Popular Tanzania safari destinations : One of the most well-known safari destinations in the world, Tanzania is home to captivating beaches, historic cultural landmarks, noteworthy archaeological sites, amazing wildlife displays, and breathtaking scenery. The yearly migration of wildebeests, lions scaling trees, massive herds of elephants, sightings of the Big Five, lakes covered in flamingos, and rivers infected with crocodiles are just a few of Tanzania’s remarkable wildlife displays.
Tanzania’s famous national parks and reserves, which are renowned for their profusion of wildlife, are included in our comprehensive list of the top animal viewing destinations in Tanzania.
Arusha National Park
Arusha is home to many giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras, but not the big 5 Animals. The Ngurdoto Crater, a volcanic crater with a swamp floor, is where the game vehicles will halt on the majority of Arusha safaris. Encircled by woods, Ngurdoto Crater is a fantastic place to witness a variety of antelope, buffalo, elephant, and warthog species. The Big and Small Momelas, El Kekhotoito, Kusare, Lekandiro, Rishateni, and Tulusia are among the Momella Lakes. Buffaloes and giraffes are also frequently seen near the banks of these rivers.
Safari guests have the opportunity to witness buffaloes and waterbucks in their native environment in Lake Longil, the park’s sole freshwater lake. Within the limits of Arusha National Park, the Tululusia Hill and waterfall area is a great place to see animals. On their safari, a few lucky tourists have seen leopards, red duiker, and pythons that live in trees.
Lake Manyara National Park
In addition to the park’s employees and guides, you will be welcomed by resident primates such the olive baboons and blue monkeys that live in the woodland patch at the entrance to Lake Manyara National Park.
Beginning with the tree-climbing lions that have demonstrated a fondness for acacia trees, visitors to Lake Manyara National Park have a lot to look forward to. Numerous investigations have attempted to identify the cause of the lions’ actions at Lake Manyara National Park. According to one hypothesis, lions began climbing trees to avoid flies and mosquitoes, a tactic that subsequent generations adopted. Another belief holds that lions climb trees because they provide an excellent view position.
Thousands of birds migrate to Lake Manyara. These include the pink flamingos that cover the lake’s surface, which contrasts beautifully with the ash-colored water. One location where hippo sightings are assured is the park’s hippo pool, which is situated on Lake Manyara’s northern beaches.
Serengeti National Park
Although the Serengeti National Park is an excellent place to watch animals all year round, June through September is the best time to witness the wildebeest migration. Because there is less foliage during the dry season (July to October), it is simpler to see wildlife. View the yearly evolution of the wildebeest migration by viewing our comprehensive infographic. Your schedule and personal preferences will determine the ideal time to visit the park.
Hippos and Nile crocodiles, two of Africa’s most deadly predators, can be found in the marshes of the Mara River. With its high concentration of elephants, buffaloes, and lions, the Serengeti is one of Tanzania’s greatest places to see three of the big five. A few fortunate safari-goers may also be able to see the black rhino and leopard, which are rarely spotted. As spotted hyenas, black-backed jackals, and golden jackals always follow the lead of the apex predators, the big cats, the Serengeti is also home to a substantial population of cheetahs in Tanzania. These predators will either scavenge on their prey’s carcass or attempt to steal it.
Ruaha National Park .
Ruaha National Park’s namesake, the Ruaha River, flowing along the park’s southeastern border, offers the perfect spot for game viewing. The Njombe is another river that flows through the gorges and rugged terrain of the park. On the banks of these rivers, visitors can observe Nile crocodiles enjoying the sun. Herds of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, impalas, and kudus are among the many species that come to these water sources to drink. Additionally, there is a potential of seeing one of the many predators, including spotted hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, and wild dogs.
Selous Game Reserve
One of the main destinations in Tanzania’s southern park circuit is the Selous Game Reserve. Selous Game Reserve offers fantastic wildlife viewing possibilities because of its high concentration of species. Despite its fame, it is one of Tanzania’s less frequented and, hence, less congested parks, giving tourists the opportunity to observe the wildlife without any interruptions. Along with lions and leopards, the Selous Game Reserve is home to a sizable and robust population of African wild dogs, an endangered species.
The park’s fauna, which includes giraffes, zebras, impalas, buffaloes, and waterbucks, frequently visits the Rufiji River, Lake Tagalaga, and a number of Selous waterholes. Predators are frequently not far behind. You may even be fortunate enough to see a lion hunt its prey. Selous is well-known for its fantastic boat rides and daring safaris, such as walking safaris, which let guests get up close and personal with the wildlife in its natural habitat.
Tarangire National Park
Those who wish to witness massive herds of elephants in their native environment can visit Tarangire National Park. It is home to four of the big five African animals—elephants, buffaloes, lions, and leopards—as well as Tanzania’s largest population of elephants. Primates including vervet monkeys and baboon troops are frequently seen throughout the national park. Particularly near the park’s picnic spots, vervet monkeys gather and aren’t above taking your food.
The best places to watch hippopotamus are the wetlands and water sources in Tarangire. The likelihood of seeing a lion is higher than that of any other predator, including cheetahs, leopards, and African wild dogs. Another characteristic of Tarangire is its tree-climbing pythons, which are compelled to seek cover when the marshes dry up.
Five of the most frequently seen birds in the Tarangire sky are the speckle-fronted weaver, red-and-yellow barbet, red-bellied parrot, tawny eagle, and ashy starling. The ideal time to see the park’s more than 500 bird species is from November to April.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
In addition to having an abundance of wildlife, Ngorongoro Conservation Area is among the best places to see indigenous people coexisting peacefully with animals. About 100,000 Maasai people reside here, caring for their cattle without affecting the local animals. The conservation area also has some interesting sights to explore, including Empakaai Crater, Nasera Rock, Olduvai Gorge, Oldonyo Lengai, and of course, the well-known Ngorongoro Crater.
One of the most frequently seen carnivores in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the cheetah. They graze the grasslands in the Lake Ndutu area outside the crater. Giraffes can be seen outside the crater and are unable to access the crater’s surface. One of the greatest locations to watch black rhinos is the Ngorongoro Crater, where you can also see the big five. While buffaloes and elephants are found throughout the conservation area, from floodplains to swamps and savannahs, lions can also be seen patrolling the grasslands in the Lake Ndutu area. At the edge of the crater, in the rainforest, are the elusive leopards.
To see the hippos in the park, visitors can go to the Mandusi Hippo Pools or the Gongor Swamps. The Gongor Swamps are also home to the endangered black rhino. The yearly migration of wildebeest from Tanzania to Kenya and back passes via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Travelers should schedule their journey during December or February in order to witness the wildebeest migration in action. It is the calving season, and the wildebeest are in Ngorongoro at this time.
