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Where to Go in Tanzania

Africa's best tailor-made safaris

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Where to Go in Tanzania

Explore the Best Destinations in Tanzania

Tanzania’s iconic wildlife has earned it an outstanding reputation for world-class safaris, with its pristine beaches and ancient cultures further boosting its tourism appeal. With over 20% of its land dedicated to conservation, Tanzania is a premier destination for nature enthusiasts. 

We are here to guide you through the best destinations that this beautiful country has to offer.

1. Serengeti National Park
Safari in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Safari in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The Serengeti is world-renowned for its annual wildebeest migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with thousands of zebras and gazelles, traverse its vast plains. This spectacle is a must-see for any safari enthusiast. 

Unique Facts: The Serengeti is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and hosts the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world.

2. Ngorongoro Crater
Aerial view of Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, Image credit, Canva
Aerial view of Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera. It boasts an incredibly dense population of wildlife, including the Big Five and a large number of flamingos. 

Unique Facts: The crater floor covers about 260 square kilometers and is one of the best places to see the endangered black rhino. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area also preserves the archaeological site of Olduvai Gorge, considered the cradle of mankind.

3. Mount Kilimanjaro
View of a tree infront of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
View of a tree in front of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, offers a bucket-list adventure for climbers and hikers. The mountain’s varied ecosystems range from lush forests to alpine deserts. 

Unique Facts: Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world and can be climbed without technical gear, making it accessible to many. The mountain’s glaciers are rapidly shrinking, making it an urgent destination for climbers.

4. Zanzibar
View of tropical sandy Nungwi beach in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
View of tropical sandy Nungwi beach in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Known for its stunning beaches and rich history, Zanzibar is a perfect tropical getaway. Visitors can explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy water activities like snorkeling and diving. 

Unique Facts: Zanzibar was once a major trading hub for spices, earning it the nickname “Spice Island.”  The island also has a unique mix of cultures, reflecting its historical connections with Africa, Arabia, India, and Europe.

5. Tarangire National Park
Forest Chem Chem safari Tarangire National Park, Image credit, Forest Chem Chem via Wetu
Game Drive in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania | Image credit, Forest Chem Chem via Wetu

Famous for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, Tarangire offers a less crowded but equally rewarding safari experience. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 550 species. 

Unique Facts: Tarangire has the highest population density of elephants in Tanzania during the dry season. The park’s swamps are an important breeding ground for various species of birds.

6. Lake Manyara National Park
Flamingos in Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania
Flamingos in Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania

This park is known for its diverse ecosystems and the large flocks of flamingos that seasonally inhabit the lake. The park also features tree-climbing lions and a variety of primates. 

Unique Facts: Lake Manyara is a soda lake, attracting thousands of flamingos and other waterbirds. The park also supports a large population of hippos and diverse aquatic life.

7. Selous Game Reserve
Boating Safari at sunset in Selous Game Reserve | Photo credit: Roho ya Selous
Boating Safari at sunset in Selous Game Reserve | Photo credit: Roho ya Selous

One of the largest faunal reserves in the world, Selous is renowned for its undisturbed nature and variety of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy boat safaris on the Rufiji River and witness large populations of hippos and crocodiles. 

Unique Facts: Selous covers over 50,000 square kilometers and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also one of the last few strongholds for the endangered African wild dog.

8. Ruaha National Park
Elephants around a tree on a game drive | Photo credit: Ruaha River Lodge
Elephants around a tree on a game drive | Photo credit: Ruaha River Lodge

Tanzania’s largest national park, Ruaha, offers rugged landscapes and abundant wildlife. The park is especially noted for its large elephant and predator populations. 

Unique Facts: Ruaha is home to about 10% of the world’s lion population and one of the largest elephant populations in Tanzania. The park’s diverse landscapes include the Great Ruaha River, which attracts a multitude of wildlife.

9. Mafia Island
Flying over coral reef at Mafia Island, Tanzania
Flying over coral reef at Mafia Island, Tanzania

Part of the Mafia Archipelago, this island is a hidden gem for marine life enthusiasts. Its coral reefs offer some of the best snorkeling and diving experiences in East Africa.

Unique Facts: Mafia Island is home to the Mafia Island Marine Park, which protects a diverse range of marine habitats and species. The island’s waters are also a breeding ground for whale sharks, which can be seen from October to March.

10. Arusha National Park
Aerial view of Arusha National Park, Tanzania
Aerial view of Arusha National Park, Tanzania

Nestled at the base of Mount Meru, Arusha National Park offers diverse landscapes, from montane forests to volcanic craters. The park is ideal for walking safaris and canoeing. 

Unique Facts: Arusha is one of the few places where visitors can see the rare black-and-white colobus monkey. Mount Meru, the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, offers a challenging but rewarding climb.

11. Gombe Stream National Park
View of the Gombe River | Photo credits: Mbali Mbali Gombe
View of the Gombe Stream | Photo credits: Mbali Mbali Gombe

Famous for Jane Goodall’s chimpanzee research, Gombe offers an intimate wildlife experience. The park’s lush forests and steep valleys are perfect for hiking and observing primates. 

Unique Facts: Gombe is one of the smallest national parks in Tanzania but is internationally renowned for its chimpanzee population. The park’s diverse habitats support a variety of other wildlife, including red-tailed monkeys and bushpigs.

12. Katavi National Park
Giraffes on a game drive in Katavi National Park, Tanzania | Photo credit: Katavi Wildlife Camp
Giraffes on a game drive in Katavi National Park, Tanzania | Photo credit: Katavi Wildlife Camp

One of Tanzania’s most remote parks, Katavi is a haven for adventurous travellers. The park features large herds of buffalo and hippos, especially around the Katuma River. 

Unique Facts: Katavi is known for its untouched wilderness and seasonal rivers that attract diverse wildlife. The park’s isolation ensures a truly wild and off-the-beaten-path safari experience.

13. Mikumi National Park
A pair of zebras in Mikumi National Park, Tanzania.
A pair of zebras in Mikumi National Park, Tanzania.

Located three hours from the bustling city of Dar es Salaam, Mikumi offers an accessible safari experience. The park is known for its open horizons and large populations of giraffes, zebras, and lions. 

Unique Facts: Mikumi is home to the unique Mkata Floodplain, which supports a diverse range of wildlife. The park’s landscape is often compared to the Serengeti, making it a perfect spot for classic safari experiences.

14. Mahale Mountains National Park
Chimp Family in Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania Photo credit Gary Sandy Wales
Chimp Family in Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania | Photo credit: Gary Sandy Wales

Situated on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Mahale is another prime location for chimpanzee trekking. The park’s remote beauty and diverse habitats make it a unique destination. 

Unique Facts: Mahale is home to the largest known population of eastern chimpanzees and offers stunning views of Lake Tanganyika. The park’s montane forests are also home to a variety of bird species and other wildlife.

15. Saadani National Park
Beach in Saadani National Park, Tanzania
Sunny Beach in Saadani National Park, Tanzania

Where the bush meets the beach, Saadani offers a unique blend of coastal and safari experiences. Visitors can enjoy game drives and boat safaris while being close to the Indian Ocean. 

Unique Facts: Saadani is the only national park in Tanzania that borders the ocean, providing a rare combination of beach and wildlife. The park’s diverse habitats support a variety of species, including elephants, lions, and dolphins.

Start Planning Your Safari

Tanzania’s diverse landscapes and rich wildlife promise an unforgettable safari adventure, with its extensive concentration of wildlife per square kilometre. 

Whether you’re seeking luxury, adventure, or a family-friendly safari, we have the perfect itinerary for you. Start planning your dream safari today and let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime.


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