Tanzania Safari Destinations | Where to Go in Tanzania

If you want to experience the best of Africa on a safari trip, then Tanzania should be your go-to destination. Rich in flora and fauna, Tanzania offers you a chance to view abundant wildlife in its natural habitat. You can also explore the various cultural heritage sites in Tanzania like Stone Town, which is famous for its historical colonial buildings, old fort, and palace museum, among others. Apart from wildlife and stunning landscapes, you can also visit Zanzibar, which is known for its beautiful and pristine coastline. There are also other places and things that you can do on a safari trip to Tanzania. As such, listed below are some of the top Tanzania safari destinations that should be a part of your itinerary.

Popular Tanzania Safari Destinations

1. Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, wherein you can see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo) in action. It is also home to the great migration where over 2 million wildebeest, gazelles, and zebras travel across the plains in a clockwise direction to Masai Mara in Kenya in search of green pastures and water. For safari enthusiasts, the annual wildebeest migration is an unforgettable experience that’ll stay with them forever. Apart from this, Serengeti National Park has a vibrant ecosystem that will leave you enthralled. This Tanzania safari destination is a year-round tourist getaway. However, the best time to visit this place is during the dry season which is from June to October.

2. Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The primary attraction of this park is the world’s largest unbroken calderas, which were formed during a volcanic eruption. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area comprises a variety of habitats and landscapes – savanna woodlands, grassland plains, forests, mountains, lakes, rivers, volcanic craters, and swampland – which makes it an ecologically diverse safari destination in Tanzania. Some of the prominent animals that you can see here are the endangered black rhinos and African hunting dogs. During your trip, you can also visit the nearby Maasai villages and interact with the locals to learn more about their culture.

3. Arusha National Park

Want to see giraffes on your African safari trip? Visit Arusha National Park as it is home to the world’s largest population of giraffes. This national park can also be called a haven for bird watchers as it houses over 400 migrant and resident bird species. Visitors can enjoy hiking along the slopes of Mount Meru – the second-highest peak in Tanzania. You can also spot the white and black colobus monkey that lives in the forest. The park is best for a daytime picnic, wherein you can come across animals such as buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes, elephants, rhinos, etc. You can also see numerous flamingos as they flock to the lakes of Arusha. The best part, at this national park in Tanzania, you could also spot the elusive leopard if luck favors you.

4. Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in the world encircled by mountain forests. It is a dormant volcanic mountain in Tanzania along with three other volcanic peaks – Shira, Mawenzi, and Kibo. This destination is a great place for adventure and thrill-seekers as it offers numerous activities such as trekking, camping, cycling along the slopes, hot spring tours, etc. Here, you also get a chance to have an authentic Maasai experience at Olpopongi, wherein you can learn about their traditions, and culture, and spend a night in a Maasai boma. African elephants, leopards, antelopes, and giraffes are some of the wildlife that you can see here. Whereas, the primate species in this area include the blue monkeys and black & white colobuses.

5. Lake Manyara National Park

Situated between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley, this national park has a huge population of elephants that can be easily spotted. It is also well-known for its tree-climbing lions, Maasai giraffe, and large herds of buffalo, among others. The Soda Ash Lake at this national park also attracts thousands of pink flamingos. You can see a large number of Olive Baboons at this park along with short-eared galago and Sykes monkeys. What’s more, there are hot springs (Maji Moto) within the national park that offers glorious views of abundant nature.

6. Zanzibar Archipelago

If you are looking to enjoy a beach experience while sightseeing wildlife in Tanzania, then the Zanzibar Archipelago is the place for you. You can enjoy coastal life, which includes enchanting beaches rich with marine life. This place is known for its history, culture, and flavorsome cuisine. Prison Island and Stone Town are the two famous places to visit here. Whereas the activities that you can take part in include snorkeling, paddle-boating, scuba diving, and kayaking. Walking along the reef is another experience that you can’t miss out on. Likewise, a sunset cruise on a catamaran is sure to leave you spellbound.

Conclusion

These are a few Tanzania safari destinations that should be on your itinerary if you planning to visit the country. Tanzania is an amazing safari destination with its numerous national parks, scenic beauty, and abundant wildlife and birds. It is also a great place to learn about the most iconic tribe in Africa – the Masaai people. The ideal season to visit here is the dry season from June to October, as you would then be able to discover Tanzania’s wildlife at its best.