The plentiful national parks in Tanzania have always been a favorite of all the travelers and nature lovers. The African continent is blessed with abundant wildlife, thick forests, huge rivers, and gigantic mountains.
Typical to the continent, Tanzania is a country loved for its varied wildlife and the adventures it has to offer. Often tourists visit Tanzania to explore the jungles, live with the local tribal people and relax. In order to take a break from the hectic city life, it is quite essential to reconnect with Mother Earth. These national parks are a wonderful place to get lost in order to find peace and calm.
Tanzania’s Prized National Parks And Reserves
This article discusses Tanzania national park fees, their location, entry timings, and all other important details. For those who are wondering how many national parks in Tanzania are worth a visit, here is a list especially compiled for you:
1. Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is the pride and glory of the country. It is one of the most visited national parks in Tanzania. It always tops the list due to the various ecosystems that it supports. The park is famous for the migration and calving seasons as well. It is also the best spot to see the predatory animals in their natural habitat.
The best way to enjoy a trip to this park is opt for a jeep safari. However, a trip would not be complete without a ride in the hot air balloon. One reason why the park is so famous is the fact that there are a lot of hotels, resorts and guest rooms near it.
- Location: Mugumu
- Timing: 6 am to 6 pm, open on all days
- Best time to visit: June to July, January to February
2. Lake Manyara
This is one of the smallest national parks in Tanzania yet, one of the best. The local tour agencies call it as mini Serengeti National Park. It is known to have one of the biggest elephant populations in all of Tanzania. Major area of the park is Lake Manyara and is crowded with hippos and flamingos during the monsoon season. This park is also the only place where you will find lions and other predatory animals on trees. It is also a hot spot for trekking activities with some tricky tracks and climbs.
The park offers jeep safaris for regular day tours. During monsoons and at night, there are canoe safaris which are very thrilling and a very different experience. If you like being among trees, birds and on boats then you must visit this park.
- Location: Lake Manyara
- Timing: 6 am to 6 pm, open on all days
- Best time to visit: July to October
3. Ngorongoro National Park
Ngorongoro is one of the most frequently visited Tanzania national parks. It is the only place where you can spot the Black Rhino. The Ngorongoro crater made the conservation area inaccessible and thus, this place is the most natural habitat of all the species found here.
You can also visit the nearby Maasai villages to experience the local traditions closely. One reason why this park must be on your list is that it offers year round viewing of all animal species.
- Location: Arusha region
- Timing: 6 am to 6 pm, open on all days
- Best time to visit: June to September
4. Tarangire National Park
Of all the Tanzania national parks, Tarangire is known for its serene beauty and lush green Baobab trees. It is not very frequently visited and so, if you are looking to escape the crowd then head to this park. You can opt for a jeep safari or go for guided walking tours.
You would not be spotting a lot of animals in this park. The park is for people who want to spend some time relaxing and rejuvenating. A visit to this park surely has the most positive effect on people.
- Location: near Lake Manyara
- Timing: 6 am to 6 pm, open on all days
- Best time to visit: July to October
5. Selous Game Reserve
In case you missed spotting the wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park then the second best place is Selous. Each year, the area receives thousands of elephants owing to migration.
However, the reserve is not just famous for elephants but also for frequent lion sightings. It is mainly known for its untouched and unaltered beauty. The tall trees and bushes make it a lovely place for safaris and day trips.
- Location: Morogoro
- Timing: 7 am to 6 pm, open on all days
- Best time to visit: June to November
6. Gombe Stream National Park
This may not be the largest national park in Tanzania but it has the largest population of chimpanzees, monkeys etc. The park gained popularity after it became home to Jane Goodall’s research program on the chimps. If you are interested in trekking, sighting different monkey species then you must visit the park. It fetches brownie points for being less crowded as compared to other national parks in Africa and around the world.
- Location: Kigoma
- Timing: 7 am to 6 pm, open on all days
- Best time to visit: July to October
7. Mikumi National Park
Mikumi has often been compared to Serengeti owing to the abundance of wildlife species found here. You can spot some Giraffes, Hippos, Zebras, Lions, Wildebeests, Spotted Hyenas, and Elephants in the park. If you are lucky, you might also spot the Impalas during the dry season.
It is surrounded by wonderful hotels and resorts making it easily accessible. You can either take a jeep safari or guided walking tours.
- Location: Morogoro, A-7 Highway
- Timing: 7 am to 6 pm, open on all days
- Best time to visit: June to October
8. Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park has the best safari experience to offer to all its visitors. For those who are looking for quick safaris or have a tight budget, Arusha is your best bet! It offers all types of safaris – jeeps, canoe or guided walking tours around the park.
One thing which makes this park different from others is the rare species of monkeys and birds. Some of these monkeys and birds are so rare that they are not found anywhere except in Arusha National Park. It is the perfect getaway option for exploration enthusiasts and nature lovers.
- Location: Mageso Chember, Arusha
- Timing: 6 am to 6 pm, open on all days
- Best time to visit: June to October
9. Katavi National Park
The Park is not exactly a favourite of most tourists but that is why it is on our list. It is in an excluded area which requires a lot of effort to reach. However, the untouched beauty of this park is totally worth the effort.
You can easily spot Hippos, Buffalos, Duikers, Elephants, Lions, Sable, Wild Dogs, Leopards, Zebras, Reedbucks, and Roan Antelopes in the park. It has some very unusual and rare species basking in the bright sun. You can opt for a jeep safari or guided walking tours in the park. The walking tours however, are limited to only a few areas.
- Location: east of Lake Tanganyika
- Timing: 7 am to 6 pm, open on all days
- Best time to visit: June to October
10. Ruaha National Park
It is the largest national park in Tanzania and is known for the spectacular game viewing opportunities that it offers. The park has the most amazing setting with thick Baobab trees, a stunning clear water river and plenty of predatory animals. On good days, you can spot a lot of the wild cats chasing their prey.
In this park you can spot Black-backed Jackals, Leopards, Lions, Cheetahs, Spotted Hyenas, Giraffes, Sable, Antelopes, Bushbuck, Zebra, Impala, and Hartebeests.
- Location: Iringa
- Timing: 6 am to 6 pm, open on all days
- Best time to visit: June to October
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