The Best Places to See Wildlife in Tanzania. Tanzania is one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, home to some of the most iconic national parks and game reserves in the world. From the legendary Serengeti National Park to the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania offers unforgettable wildlife encounters. Whether you’re hoping to witness the Great Migration, spot the Big Five, or explore hidden gems, this guide will help you find the best places to see wildlife in Tanzania.
Start planning your wildlife safari here.
The Best Places to See Wildlife in Tanzania – Serengeti National Park: The Heart of the Great Migration
The Serengeti is arguably the most famous wildlife destination in Tanzania and is home to the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing lands. The migration attracts predators like lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles, making it one of the best places to see wildlife action.
- Best Time to Visit: June to October for the migration and river crossings.
- Wildlife Highlights: Lions, cheetahs, elephants, wildebeests, and crocodiles.
Discover more about the Serengeti and the Great Migration here.
The Best Places to See Wildlife in Tanzania – Ngorongoro Crater: A Natural Wildlife Haven
The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most unique wildlife viewing spots in Tanzania. This massive volcanic caldera is home to an astonishing concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos. The lush landscape and permanent water sources make it an ideal place to see animals all year round.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, though the dry season (June to October) offers easier wildlife spotting.
- Wildlife Highlights: Black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, and flamingos.
Learn more about visiting the Ngorongoro Crater.
The Best Places to See Wildlife in Tanzania – Tarangire National Park: Elephant Paradise
Famous for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s lesser-known gems. The park is especially impressive during the dry season when animals flock to the Tarangire River for water. It’s also one of the best places to spot giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species.
- Best Time to Visit: June to November during the dry season.
- Wildlife Highlights: Elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and over 550 bird species.
Explore more about Tarangire National Park here.
The Best Places to See Wildlife in Tanzania – Lake Manyara National Park: Tree-Climbing Lions and Flamingos
Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its unique tree-climbing lions and the vast flocks of pink flamingos that cover the soda lake. While it’s one of the smaller parks in Tanzania, it offers diverse ecosystems ranging from forests to grasslands, supporting a rich array of wildlife.
- Best Time to Visit: July to October for dry season wildlife viewing.
- Wildlife Highlights: Tree-climbing lions, hippos, flamingos, and large elephant herds.
Discover more about Lake Manyara’s tree-climbing lions here.
The Best Places to See Wildlife in Tanzania – Ruaha National Park: Remote Wilderness Experience
For those seeking a more remote and off-the-beaten-path safari experience, Ruaha National Park is the place to go. Known for its rugged landscapes and high density of predators, this park is home to some of Tanzania’s largest lion prides. Ruaha is also one of the few places where you can spot rare species like African wild dogs.
- Best Time to Visit: June to October for predator sightings and dry season game viewing.
- Wildlife Highlights: Lions, leopards, African wild dogs, and large elephant populations.
Learn more about the wildlife of Ruaha National Park here.
The Best Places to See Wildlife in Tanzania – Selous Game Reserve: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
One of Africa’s largest game reserves, Selous is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its vast, untamed wilderness and diverse wildlife. Unlike many other parks, Selous offers boat safaris along the Rufiji River, giving visitors a chance to spot hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife from a different perspective.
- Best Time to Visit: June to October during the dry season.
- Wildlife Highlights: Hippos, crocodiles, elephants, African wild dogs, and over 440 bird species.
Read more about Selous Game Reserve here.
The Best Places to See Wildlife in Tanzania – Katavi National Park: For the True Adventurer
If you’re looking for a truly wild and isolated safari experience, Katavi National Park is the perfect destination. One of Tanzania’s least visited parks, Katavi offers vast floodplains teeming with buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles. The lack of visitors means you can often have entire wildlife sightings to yourself.
- Best Time to Visit: June to October during the dry season.
- Wildlife Highlights: Buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and lions.
Discover more about Katavi National Park’s off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Mahale Mountains National Park: Chimps and Wilderness
Tanzania is not only known for its large mammals but also for its incredible primate population. Mahale Mountains National Park, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, is one of the best places in the world to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The combination of mountain and lakeside landscapes makes it one of the most scenic parks in the country.
- Best Time to Visit: July to October during the dry season.
- Wildlife Highlights: Chimpanzees, hippos, crocodiles, and unique bird species.
Explore more about Mahale Mountains and its chimps here.
Gombe Stream National Park: Jane Goodall’s Chimpanzees
Famed for Dr. Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking chimpanzee research, Gombe Stream National Park offers visitors a unique chance to observe these primates in the wild. The park is located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika and offers a blend of forest and lakeside landscapes, making it one of the best places for nature enthusiasts and primate lovers.
- Best Time to Visit: July to October for dry season trekking.
- Wildlife Highlights: Chimpanzees, baboons, and hippos.
Learn more about the chimpanzees of Gombe Stream here.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park: Wildlife on Africa’s Highest Peak
While most people visit Mount Kilimanjaro for the climb, the lower slopes of the mountain are home to rich wildlife. The montane forests are filled with elephants, buffaloes, and colobus monkeys. Kilimanjaro offers a unique blend of alpine and forest ecosystems, providing opportunities for both trekking and wildlife viewing.
- Best Time to Visit: December to March and June to October.
- Wildlife Highlights: Elephants, buffaloes, colobus monkeys, and various bird species.
Discover more about Mount Kilimanjaro’s wildlife.
11. Arusha National Park: A Hidden Gem Near the City
Just a short drive from the city of Arusha, Arusha National Park offers stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. The park is home to Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak, and the Momella Lakes, where visitors can spot flamingos. Arusha is perfect for a day trip or a pre-safari excursion for those staying in the nearby city.
- Best Time to Visit: June to October.
- Wildlife Highlights: Giraffes, zebras, flamingos, and colobus monkeys.
Read more about the wildlife of Arusha National Park.
12. Mikumi National Park: Tanzania’s Hidden Gem
Mikumi National Park is often overlooked by visitors, but it offers fantastic wildlife viewing with fewer crowds. The park is home to large herds of elephants, zebras, and buffalo, as well as a healthy population of lions. Mikumi’s accessibility from Dar es Salaam makes it an excellent option for visitors looking for a convenient yet rewarding safari.
- Best Time to Visit: June to October.
- Wildlife Highlights: Elephants, lions, zebras, and buffalo.
Explore more about Mikumi National Park here.
Conclusion
Tanzania is a wildlife lover’s paradise, offering some of the best safari experiences in the world. From the endless plains of the Serengeti to the remote wilderness of Katavi, each park offers something unique for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking to witness the Great Migration, explore volcanic craters, or observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat, Tanzania’s national parks and reserves have it all.
For more information on planning your Tanzania safari, visit Kilimanjaro Climb Specialist or Eddy Tours & Safaris.