Tanzania: What are the most popular safari destinations?
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK (the most popular park in Tanzania and whole Africa)
The Serengeti is a vast ecosystem located in northwestern Tanzania and extends into southwestern Kenya. Here are some fascinating facts about the Serengeti:
Great Wildebeest Migration: The Serengeti is famous for hosting the annual Great Wildebeest Migration, where over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles undertake a 1,200-mile circular trek in search of fresh grazing grounds, making it one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the world.
Diverse Wildlife: The Serengeti is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including the “Big Five” – lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinoceros. Additionally, it harbors a multitude of other species such as giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, and more.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Serengeti National Park, established in 1951, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 due to its significant biological, ecological, and geological value. It is renowned for its natural beauty and exceptional biodiversity.
Balloon Safaris: Visitors to the Serengeti have the opportunity to experience the unique thrill of a hot air balloon safari, providing an unparalleled perspective of the majestic landscape and the sweeping herds of wildlife below.
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Tarangire National Park, located in northern Tanzania, is a captivating destination known for its unique features and impressive wildlife. Here are some fascinating facts about Tarangire National Park:
Elephants in African landscape at sunset in Tarangire National Park in Africa, Tanzania
Baobab Trees: The park is renowned for its large population of ancient baobab trees, which dot the landscape and create a striking backdrop for wildlife viewing. The sheer size and mystical appearance of these iconic trees make them a defining feature of the park.
Animal watching on safari in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania, Africa.Boabab
Diverse Wildlife: Tarangire is home to a variety of wildlife, including large elephant herds, as the park has one of the highest concentrations of elephants in the world. Visitors can also spot an array of other animals such as lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and numerous bird species.
View from above on herd of elephants crossing dry riverbed in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania.Closeup view of an African zebra face, Tarangire National park, TanzaniaA family of elephants in Tarangire National park, Tanzania.Mongoose on alert in the plains of Tarangire National Park – Vertical View – TanzaniaClimbing lions – Tarangire National Park – TanzaniaHerd of elephants, close up, in Tarangire National Park TanzaniaHerd of common eland antelopes resting in the shadow at noonA female lion looks out from a vantage point high in a tree. Taken in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania.
Seasonal Migration: During the dry season (from June to October), Tarangire National Park becomes a haven for wildlife as animals congregate around the Tarangire River, which serves as a vital water source. This congregation of wildlife presents excellent opportunities for game viewing and photography.
Off the Beaten Path: Despite its remarkable offerings, Tarangire is often less crowded than some of the more popular parks in Tanzania, allowing visitors to experience a more secluded and authentic safari experience.
Walking Safaris: The park offers the unique opportunity to explore the wilderness on foot with guided walking safaris. This allows visitors to connect with nature at a closer level and gain a deeper understanding of the park’s ecosystem.
Tarangire word came from the famous River that run through the park.
African Elephant Herd (Loxodonta) emerging from a marsh in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania, AfricaWhen moving from one location to another, zebras always walk in line, one after the other.Baobab and Acacia trees dot the savannah grass either side of a seasonal river – part of the forest where endangered safari animals graze in the lush bush of Tarangire National Park, a wildlife reserve or national park for wild animal safaris in Tanzania, Africa
NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA (HERE IS WHERE THE MAGICAL CRATER FOUND)
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, located in Tanzania, is a unique and awe-inspiring destination that is steeped in natural beauty and cultural significance. Here are some fascinating facts about the Ngorongoro area:
This area is home to the Ngorongoro Crater, a massive volcanic caldera that is often referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world.” It is the largest unflooded and unbroken caldera in the world, creating a natural enclosure for a wide variety of wildlife.
Panoramic view of Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania created by a collapsing volcanoZebras and wildebeests in the Ngorongoro Crater, TanzaniaNgorongoro Crater truly is a natural wonderland where more than twenty thousand animals live in an edenic environment, protected from the outside world by steep walls.The west rim of the Ngorongoro crater at sunrise in TanzaniaBaboons sitting on a branch in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania.
Diverse Wildlife: The Ngorongoro Conservation Area boasts an exceptional concentration of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceros). Additionally, the crater is home to numerous other species, making it a prime location for game viewing and photography.
Lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor). Ndutu region of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, AfricaMother Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) with cubs. Ndutu region of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, AfricaSafari vehicles with tourists in between large herds of Wildebeest (Gnu, Connochaetes) and Zebras (Equus quagga, formerly Equus burchelli) inside world famous Ngorongoro Crater.
