What are the Best Tanzania Safari Attractions?

As Tanzania offers such a variety and scope of attractions, deciding where to go on safari in this remarkable country can be a challenge! The sheer number of amazing attractions makes it an excellent first time safari destination as well as a fantastic place to return to experience the wonders of Africa again and again.
 

Serengeti National Park

The fabled Serengeti National Park is the cornerstone of the northern circuit safari and home to an inordinate amount and variety of wildlife, including supporting 30 percent of the world's lion population. It is here that the Great Wildebeest Migration originates, as 2 million wildebeest and gazelle continually move in their quest for fresh grazing, better quality water and rebirth.

Ngrorongoro Crater

Nearby the Serengeti is another Tanzanian safari icon; the Ngorongoro Crater. The crater is the remains of an ancient imploded volcano and is a wildlife “Garden of Eden”, with incredible numbers and a great variety of game and birdlife all co-existing on the crater floor.

Lake Manyara National Park

Famed for its tree climbing lions and migratory flamingos, the shallow waters of Lake Manyara cover most of Lake Manyara National Park’s grounds. The park is small enough to be explored over the course of one day and has more than enough animals to keep any safari enthusiasts enraptured throughout a visit.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is an excellent to visit as a first stop-off on a northern circuit safari. Tarangire is less busy but just as full of spectacular wildlife compared to its more popular neighbors Lake Manyara and Serengeti. Tarangire offers varied landscapes, diverse game viewing, as well as incredible birdlife.

The Great Rift Valley rises breathtakingly around both Lake Manyara and Tarangire.

Selous Game Reserve

An excellent stop on Tanzania’s southern circuit, Selous National Park is an immense, remote wildlife destination. A highlight of Selous is the Rufiji River which is home to a variety of species as well as exciting land and water based safari activities.

Ruaha National Park

Large, remote, and wild, Ruaha National Park is right in the center of Tanzania. Ruaha is found on Tanzania’s southern circuit and is another largely untamed, secluded Tanzania safari destination. The rugged landscape offers spectacular scenery and great game viewing opportunities.

Katavi National Park

On Tanzania’s southern circuit, Katavi is a remote, untamed, “off the beaten track” wilderness safari experience. Elephant, buffalo, and hippo are found in abundance. Combining Katavi with nearby Selous and Mahale National Park makes for a fully immersive wildlife safari.

Zanzibar

Enjoy the sedate pleasures of a Zanzibar Island holiday and balmy relaxation on east African beaches. Just off of the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is becoming increasingly popular with travelers but has managed to retain its authentic island charm and unique African vibe.

Mount Kilimanjaro

At 5895m, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and certainly worth viewing (and even climbing!). Mount Kilimanjaro is surrounded by Kilimanjaro National Park and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mount Kilimanjaro is definitely an iconic image of Tanzania!