City: Tanzania
Top Things to do in Tanzania
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What to do and see in Tanzania, Tanzania: The Best National Parks
Coordinates: 6°18′25″S 34°51′14″E / 6.307°S 34.854°E / -6.307; 34.854
Restaurants in Tanzania
1. Ruaha National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 322 reviews
Ruaha National Park is the largest national park in Tanzania making it the largest park in East Africa. The name of the park is derived from the Great Ruaha River, which flows along its southeastern margin and is the focus for game viewing. The park can be reached by private plane and there are 2 airstrips – Msembe airstrip at Msembe (National Park Headquarters), and Jongomeru Airstrip. Noted animals found in this park are East African cheetah and lion, African leopard and wild dog, spotted hyena, giraffe, hippopotamus, African buffalo, and sable antelope. Since 2005, the protected area is considered a Lion Conservation Unit. The park is known for its large elephant population. More than 571 species of birds have been identified in the park. The only lodge inside the park is the Ruaha River Lodge that can be visited at any time of year. Wildlife converges on the dwindling water reserves and river in front of the Lodge. Game can be seen throughout the day from the veranda.
Reviewed By rexyfreeh - New Cumberland, United States
We visited two parks in Northern Tanzania before arriving in Ruaha; all were amazing but Ruaha park gets far fewer visitors and you really experience being "in the African Bush" The animals are more elusive and the terrain is rougher than the Crater or Serengeti. The scenery and guides; as well as the animal sightings are outstanding. I highly recommend IKuka Safari Camp located at the top of a mountain in Ruaha.
2. Seronera
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,358 reviews
The Serengeti National Park is divided into three main areas. Seronera is the most central and accessible region.
Reviewed By LookingForFamilyFun - Houston, United States
We spent 4 nights in Central Serengeti (Seronera is Central) at Tortilis Serengeti (which we loved, see other review) and with our driver-guide, Freddy, who was amazing and all arranged for us by Easy Travel. We saw so many lions here! One day we saw the zebras migrating across the Eastern section of this portion on their way to Ndutu with the wildebeest for the wildebeest birthings in Jan-Feb. Serengeti, which means "infinite plain" is a beatiful landscape in itself, endless plains with the occasional boulder pile reminiscent of Lion King's Pride Rock. The varying trees that begin small, then get larger as you move away from the plains. Bathroom facilities are pretty frequent and very nice in this area and the picnic locations are also very nice, although a box lunch in the vehicle lets you eat while watching lions napping under a tree! We saw almost 100 lions in this region and between here and the park entrance, one day there were two lionesses and 7 cubs in a tree...until they went down to chase a warthog family, which we couldn't see since they went away from the road. Hippos were plentiful and easy to see. Crocs were usually somewhere nearby. Giraffes were a daily sighting, we saw elephants once near a campground, and a highlight was a tree with three leopard cubs in it! A truly amazing time...but you've got to enjoy the landscape and delight in the foliage and bugs as well in order to be very entertained here when it's not the migration. This was perfect for us, but not for little kids, they'd likely get bored between big sightings. We also would sit for a long period of time when we found something...which is where the box lunch was handy! And it lets you see the lions come out of the tree if you can wait a while! We highly recommend going now if you can...our biggest crowd at a sighting was the 2 lionesses and 7 cubs in the tree, there were probably 9 vehicles there, when we asked our driver how many there would be there before COVID, he said 50-80! Go now, it will never be like this again!!!!
3. Tarangire National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,544 reviews
Reviewed By 681janeg
This is an amazing park and even not too crowded! Lots of animal sightings - elephants, wildebeest, lions, leopards, warthogs, antelope (Impalas, Dic-Dic, Thomson and Grand gazelles, zebras, and cape buffalo to name a few. We observed an elephant herd crossing to get to the river for a drink and they walked directly in front of our safari land cruiser. Lots of zebra and elephants. Our guide, Felix (from Nomad Tanzania) was excellent. He never rushed us through the park, but allowed us to take our time and enjoy the animals at our own pace (whether we wanted to spend time viewing them for their activities or just a quick drive by as the Impalas are numerous!). That was most appreciated. This was our first park to visit in Tanzania so I wasn't sure what to expect, but it by far exceeded expectations. The habitats vary - from wetland marshes to dry, long grassy areas to woodland savannahs. Ostriches were a pleasant surprise as well as a leopard with his "kill" lounging in a tree (it was a far distance away so we were grateful to our guide). We saw many elephants and zebra and were amazed at the instincts each displayed. Truly two days very well spent during our time in Tanzania.