Location: Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Northern Tanzania. Shot in wildlife.Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, Tanzania
Maasai Culture: The conservation area is also inhabited by the Maasai people, who have traditionally coexisted with the region’s wildlife for centuries. Their traditional homesteads, known as bomas, can be found within the area, providing a glimpse into their unique way of life and cultural heritage.
View of Maasai village with huts and enkang barrier nearby Tarangire National Park – Tanzania.Cattle Herd at Masai Mara early in the morning with Masai WarriorMasai with zebu cattle in African bush. End of dry season, the thorn trees are turning green.
Paleontological Significance: The Olduvai Gorge, located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is an important paleoanthropological site where some of the earliest hominid fossils, including those of Australopithecus and Homo habilis, have been discovered, providing valuable insights into human evolution.
Olduvai Gorge scenic view in the Great Rift Valley, Tanzania, East Africa. An important paleoanthropological site.Tanzania, Africa – March 12, 2023: Statue at the Olduvai Gorge Museum (Ngorongoro Conservation Area). Human Skulls of Paranthropus and Homo HabilisOlduvai Gorge (Oldupai Gorge) is where Dr Leakey discovered an important paleoanthropological site.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Ngorongoro Conservation Area was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 due to its exceptional natural beauty, remarkable natural phenomena, and the harmonious coexistence of humans and wildlife within the ecosystem.
Zebras and wildebeests in the Ngorongoro Crater, TanzaniaNgorongoro CraterRhino black savanna wildlife safari animals Ngorongoro Tanzania Africa hornTanzania, Ngorongoro CraterLions GroomingPeople in Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
Lake Manyara National Park, situated in the northern part of Tanzania, is a captivating destination with its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Here are some fascinating facts about Manyara National Park:
Unique Ecosystem: One of the distinctive features of Lake Manyara National Park is its diverse ecosystem, which encompasses everything from the rift valley escarpment to the soda lake and groundwater forest. This diversity gives rise to a remarkable array of flora and fauna within the park.
In Lake Manyara In Tanzania
Tree-Climbing Lions: The park is renowned for its population of tree-climbing lions, which exhibit an unusual behavior of taking refuge in the branches of acacia trees. This phenomenon is a rare sight and adds an element of intrigue to wildlife viewing in the park.
Two lionesses in a tree in Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania.A lioness relaxing in a tree in Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania.
Ornithological Haven: Lake Manyara is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, as the park is home to over 400 bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, storks, and countless other waterfowl. The picturesque scenery surrounding the lake provides an ideal habitat for these avian species.
Yellow-billed Storks (Mycteria ibis) in Lake Manyara National Park, TanzaniaLeptoptilos crumeniferus, Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania
Hot Springs and Waterfalls: Apart from its wildlife, Lake Manyara National Park is also endowed with hot springs and the Maji Moto (Hot Springs) waterfall. These natural features contribute to the park’s allure and offer visitors an opportunity to appreciate the diverse geology of the region.
Cultural Encounters: The park provides opportunities for cultural interactions with the local Maasai community, offering visitors a chance to gain insights into the traditional lifestyle and customs of these indigenous people.
In Lake Manyara In TanzaniaAn alert lioness on a large branch in an acacia tree in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. She is looking for prey, after the long rains.
Panthera Leo.Hippos wallowing in water, Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania. Canon EOS 5D Mark II, 300 mm.African elephants are playing in the waterManyara, Tanzania – January 21, 2008: Tourists on game drive taking pictures of elephants in Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania, AfricaPanoramic view from the bluff overlooking Lake Manyara. Tanzania, Africa
MKOMAZI NATIONAL PARK (BEST PARK FOR RHINOS)
Mkomazi National Park is located in northeastern Tanzania and is known for its conservation efforts for endangered species such as the African wild dog and black rhino. The park is also home to a variety of bird species and offers stunning views of the Usambara and Pare mountain ranges.
