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and the rare sable antelope.You’re (all but) guaranteed to see the Big Five here, but it’s the rare antelope that make this journey worth the trip. The reserve’s varied habitats, from open grasslands to dense forests, provide endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Best Time to Visit: The dry season from June to October is the best time to visit Selous, as wildlife congregates around the Rufiji River and other water sources. APA’s experienced guides offer unique insights into the reserve’s ecosystems, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching safari experience.
Unique Facts:
- Family-Friendly: Selous offers a range of family-friendly accommodations and activities, such as boat safaris on the Rufiji River, which are ideal for children.
- Wildlife Viewing: In addition to the Big Five, Selous is home to wild dogs, hippos, and an array of bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s haven.
- Cultural Opportunities: Visit a local fishing village along the Rufiji River to experience the daily life and culture of the people living in harmony with nature.
Tanzania’s national parks and game reserves offer an unrivaled safari experience, each destination brimming with unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. African Paradise Adventures specializes in creating tailor-made safari tours that cater to every traveler’s interests and budget, ensuring a memorable journey through Africa’s pristine wilderness.
