Planning a trip to Tanzania but not sure which safari parks you should visit? No worries. We have listed the five most beautiful safari destinations in the country for you. Because at Charlie’s Travels it is not only about safari. It is about an authentic adventure full of wildlife and real local connections.
5. Mkomazi National Park: raw, quiet and untouched
Between the impressive Usambara Mountains lies Mkomazi National Park, a hidden gem in northeastern Tanzania. Here you really feel alone in the world. Hardly any other jeeps, pure silence and endless open views. The park is known as one of the best places to spot black rhinos. You also find a sanctuary for rhinos and wild dogs, giving you the chance to experience wildlife from very close. Mkomazi is the ultimate off the beaten track safari while still keeping that sense of adventure alive.4. Lake Manyara National Park: small but full of life
Lake Manyara might be small, but it is bursting with life. You look out over a shimmering lake filled with hippos, flamingos and hundreds of other bird species. Birds are everywhere you look flying, swimming and diving. With some luck you see elephants cooling off in the water or giraffes grazing along the shore. Lake Manyara is a paradise for bird lovers and photographers. A compact safari experience that is anything but boring.3. Ngorongoro Crater: the gateway to paradis
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most spectacular natural areas in Tanzania and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You drive along the rim of an ancient volcano and look down into a basin filled with an incredible density of wildlife. Below you find a patchwork of grasslands, forests and lakes where the Big Five roam. You can spot lions, elephants, zebras and with some luck even the rare black rhino. The crater is popular, so expect other visitors, but the views and the wildlife variety make up for everything.2. Serengeti National Park: the heart of the African savanna
The Serengeti is the symbol of Tanzania and perhaps the most famous safari park in the world. The name means endless plain in the language of the Masai, and that describes exactly what you will find. Every year millions of animals move across the plains during the Great Migration. Wildebeest, zebras, gazelles and their hungry followers. From the hills in the north to the Grumeti River in the west, it feels like stepping into a wildlife documentary. This park is a once in a lifetime must.1. Tarangire National Park: the land of elephants and baobabs
Tarangire might be the most photogenic park in Tanzania. The landscape is filled with baobab trees, the iconic African giants that stand like ancient guardians across the land. The Tarangire River is the lifeline of the park and attracts thousands of animals during the dry season. Elephants, buffalos, zebras and giraffes gather here to drink. Chances are high you see entire herds passing by at once. Tarangire combines wildlife, tranquility and epic landscapes in a way only Tanzania can. That is why this park deserves our number one spot.Practical tip for your safari in Tanzania
Want to get the most out of your safari? Combine several regions. Go from the northern parks Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara to the south Ruaha or Nyerere for a quieter, wilder experience. This way you discover the incredible diversity of Tanzania from savanna to rainforest.The five most beautiful safari parks in Tanzania at a glance
| Safari park | Region | Size | Best time to visit | Wildlife highlights | Unique features |
| Mkomazi National Park | Northeast Tanzania, at the foot of the Usambara Mountains | approx. 3,200 km² | June to October | Black rhino, wild dog, giraffe, oryx | Quiet and untouched park with Kilimanjaro views and a rhino sanctuary |
| Lake Manyara National Park | Northern Tanzania, along the Rift Valley | approx. 330 km² | June to September | Flamingos, hippos, elephants, tree climbing lions | Compact park with a large lake, top for bird lovers and photography |
| Ngorongoro Crater | Northern Tanzania, Ngorongoro Conservation Area | approx. 260 km² (crater floor) | All year round | Big Five, black rhino, flamingos, buffalos | UNESCO World Heritage, largest intact volcanic crater in the world |
| Serengeti National Park | Northern Tanzania, bordering Kenya | approx. 14,750 km² | June to October (Great Migration) | Lions, wildebeest, zebras, cheetahs | World famous park with the annual migration of millions of animals |
| Tarangire National Park | Northern Tanzania, south of Lake Manyara | approx. 2,850 km² | June to October | Elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions | Known for baobab trees and large herds around the Tarangire River |
