Beginners to safari travel will likely gravitate toward Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit; however, its Southern and Western regions boast many lesser-known treasures that might surprise. Tanzania is renowned for its exceptional wildlife and stunning landscapes, making it a popular destination for safaris. Choosing the best safari in Tanzania depends on your preferences, budget, and the specific experiences you’re seeking.

• Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is famous for its rolling plains, ancient baobab trees, and herds of wildebeest and zebra that roam freely throughout its expanse. Here you may spot all five members of Tanzania’s Big Five as well as plenty of rare tree-climbing lions!

The best time to visit the Serengeti is during its dry season from June to October, as this is when wildlife congregates around waterholes for easier observation, as well as when annual Great Migration herds cross the Mara River.

Travellers to Arusha’s safari capital Arusha typically embark on fly-in safaris, while you can drive yourself in a 4×4 or pitch your tent at one of the designated campsites. Accommodation options in the park can be costly. Therefore it may be more economical to book an inclusive tour package that provides accommodations.

• Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater should be included on any Tanzania safari itinerary. While other safari spots boast of boasting five Big Five wildlife species, Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater remains one of its greatest tourist draws.

Ngorongoro offers one of the world’s densest populations of lions; also to look out for are wildebeest, zebra, and waterbuck, as well as an active population of hyenas as well as rare leopards and cheetahs.

Ngorongoro National Park is home to numerous migrating bird species, such as Montagu’s and pallid harriers, lesser kestrels, European swallows, northern wheatears, and Caspian lapwings. 

• Tarangire National Park

From June through October, Tarangire National Park welcomes large herds of elephants, wildebeests, and zebras into its lush grasslands to drink from Tarangire River’s crystal-clear waters – creating an ideal habitat for thirsty wildlife while giving predators a simple target.

Tarangire National Park is a photographer’s paradise, boasting stunning red soil and yellow grasses that create breathtaking scenes. A highlight for photographers is elephants trudge to and from the Tarangire River for water while baobab trees stand sentry over its vast savannah landscapes.

The park’s southern end features walking safari camps where guests can fully immerse themselves in nature, hot air balloon safaris at dawn, night drives to spot nocturnal creatures and luxury lodges from Tanzania. Not forgetting bird watching with over 500 species, including raptors, geese, and Kori Bustards (the world’s heaviest flying birds!). Plus, the park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

• Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara Park’s primary draw is its diverse birdlife, featuring over 400 species, including flamingoes. Set at the foothills of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara features numerous habitats like ground water forest, floodplain, and Acacia tortilis woodlands; Troops of olive baboons and Sykes monkeys can often be seen among its trees.

Guided walking safaris are an ideal way to experience the park. Additionally, night drives provide ample opportunity for viewing short-eared galagos, porcupines, and genets in their natural environments.

Lake Manyara offers visitors an ideal safari experience from July to October when its bush thins out, and wildlife congregates around its lakeshores. Conveniently situated on Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, you can combine your visit with Tarangire or Ngorongoro Crater visits or add it to a tour of Mount Kilimanjaro as part of an impressive trip.

Read “What Is The Best Month To Safari In Tanzania?“