5 Major National Parks in Tanzania You Should Visit in a Lifetime

National parks in Tanzania are the other half that complete the country’s tourism spectacle besides its gorgeous beaches. The parks rank among the best in the whole world and are known for their unparalleled game-viewing and incredible scenic beauty. They are found in the northern, eastern western and southern parts of the country and cover around 15% of the country’s total land mass. Each of these parks offers its own special experiences which amazes even globetrotters. For all wildlife lovers, here are five national parks in Tanzania that are worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.

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Major National Parks in Tanzania

1. Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is most popular national park in Tanzania. Its range of wildlife and the vast tracts of woodlands and grasslands make it a must-visit destination in Tanzania. Here, you will be bowled over by colours and animals during the day and then taken in by wide skies filled with shooting stars at night.

The Serengeti is home to big cats such as lions. Photo/ Enclose Africa Safaris.

Serengeti National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to giraffes, rhinoceros, baboons, big herds of buffaloes and bird species, not forgetting the big cats. The climate, plants and animals of this region have not changed for the past one million years, which means that the Serengeti is one of the least disturbed ecosystems in the planet.

2. Nyerere National Park

Any list of amazing national parks in Tanzania would be incomplete without Nyerere National Park. The famous safari destination is about 155 miles southwest of Dar es Salaam. Here, you will see large populations of wildlife species, from the Big Five to impalas, zebras, elands and spotted hyenas, among others. What makes the journey to Nyerere National Park more exciting is the sight of sable and roan antelopes, which are not widely found in other parts of Africa.

3. Gombe Stream National Park

Gombe Stream National Park is located in the westernmost region of Tanzania along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The park, which encompasses an area of 14 square miles (35sq km), is comprised of woodlands, grasslands, tropical rainforests and steep valleys. This is the place to go if you intend on following chimpanzees in Tanzania. Some tourists have even described Gombe as a true Tarzan-like setting. Apart from chimps, other primates here include red colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys and olive baboons.

Chimpanzees at Gombe National Park. Photo/ Explore Tanzania Tours.

4. Tarangire National Park

Well, you can’t talk about must-visit national parks in Tanzania and fail to mention Tarangire National Park. This vast 1771sq km lies between the meadows of Masai Steppe to the southeast and the lakes of the Great Rift Valley to the north and west. Tarangire is famous for its high concentration of elephants, which are the main attractions here. However, you will also see zebras, giraffes, impalas, buffaloes and Thompson’s gazelles, among other species.

5. Rubondo Island National Park

Rubondo Island is an extraordinary example of wildlife conservation located in the southwest of Lake Victoria. Just like many other national parks in Tanzania, here you’ll also encounter hippos, bushbacks, elephants, giraffes and crocodiles. However, what makes this place unique and a must-visit is the sitatunga antelope, chimpanzees, fish and birds. If you are a birdwatcher, Rubondo Island is the place for you as it is home to some of the most diverse birds in Tanzania.

Rubondo Island in Tanzania. Photo/ Asilia Africa.

What Is The Most Visited National Park in Tanzania?

Serengeti National Park is the most visited national park in Tanzania. As the main tourist attraction in the country, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What Is Tanzania’s Famous Park?

Serengeti National Park. The Serengeti is Tanzania’s most iconic national park and one of the best places in Africa for wildlife viewing. It’s one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and a must-visit destination in Eastern Africa for all tourists.

What Is The Largest National Park in Tanzania?

Nyerere National Park is now the largest national park in Tanzania. The park, which is found in the southern part of Tanzania, covers about 30,000 square kilometres.