Masai giraffe in Mikomazi national park in TanzaniaImpalas in Mikomazi national park in TanzaniaRhinos in Mkomazi National Park, Tanzania, Africa.Rhinos in Mkomazi National Park, Tanzania, Africa.Same, Tanzania, 7th June, 2019: people walking on a dusty road in Maasai land in TanzaniaSame, Tanzania, 5th June, 2019: maasai warriors, jumping impressive haights to impress ladiesSame, Tanzania, 5th June, 2019: Maasai warriors arriving from a neighboring village in a ceremonial slow walk
ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK (ONE OF THE SMALLEST NATIONAL PARK IN TANZANIA)
Arusha National Park is located in northern Tanzania and is known for its diverse landscapes, including grasslands, montane forests, and the stunning Mount Meru. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and flamingos in the alkaline Momella Lakes. This park is only better for a day trip.
Giraffes in Arusha National Park, Tanzania, AfricaGiraffes in Arusha National Park, Tanzania, AfricaArusha National Park, Tanzania, Africa
NYERERE NATIONAL PARK (FORMER SELOUS GAME RERVE)
Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, is the largest protected area in Africa and is located in southern Tanzania. It is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and crocodiles along the Rufiji River, as well as the rare African wild dog. The park offers a unique and remote safari experience.
Elephants in Nyerere National Park, Tanzania, AfricaGiraffes in Nyerere National Park, Tanzania, AfricaElephants in Nyerere National Park, Tanzania, AfricaRiver in Nyerere National Park, Tanzania, AfricaElephants in Nyerere National Park, Tanzania, AfricaHippopotamus in Nyerere National Park, Tanzania, AfricaCrocodile in Nyerere National Park, Tanzania, AfricaSunset in Nyerere National Park, Tanzania, AfricaZebras in Nyerere National Park, Tanzania, Africa
MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA
Mikumi National Park is the fourth-largest national park in Tanzania and is known for its diverse wildlife, including lions, giraffes, and zebras. It offers stunning views of the Mkata River floodplain and the Uzungwa Mountains in the distance.
Savannah landscape with large herd of impalas, zebras and one marabou. Mikumi national park, TanzaniaAfrican lion resting on the grass among the bushes under the hot sun of savannah. Mikumi National Park savannah in Tanzania, Africa. 4k video.Mikumi National Park – TanzaniaSavannah landscape with large herd of impalas, zebras and one marabou. Mikumi national park, TanzaniaSunset over the dry African Savannah, Mikumi, TanzaniaMikumi, Tanzania – Ocotber 25, 2014: Maasai warrior in Mikumi National Park, Tanzania, assisting tourists in one of the camps on a normal day.Masai giraffe in Mikomazi national park in TanzaniaLilac-breasted roller sitting on a branch in tha African savannahLion in Mikumi, Tanzania, AfricaA herd of eland antelopes move along the green grass of the African savannah with trees and mountains in the background. Mikumi National Park, Tanzania.Close-up of a lilac- breasted roller in the Mikumi National Park in Tanzania.Silhouettes of a family watching the beautiful sunset in Mikumi National Park.Nile Crocodile by the waterhole in the savannah, MikumiBeautiful landscape with some young African elephants testing their strenght while playing in the Mikumi National Park in Tanzania.African Zebra standind in the dry savannah, Mikumi, TanzaniaTwo giraffes , one standing, one lying down, in the shade of the tree in the beautiful landscape of the Mikumi National Park,Tanzania.Zebras on the savanna in Tanzania, Africa.Baby elephant cub feeds on grass in the African savanna among trees at sunny day. Mikumi National Park, Tanzania, Africa. 4k videoAfrican wildlife in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya Black and white landscape photographyElephants walking in a row in Mikumi National park, Tanzania, Africa.African elephant family standing in the shade of the tree in the dry season.Wild lion in the African Savannah, TanzaniaHerd of wildbeest and some zebra standing in the savannah in the beautiful landscape of the Mikumi National Park in the dry season.Mikumi National Park, Tanzania – August 05, 2018:A Cessna 208 B Grand Caravan with tourists is arriving at the bush airstrip of the Mikumi National Park. The safari charter is from Safari Airlink. This airline is offering flights to remote areas in Southern Tanzania.African lion resting on the grass among the bushes under the hot sun of savannah. Mikumi National Park savannah in Tanzania, Africa. 