Tanzania is one of the best tourist destinations in the world, especially for those who love nature, and exciting activities like safaris and game drives. After the covid-19 pandemic is over, travel lovers will be able to explore the world once again, and what better place to go to than the top 10 most spectacular parks and game reserves inTanzania!
- Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is one of the most majestic areas in the world. This wildlife reserve is home to cheetahs, zebras, black rhinos, hippos, lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hyenas, antelopes, gazelles, jackals, and foxes! Tourists can take cultural tours to nearby Maasai villages, enjoy a game drive, walking safari, or hot air balloon ride, or watch the Great Migration of wildebeests!
- Ngorongoro Crater
Another must-see area of Tanzania is the Ngorongoro Crater, the vast grassland which is famous across the world. Game drives and walking safaris are spectacular, as wildlife includes wildebeests, zebras, elands, monkeys, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, warthogs, hyenas, oryx, lions, antelopes, buffaloes, impalas, and gazelles. Tourists may also be able to spot rare and endangered species such as the black rhino and black maned male lions, which makes the experience unique and memorable! Locals are friendly and helpful, so travellers can easily find good accommodation and facilities such as safari cars and tour guides!
- Selous Game Reserve
The mind boggling and gorgeous Selous Game Reserve is home to over 350 species of exotic birds such as owls, lapwings, kingfishers, palm nut vultures, kestrels, storks, parrots, herons, and eagles. The breathtaking destination also allows visitors to spot elephants, giraffes, antelopes, zebras, waterbucks, wild dogs, hyenas, hippos, impalas, buffaloes, wildebeests, and lions!
- Arusha National Park
With the mesmerising views of Mount Meru, lush vegetation, and cascading waterfalls, Arusha offers a range of experiences such as canoeing at the Momella Lakes, picnics at the Chemeka Hot Springs, hiking and climbing Mount Meru, and finding animals like flamingos, hornbills, hyenas, elephants, zebras, giraffes, geese, monkeys, and herons during safaris or game drives!
- Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is one of the largest parks in Tanzania, and has a diverse range of animals, being home to 10% of the world’s entire lion population! This “hidden gem” is in the south so it is not very crowded or busy. The area has the Big 5 (leopards, buffaloes, elephants,rhinos, lions), as well as sable antelopes, giraffes, roans, cheetahs, kudu, and African wild dogs!
- Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is great for game viewing and bird watching, as animals can easily be seen as the foliage is thinner, and the region welcomes many migratory exotic birds! Tourists can spot leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, elands, impalas, waterbucks, wild dogs, gazelles, mongooses, badgers, lions, monkeys, and baboons, and even the extraordinary elephant migration!
- Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park allows visitors to find leopards, giraffes, elephants, wildebeests, zebras, lions, blue monkeys, and over 400 bird species including pelicans, flamingos, hornbills, crowned eagles, guinea fowl, egrets, and storks. The park has a jungle-like groundwater forest, grassy plains, blue volcanic peaks, and the beautiful Lake Manyara, where flamingos gather in large numbers. Visitors can also see the giant baobab trees, and the Maji Moto hot springs.
- Mahale Mountains Reserve
Mahale Mountains national park has vivid greenery, dense forest, and beautiful waterfalls! One should visit during the dry season, when the track is suitable for walking safaris! The forest has the largest concentration of chimps in the world, and is home to red colobus monkeys, and red tailed monkeys! Tourists also can hike up to Nkungwe, the highest point in the park, at 8069ft!
- Gombe National Park
Gombe National Park is best visited during the dry season, when access is easier, and tracks are not slippery due to mud and rain. For this popular destination, tourists are advised to book accommodations and facilities, such as vehicles and lodges, in advance. This destination is perfect for those who like chimpanzees, as they can be spotted at the lower slopes! The region is also home to migratory birds and exotic species such as pelicans, ospreys, palm nut vultures, storks, hornbills, guinea fowl, barbets, cuckoos, rollers, hawks, owls, cormorants, and eagles!
- Saadani National Park
This unique spot is not just a safari park, but also a beach destination as it is situated right on the Indian Ocean. Tourists can walk on the beach, enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the area, or go on a fun filled game drive, where animals such as giraffes, elephants, warthogs, buffaloes, lions, waterbucks, bushbucks, baboons, vervet monkeys, wildebeests, and elands can be seen!