4. Migration at Serengeti National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By phabianJ6
Our 5 day safari was amazing, we had such a wonderful time visiting Tanzania, which was punctuated with a great guide. The wildlife was amazing from the moment we entered the park gates at Serengeti National Park. Lake Manyara was a bird watchers paradise, although I wouldn't classify ourselves as 'birders'. Our overnight stay in the Serengeti at the Osupuko Tented Camp was our favourite, in the middle of the wilderness. Some days the drives were long, the roads are dusty and bumpy, but the destination was always worth it. Would definitely recommend this trip to anyone and Mgalaa Expeditions were there throughout our planning stages answering any questions we had and accommodating our requests as best as they could.
5. Instyle Africa Safaris
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
You are in great hands when you travel with Instyle Africa Safaris. We focus on providing the best travelling experience at an affordable price. So jump on board, seize the adventure, live our passion and we are certain you will come back to join us again. We are driven with the passion of, exceeding your expectation: therefore We do what we do because it gives us our sense of purpose.
Reviewed By UmangM25
Amazing experience ... worked with Salma and the execution was really great from query to sale .. my clients came really happy ... Thanks Salma for designing the program and help my clients for great game sight and experience
6. Redunca Safaris
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Redunca Safaris has been set up by a passionate group of individuals with a collective experience of over 35 years with a knack in the safaris and beach holidays industry. This team is always on hand to make sure your safari is smooth and trouble free right from the planning process, arrivals and departure leaving you with nothing but exciting memories of Tanzania & Africa.
7. Kiboko Explorer
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
4x4 tour to Tanzania National Parks from Arusha. Game drives and adventures in nature spotting the big5. Local agency with 10 years experience specialized in safari and trips in the main Tanzania National Parks
8. Africa Merit Safari & Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Locally owned & operated, our customer care and tailor-made tours go far beyond simply meeting the needs of our clients. For us, leading trips is one thing, but caring for the people and place is equally as important.
Reviewed By Z1807RCkamilaw
We went on the safari with our guide Benji and it was more than perfect!!! We saw all the animals which we expected to see (including three beautiful cheetahs!). Benji is just the best - he is very obsevant (we were always the first car to spot the animals), competent (we learnt a lot about tanzanian culture and a little bit of swahili), creative (we also went to see the Maasai market where he explained us how they make their shoes) and very fun (on our way we sang some songs and had a little party). Our campsite was magnificent, we had a stunning view of lake Manyara and a comfortable tent. Hope to go with them to Serengeti in the future!
9. Wilderness Encounters Safaris
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Wilderness Encounters Safaris is a safari company based in Arusha, Tanzania, providing exceptional, personalized safari experiences throughout Tanzania. Wild Wildebeest Adventure was established by Arusha native Gideon Daniel, an experienced safari guide and wildlife expert. Our goal is to provide an unparalleled adventure that our client will cherish for a lifetime.
Reviewed By IliyanKostov - Sofia, Bulgaria
Wilderness Encounters Safaris and our guide Gideon were part of our life changing journey in Africa. After a week vacation in Zanzibar we went to Arusha and it all started - best Safari experience organised by the travel company. The places we be stayed were awesome and the small trips in the wildlife area were interesting. Is you are asking - yes, we saw every animal you will want to see with your eyes (a lot of lions, too). :) Serengeti was great!!! The team of the company was part of our trip. I am missing the conversations about everything in Africa with our guide, we are looking forward to meet W.E.S. again. :)
10. Mafia Marine National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 269 reviews
Reviewed By Nudibranch22 - Beaufort, United States
We dove with Big Blu scuba, which had good boats and very knowledgeable guides. The best site was Pinnacles with giant groupers, turtles, stingrays and other amazing fish. Being a protected marine park makes all the difference.
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