4k video.In the national park of Mikumi, tanzania, this impala watched us during the golden hour, just before another sunset. Through the high grass, this display is wonderful. a couplePortrait Masai Warrior dressed in his traditional clothing. Zanzibar. TanzaniaA brown bird of prey perched on a dead branch with acacias in the backgroundCaucasian woman wearing a cap and sunglasses on a jeep safari in the Mikumi National Park in Tanzania.Beautiful sunset over the savannah in Mikumi National Park, Tanzania.Giraffes in the savannah at sunseta pair of African elephants eating grass standing in the bushes of African savannah in Mikumi National Park, Tanzania. 4k video.Large group of buffalos resting in the Mikumi National Park during the dry season.Elephants in the African savannah. Elephant standing in high grass in the Chobe National ParkWild African Buffalo with yellow-billed oxpecker in the SavannahBeautiful landscape with a baobab tree and some young African elephants testing their strenght while playing in the Mikumi National Park in Tanzania.Pair of giraffes near the tree in the Mikumi National Park in Tanzania. One is lying down, the other is standing in the shade of the tree.Wild lion in the African Savannah, TanzaniaFemale elephant comes to the baby cub standing on the green grass among the trees in the savannah of Tanzania. African safari. 4k video.Gazzelles, Serengeti park, Tanzania, AfricaMasai giraffe in Mikomazi national park in TanzaniaStunning landscape from the safari excursion in Tsavo East and Massai Mara national park in Kenya, Africa with a Red African elephant isolatedTwo african buffalos grazing in tall grass. Mikumi national park, TanzaniaAnimals are breastfeeding.Group of african elephants (mom and two small babies) walking through savanna. Mikumi national park, TanzaniaGiraffe in the wildA herd of eland antelopes and zebras move along the green grass of the African savannah with trees and mountains in the background. Mikumi National Park, Tanzania.Front view of an elephant standing in the high grasses area in the Mikumi National Park.Beautiful amazing summer landscape. Lake in national park Selous. Safari in Tanzania forest. Wild flora portrait. African impression nature.In the national park of Mikumi, Tanzania, this lioness is hunting for impala meat. Her fur matches with the high grass in which she walks.Wild Elephant in the Savannah in Mikumi, TanzaniaA male impala licking his lips in the dry grassWild lion in the African Savannah, TanzaniaAfrican gray elephant eating green grass using his trunk in the shade of a tree. Close-up 4k video. Mikumi National Park, Tanzania.Giraffes in Mikumi, Tanzania, AfricaThe Greater Kudu or Great Kudu, Tragelaphus strepsiceros, is a species of artiodactyl mammal of the subfamily Bovinae. It is an African antelope of great size and remarkable horn.Tanzania – Morogoro province – The african bush elephant (loxodonta africana) stands in a threatening pose against a jeep safari car on a savannah dirt road in Mikumi national park with blurred backgorundA Cape Buffalo in the mudd in Mikumi National Park TanzaniaElephants walking on a path on the savanna in Tanzania, Africa.Sunset over savanna in Tanzania, Africa.Close-up of a saddle billed stork near a puddle in the Mikumi National Park.The graceful giraffe slowly moves behind the trees in the African savanna. Mikumi National Park, Tanzania.
RUAHA NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA
Ruaha National Park is the largest national park in Tanzania and is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and giraffes. The park also features the Great Ruaha River and stunning landscapes.
Elephant Family with two young baby calves, walking through the tall green grass with large flapping ears and ivory tusks, with green bushes and blue skies, seen in the Ruaha National ParkAfrican elephants at the Jongomero riverAfrican elephants at the Jongomero riverWildlife elephants in Tanzania.River in Ruaha National Park, TanzaniaWildlife elephants in Tanzania.Lioness with cub crossing the road in Ruaha, Tanzania. on their way to water after having filled their stocks with a dead elephant calfA leopards colouration is a near perfect camouflage. Ruaha National Park, Tanzania.Looking out the window of a small propeller plane while flying over the savanna during dry season in Ruaha National Park in Tanzania, AfricaRuaha National Park,Tanzania – August 07, 2018: Rear view of a Masai guide in traditional red clothing, standing near some tourists at the edge of the river during a game drive in the Ruaha National Park. They are looking for wildlife near the river in the afternoon.Ruaha National Park is the largest national park in TanzaniaSafari jeep in African sunset.Landscape with a dirt road and baobab tree in the in the Ruaha National Park.Cheetah cub seen in the Kruger National ParkParasites on the back of a giraffeMikumi National Park, Tanzania – August 05, 2018: A family with children is waiting near a Cessna 208 B Grand Caravan after arrival at the airstrip of the Ruaha National Park. The