Tanzania National Parks: Complete Safari Guide to All Parks
The Tanzania national parks are home to some of East Africa’s most critical wildlife habitats, ranging from the open plains of the Serengeti to the forests around Lake Tanganyika, the mountains of Kilimanjaro and the wetlands of the southern safari circuit. There’s a Tanzania safari park to suit all tastes, the right choice depends on what wildlife you want to see, how long you have to spend, and how you plan to travel.
Serengeti National Park is the main destination for the Great Wildebeest Migration primarily between dates from July and October, and large concentrations of predators. Tarangire is known for elephants and baobab trees, while Nyerere offers river safaris and a quieter southern Tanzania experience. The Mahale Mountains and Gombe National Park suit travellers interested in chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania, and Kilimanjaro is the destination for high-altitude mountain climbing.
This guide to the 22 Tanzania national parks explains what each park is known for, where it is located, which activities are available, when to visit, and how to budget for a safari. It also compares the main Tanzania safari circuits and explains how to combine parks without spending too much of your holiday travelling between them. These national parks in Tanzania stand among the best places in Africa to visit in 2027 for game viewing and sightseeing tours.
Serengeti Masai Mara Experts helps travellers plan Tanzania safaris around wildlife interests, travel dates, accommodation preferences, and budget. The aim is to choose national parks in Tanzania that fit the trip rather than attempt to visit as many as possible. Since choosing one or combining a few of the 22 national parks is hard when planning a Tanzania safari, we completely organise guided safaris for first-timers and all travellers who prefer this stress-free mode.
Tanzania National Parks at a Glance
| Tanzania Safari Parks | Best Known For | Typical Trip Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Serengeti National Park | Great Wildebeest Migration Safaris, lions and other predators | Wildlife photography and classic safaris |
| Tarangire National Park | Elephants and baobab landscapes | Game drives and dry-season wildlife |
| Lake Manyara National Park | Forest, lake habitats and diverse birdlife | Short game drives and birdwatching |
| Arusha National Park | Mount Meru, crater scenery and varied habitats | Tanzania day trips, hiking and canoeing where permitted |
| Kilimanjaro National Park | Mount Kilimanjaro | Guided mountain climbing |
| Nyerere National Park | Rufiji River system and boat safaris | Southern Tanzania wildlife trips |
| Ruaha National Park | Large landscapes, elephants and predators | Remote game viewing experiences |
| Mahale Mountains National Park | Chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania | Forest trekking and Lake Tanganyika |
| Gombe National Park | Chimpanzees and research history | Guided forest trekking |
| Udzungwa Mountains National Park | Forest hiking, waterfalls and endemic species | Hiking and nature walks |
Note: Ngorongoro Crater is deliberately not included as a national park because it is within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
How Many National Parks Are in Tanzania?
Tanzania’s official national parks network (TANAPA) lists 22 national parks, covering 15% of the land in the country, with the Nyerere National Park, which is the biggest, taking up approximately 30,893 sq. km. So, it is followed by the Serengeti National Park, taking 14763 square kilometers, then the Tarangire National Park, taking 2850 square kilometers. Some of these 22 Tanzania safari parks are primarily visited for game drives, while others are more suitable for mountain climbing, hiking, chimpanzee trekking, boat safaris, or birdwatching.
When choosing which of these 22 Tanzania parks to go to for a safari, compare their main attractions, the time needed to reach them, accommodation availability, and the activities allowed inside its boundaries.
The Tanzania National Parks Map
All 22 National Parks in Tanzania and What Each Offers
Northern Circuit Tanzania Safari Parks
1. Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti National Park is located in northern Tanzania and is famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, extensive savannahs, lions, leopards, cheetahs and other wildlife. The best Serengeti safari areas to visit depend on the herds’ seasonal movements. The park is a core choice for multi-day wildlife safaris in Tanzania.
2. Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
This park protects Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain at 5,895 meters. Visitors come for guided summit climbs, mountain scenery, and ecological zones ranging from montane forest to alpine landscapes in Tanzania.
3. Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park in Tanzania is popular for having massive elephant herds, baobab trees and the Tarangire River, which attracts wildlife during the dry season. It combines well with Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro on a northern Tanzania safari circuit.
4. Lake Manyara National Park
Also located in northern Tanzania, Lake Manyara National Park combines groundwater forest, woodland, open areas, and lake habitats. Lake Manyara has abundant birdlife, elephants, and occasional sightings of tree-climbing lions. Conditions and seasonal water levels influence wildlife viewing in this Tanzanian park.
5. Arusha National Park, Tanzania
Arusha National Park features top tourist attractions in Tanzania, including Mount Meru, the Momella Lakes and varied forest and grassland habitats. It is well suited to day trips, birdwatching, guided walking activities and mountain trekking.
Western Circuit Tanzania National Parks
6. Katavi National Park
A remote wilderness national park in Western Tanzania with floodplains, seasonal lakes, and woodland. Additionally, Katavi National Park has seasonal concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, and large mammals make it attractive to experienced safari travellers in Tanzania seeking a less-visited destination.
7. Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream National Park is famous for Jane Goodall’s chimpanzee research. Guided forest treks offer opportunities to observe chimpanzees and other primates in Tanzania in a steep, forested landscape beside Lake Tanganyika.
8. Mahale Mountains National Park
Mahale Mountains National Park protects forested mountains beside Lake Tanganyika and is known for wild chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania. Reaching Mahale National Park requires advance transport planning, and chimp trekking is conducted on foot with authorised guides.
Southern Circuit National Parks in Tanzania
9. Nyerere National Park (Formerly Serous)
Nyerere National Park in Tanzania is popular for its extensive wilderness, Rufiji River boat safaris, elephants, hippos and predators. Additionally, Nyerere offers a different safari style from the northern circuit Tanzania National Parks, with river-based activities available in suitable areas.
10. Ruaha National Park - Tanzania's second largest national park
Ruaha National Park is a large, remote wildlife park covering 20,226 square kilometers and second largest Tanzania park known for elephants, lions, baobabs and a mixture of savannah and woodland. Secondly, Ruaha suits travellers who want extended game drives and fewer safari vehicles in many areas.
11. Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park offers open grasslands, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo and predators. The road access to this park from Dar es Salaam makes it a practical choice for shorter southern and eastern Tanzania safari itineraries.
12. Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a forest and mountain destination in Tanzania valued for hiking, Sanje Waterfalls and endemic primates. It is particularly suitable for travellers who want a walking-based experience rather than conventional vehicle safaris in Tanzania.
Eastern / Coastal Circuit Tanzania Parks
13. Saadani National Park
Saadani National Park combines coastal habitats with bush and wildlife areas in Tanzania. Its location near the Indian Ocean makes it different from inland savannah parks, although Saadani wildlife sightings and available activities depend on local conditions.
14. Kitulo National Park
Kitulo National Park also called the Serengeti of flowers has montane grasslands, seasonal wildflowers and botanical diversity. This Tanzania park is a strong choice for nature lovers and hikers, especially when flowering conditions are favorable.
15. Mkomazi National Park
This park is a dry landscape of hills and savannah with conservation importance for endangered black rhinos and African wild dogs. Mkomazi National Park suits travellers exploring the northeastern region near the Usambara Mountains and mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
Other Tanzania National Parks
16. Rubondo Island National Park
Protects an island ecosystem with forest, lake habitats and introduced wildlife, including chimpanzees. Rubondo Island National Park is an option for travellers interested in island nature and a different side of Tanzania.
17. Burigi-Chato National Park
Protects a mix of open landscapes, woodland, wetlands and lake environments. Also, Burigi-Chato is an alternative for travellers exploring Tanzania’s less-visited northwestern protected areas.
18. Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park
A protected landscape in the Kagera region near the Uganda and Rwanda borders. Visitors to Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park in Tanzania should confirm transport, accommodation and current visitor arrangements with our Serengeti Masai Mara Experts before planning a dedicated trip.
19. Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park
A protected area in the Karagwe region with natural habitats and wildlife. Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park, Tanzania is best approached as part of a carefully researched western or northwestern Tanzania trip rather than assumed to be a standard northern-circuit stop.
20. Saanane Island National Park
Saanane is an island park that offers a compact nature outing, wildlife viewing and lake scenery. The location of this Tanzania National Park makes it suitable for visitors already in Mwanza.
21. Ugalla River National Park
Ugalla River National Park is a remote protected landscape of river systems and woodland. Its limited accessibility makes advance confirmation of transport and visitor facilities particularly important.
22. Kigosi National Park
A large protected area associated with wetlands, rivers, woodland and important wildlife habitats. Kigosi National Park in Tanzania is better suited to specialist nature travel than to a short, conventional northern-circuit safari.
Best National Parks in Tanzania for Different Safari Experiences
| Tanzania Safari Experience | Recommended Tanzania National Parks to visit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Great Wildebeest Migration | Serengeti | Seasonal herds, predator interactions and river crossings |
| Big Five wildlife viewing | Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area | Broad wildlife diversity; rhino sightings are not guaranteed |
| Elephants and baobabs | Tarangire | Elephant herds and distinctive dry-country scenery |
| Chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania | Mahale Mountains and Gombe | Wild chimpanzees in forest habitats |
| Mountain climbing | Kilimanjaro | Guided ascent of Africa’s highest mountain |
| Hiking and waterfalls | Udzungwa Mountains | Forest trails and Sanje Waterfalls |
| Boat safaris | Nyerere | Rufiji River scenery and water-based wildlife viewing |
| Remote wildlife photography | Ruaha and Katavi | Large landscapes and opportunities away from the busiest circuits |
| Short safari from Dar es Salaam | Mikumi | More practical road access than remote western parks |
| Birdwatching | Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Kitulo | Different wetland, woodland and montane habitats |
