What is the most visited national parks in Tanzania in 2025
What is the most visited national parks in Tanzania in 2025 : Uncover the most visited National Parks in Tanzania and the reasons why they stand out/make them the most explored. In Tanzania alone, there are 22 National Parks with each having something unusual for nature lovers to experience. The most visited National Parks in Tanzania include Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ruaha National Park, Arusha National Park and Selous Game Reserve
There are most visited National parks in Tanzania thanks to their diverse wildlife species, unmatched beauty, and exceptional experiences. In this article, we will explore some of the most visited national parks in Tanzania, highlighting their unique features, popular activities and what makes them stand out.
Most visited National Parks in Tanzania and Why?
Serengeti National Park
One of the most famous national parks in the world, Serengeti National Park is one of the most popular safari parks. This stunning national park is renowned for its vast savannah and diverse wildlife. covering over 5,700 square miles, the park is best known for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other animals travel in search of greener pastures from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara in Kenya. On Tanzania safaris, Serengeti National Park should be a must-visit destination for you to have an in-depth witnessing how wildebeest other with zebras and gazelles crosses the mara river to search for green pastures and back. Visitors flock to the Serengeti year-round, but the best time to see the migration typically occurs between June and September. Safari tours provide a thrilling way to witness this spectacular event and encounter other animals like lions, elephants, and giraffes.
Other exciting safari highlights that have positioned Serengeti National Park among the top-visited National Parks in Tanzania include hot air ballon safaris, bird watching/birding, classic game drives, cultural visit and walking safaris along others
Ngorongoro Crater
Often regarded as one of the natural wonders of the world, Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Tanzania’s most visited destinations. The Ngorongoro crater stands out as a truly iconic destination. It’s the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera that has remained intact and unfilled with water. This unique site presents exciting opportunities for travellers to see diverse wildlife and enjoy the unmistakable landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater. The Ngorongoro crater of Tanzania was formed about 2 million years ago as a result of collapse of a volcano which was once higher than Mount Kilimanjaro which is the highest mountain in Africa at 5895 meters. the crater is a massive caldera that is home to a rich variety of wildlife. The floor of the crater is home to an abundance of animals, including the endangered black rhino, elephants, buffalo and various several antelopes.
In addition, Ngorongoro crater is also an enriching destination when it comes to birding tours in Tanzania. Over 500 species of avian species (both migratory and resident) which are found in distinguished vegetation terrains. Most of the water birds are found in Lake Magadi which is located in the Ngorongoro crater floor.
Visitors to Ngorongoro can go on game drives, where they can explore the lush landscape and spot wildlife in their natural habitats. The opportunity to see such a diverse range of animals in this unique ecosystem makes it a must-visit for nature lovers. Additionally, the views from the rim of the crater are simply breathtaking, providing fantastic photo opportunities that capture the beauty of the area.
Tarangire National Park
Known for its massive baobab trees and large elephant herds, Tarangire National Park is another gem in Tanzania. Located just a short drive from Arusha, it is a popular choice for visitors looking for an exciting safari. Ranking as the 6th largest National Park in Tanzania and covering an area of 2,600 square kilometres, Tarangire has the highest concentration of African elephants of any park in northern Tanzania. During the dry season, more than 300 elephants gather along the Tarangire River. The park is also known for massive ancient baobab trees, excellent birding, and some quirky animals like dwarf mongooses. besides the elephants, the park also halters a variety of mammal species including lions, hippos, leopards, cheetahs (rarely seen), African buffaloes, hyenas (rarely seen) and zebras among others
Tarangire is also an excellent park for birdwatching, with over 500 bird species recorded, making its the best bird watching destination in Tanzania. The parks birds includes endangered, near endangered, critically endangered, endemic species, all in Tarangire National Park.
Tarangire National Park is among the most visited National Parks in Tanzania because of its rewarding guided game drives, bird watching, nature walks and others.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara also known as Lake Moya among the Iraqw people is a lake located in Monduli District of Arusha Region, Tanzania and is the seventh-largest lake of Tanzania by surface area, at 470-square-kilometre (180 sq mi). It is a shallow, alkaline lake in the Natron-Manyara-Balangida branch of the East African Rift. The park features a beautiful lake, dense forests, and open grasslands, making it a habitat for various wildlife. With the Lake on its east and the Manyara Escarpment to its west, the Lake Manyara National Park offers breathtaking views and a large variety of habitats supporting an array of wildlife. Manyara has the largest concentration of baboons anywhere in the world and the lions here are also renowned for their tree climbing.
The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 400 species, including flamingos that flock to the lake, the Black Heron, Glossy Ibis, Little bee-eater, Martial Eagle and the Silvery-checked hornbill. Game drives and guided walking safaris offer visitors opportunities to see animals like elephants, giraffes, and hippos up close. The incredible combination of landscapes and wildlife makes Lake Manyara a popular stop on a Tanzanian safari itinerary.
Selous Game Reserve
The Selous Game Reserve, now renamed as Nyerere National Park (in-part), is a protected nature reserve and wilderness area in southern Tanzania, East Africa. Covering over 12,000 square miles, Selous is one of the largest protected areas in Africa. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its diverse ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, and savannahs. The crater is famous for its large concentration of elephants, black rhinoceroses, cheetahs, giraffes, hippopotamuses and crocodiles live in this immense sanctuary, which measures 50,000 sq. km and is relatively undisturbed by human impact. The park has a variety of vegetation zones, ranging from dense thickets to open wooded grasslands.
Visitors can explore the reserve through game drives, guided walking safaris, and boat safaris on the Rufiji River, which offer unique perspectives on the wildlife. The combination of large landscapes and diverse species makes Selous an exciting destination for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park is a Tanzanian national park located 300 kilometres (190 mi) south of the equator in the Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania. Mount Kilimanjaro National Park attracts countless visitors each year, primarily those looking to climb Africa’s tallest mountain at about 5,895 meters (19,340 feet). It is the largest free-standing mountain rise in the world, meaning it is not part of a mountain range
Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s most accessible high summits, a beacon for visitors from around the world. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing and determination. Hikers can choose from several routes to reach the summit, each offering unique views and experiences. The trek is demanding but rewarding, with diverse ecosystems ranging from lush rainforests to alpine desert terrain. For those who prefer, there are also opportunities for shorter hikes and guided tours in the foothills.