safari charter is from Safari Airlink. This airline is offering flights to remote areas in Southern Tanzania.View of the sunrise at dawn over the African savanna from a balcony with a railing and a natural roof while on safari in Ruaha National Park, TanzaniaAfrican landscape with drinking giraffes. Ruaha Game reserve, Tanzania. Palms and elephants in the background.Dusk in Ruaha National Park, with a full moon setting over the baobab forestSmall aeroplane landing with passengers to Ruaha game reserve. Note the impalas in the background.See also my LB:Baobab tree in Tanzania with yellow full moon behind itPortrait of Lion face (front look close up) resting on top of a rockZebras and baobab tree in Ruaha game reserve, Tanzania.Ripples moving and reflecting in the water in a turquoise infinity pool on a sunny day at a safari lodge overlooking the Ruaha National Park in Tanzania, AfricaThe baby elephant died the same morning of unknown causes. Now at midday the mother with a group of other elephants is mourning the baby gently touching it with their feet and trunks.Wild male lion portraitRuaha National Park,Tanzania – August 04,02018: A safari vehicle is driving on the red earth dirt road in the Ruaha National Park, during a morning game drive.Giraffe in the wildElephant Family on the Ruaha River, TanzaniaElephants and old baobab tree Ruaha, Tanzania. An elephant is rubbing against a huge old baobab tree that has been used for the same purpose for a long time. The elephants have also been removing stipes of the bark for food.Very sweet lion cubsClose-up of a beautiful elephant flapping its ears while looking at and slowly approaching a group of tourists in an off-road vehicle while on safari in Ruaha National Park, TanzaniaBeautiful landscape with a lonely elegant giraffe in the wildlife reserve.Sleepy Leopard on a treeBuffalo in the dry nature habitat in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Western Region, GhanaBeautiful sunset in the Ruaha National Park in Tanzania.Elephant in the Ruaha National Park With large ears flapping, large thick trunk with creases held up sniffing the air, large ivory tusks and with grasses and green trees in the background on a sunny day with blue skies in the Ruaha National Park, TanzaniaMale Lion Resting in the Ruaha National ParkAfrican bush Elephant with Elephant Calf in mud wallow. Tarangire National Park / Tanzania. Tarangire National Park is the sixth largest national park in Tanzania after Ruaha, Serengeti, Mikumi, Katavi and Mkomazi. The national park is located in Manyara Region. The park is famous for its huge number of elephants, baobab trees and tree climbing lions.Twenty four hours after the death of the elephant calf the two last elephants are ready to leaveSafari flight ready to take off on Ruaha airstrip, Tanzania. It is midday and the shadows are directly under the plane.Buffaloes coming down to drink in almost dried out riverbed, Ruabha, Tanzania.Zebra in the Ruaha National ParkAfrican landscape. Baobab with large weaver bird nests. Tanzania.Female Waterbuck in savannahA giraffe is looking at the camera with surprice.Pair of African bush elephant copulating in the Tarangire National Park / Tanzania. Tarangire National Park is the sixth largest national park in Tanzania after Ruaha, Serengeti, Mikumi, Katavi and Mkomazi. The national park is located in Manyara Region. The park is famous for its huge number of elephants, baobab trees and tree climbing lions.Elephant family with youngsters and calf standing in the shade of the sausage tree.Grater KuduA riverbed lined with palm trees in Ruaha National Park, TanzaniaBeautiful sunrise in the Ruaha National Park in Tanzania.Young Zebra in the Ruaha National ParkA camouflaged lion standing in the tall, yellow grass and looking straight ahead while blinking his eyes then turning his head and yawning in Ruaha National Park in Tanzania, AfricaRuaha, Tanzania – November 3, 2011: Safari in landrover in Ruaha game reserve , Tanzania, Lioness and three cubs have crossed road just in front of the cars. The lions are not at all disturbed by cars but you are strongly adviced notto get out. Tourists are watchin. It is end of dry season, rains are soon coming and the trees have started to turn green.African elephants at the Jongomero riverA zebra in Ruaha National Park, during sunset.African elephants walking in a lineAfrican elephants at the Jongomero riverMale kudu with beautiful horns searching for food in the bushes in the wildlife reserve during the dry season.Ruaha National Park, TanzaniaElephant Family with two young baby calves, walking through the tall green grass with large flapping ears and ivory tusks, with green bushes and blue skies, seen in the Ruaha National Park
Other national parks include: Mahale, Gombe, Katavi and many other.