Tanzania Destinations

Discover the best of Tanzania: from world-famous national parks to breathtaking beaches. Each destination below includes an overview, top activities, and the best time to visit.

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park

Overview

Home to the Great Migration, endless savannahs, and abundant wildlife. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Tanzania's most iconic park.

Activities

Game drives, hot air balloon safaris, bird watching, photography.

Best Time to Visit

June to October (dry season, best for wildlife viewing and migration).

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater

Overview

The world's largest intact volcanic caldera, teeming with wildlife and stunning landscapes. A must-see for any Tanzania safari.

Activities

Crater tours, game drives, Maasai cultural visits, bird watching.

Best Time to Visit

June to September (cool, dry weather and excellent wildlife viewing).

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park

Overview

Famous for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, Tarangire offers authentic game viewing away from crowds.

Activities

Game drives, walking safaris, bird watching, cultural tours.

Best Time to Visit

June to October (dry season, animals gather at the river).

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

Overview

Known for tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and diverse habitats ranging from groundwater forest to soda lake.

Activities

Game drives, bird watching, canoeing (seasonal), treetop walkway.

Best Time to Visit

July to October (dry season for large mammals), November to June (bird watching).

Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park

Overview

Picturesque park at the foot of Mount Meru, with varied landscapes, lakes, and forests. Great for day trips from Arusha town.

Activities

Walking safaris, canoeing, game drives, hiking Mount Meru.

Best Time to Visit

June to February (dry season for hiking), year-round for wildlife.

Kilimanjaro National Park

Kilimanjaro National Park

Overview

Home to Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. A UNESCO World Heritage Site attracting trekkers from around the world.

Activities

Mountain climbing, hiking, nature walks, bird watching.

Best Time to Visit

January to March and June to October (best weather for climbing).

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park

Overview

Tanzania’s largest national park, known for its rugged landscapes, baobab trees, and large populations of elephants and predators.

Activities

Game drives, walking safaris, bird watching, photography.

Best Time to Visit

June to October (dry season, best for wildlife viewing).

Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park

Overview

Accessible from Dar es Salaam, Mikumi offers open horizons and is home to lions, giraffes, zebras, and hippos.

Activities

Game drives, bird watching, photography.

Best Time to Visit

June to October (dry season, best for wildlife viewing).

Nyerere National Park (Selous)

Nyerere National Park (Selous)

Overview

One of Africa’s largest protected areas, with rivers, lakes, and diverse wildlife. Now known as Nyerere National Park.

Activities

Boat safaris, game drives, walking safaris, fishing.

Best Time to Visit

June to October (dry season, best for wildlife and boat safaris).

Katavi National Park

Katavi National Park

Overview

Remote and wild, Katavi is famous for large herds of buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and unspoiled wilderness.

Activities

Game drives, walking safaris, bird watching.

Best Time to Visit

June to October (dry season, animals gather at water sources).

Gombe Stream National Park

Gombe Stream National Park

Overview

World-renowned for Jane Goodall’s chimpanzee research, Gombe offers forested hills and Lake Tanganyika views.

Activities

Chimpanzee trekking, hiking, bird watching, swimming.

Best Time to Visit

July to October (dry season, easier trekking).

Mahale Mountains National Park

Mahale Mountains National Park

Overview

Remote park on Lake Tanganyika’s shores, home to wild chimpanzees and stunning mountain scenery.

Activities

Chimpanzee trekking, hiking, kayaking, swimming.

Best Time to Visit

July to October (dry season, best for chimpanzee trekking).

Saadani National Park

Saadani National Park

Overview

The only park in East Africa with an Indian Ocean beachfront, combining bush and beach experiences.

Activities

Game drives, boat safaris, beach relaxation, bird watching.

Best Time to Visit

June to October (dry season, best for wildlife and beach).

Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Overview

Known as the "Galapagos of Africa" for its biodiversity, with lush rainforests and waterfalls.

Activities

Hiking, bird watching, waterfall visits, primate viewing.

Best Time to Visit

June to October (dry season, best for hiking).

Mkomazi National Park

Mkomazi National Park

Overview

Bordering Kenya’s Tsavo, Mkomazi is a sanctuary for rhinos and wild dogs, with scenic savannahs and mountains.

Activities

Game drives, rhino sanctuary visits, bird watching.

Best Time to Visit

June to October (dry season, best for wildlife viewing).

Kitulo National Park

Kitulo National Park

Overview

Known as the "Serengeti of Flowers", Kitulo is famous for wildflowers and montane grasslands.

Activities

Hiking, wildflower viewing (Dec-April), bird watching.

Best Time to Visit

December to April (wildflowers in bloom), June to September (dry hiking).

Rubondo Island National Park

Rubondo Island National Park

Overview

Lake Victoria’s island park, home to chimpanzees, elephants, and rich birdlife. Offers unique water and forest experiences.

Activities

Boat safaris, fishing, bird watching, chimpanzee tracking.

Best Time to Visit

June to September (dry season, best for wildlife and fishing).

Burigi-Chato National Park

Burigi-Chato National Park

Overview

One of Tanzania’s newest parks, with lakes, savannahs, and diverse wildlife. Located near Lake Victoria.

Activities

Game drives, boat safaris, bird watching, fishing.

Best Time to Visit

June to October (dry season, best for wildlife viewing).

Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park

Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park

Overview

Remote park in northwest Tanzania, known for antelopes, buffalo, and birdlife. Offers off-the-beaten-path safaris.

Activities

Game drives, bird watching, nature walks.

Best Time to Visit

June to October (dry season, best for wildlife viewing).

Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park

Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park

Overview

Named after a local king, this park features rolling hills, woodlands, and diverse wildlife in the northwest.

Activities

Game drives, bird watching, cultural visits.

Best Time to Visit

June to October (dry season, best for wildlife viewing).

Saanane Island National Park

Saanane Island National Park

Overview

Located on Lake Victoria near Mwanza, Saanane is Tanzania’s smallest park, ideal for day trips and picnics.

Activities

Boat rides, walking safaris, bird watching, picnics.

Best Time to Visit

June to September (dry season, best for outdoor activities).

Kijereshi Game Reserve

Kijereshi Game Reserve

Overview

Small reserve near Mwanza, known for antelopes, giraffes, and birdlife. Great for short safaris.

Activities

Game drives, bird watching, nature walks.

Best Time to Visit

June to October (dry season, best for wildlife viewing).

Zanzibar Beaches

Zanzibar Beaches

Overview

Pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and rich Swahili culture. Zanzibar is the jewel of the Indian Ocean.

Activities

Snorkeling, diving, spice tours, dhow cruises, Stone Town exploration.

Best Time to Visit

June to October (cool, dry season) and December to February (warm, dry season).

Mafia Island

Mafia Island

Overview

Famous for its marine park, whale sharks, and laid-back island life. A paradise for divers and snorkelers.

Activities

Diving, snorkeling, whale shark tours (Oct-Mar), beach relaxation.

Best Time to Visit

October to March (whale sharks), June to October (dry season).

Pemba Island

Pemba Island

Overview

Known as the "Green Island", Pemba offers lush hills, spice farms, and untouched beaches with excellent diving.

Activities

Diving, snorkeling, spice tours, cultural visits.

Best Time to Visit

July to October (dry season, best for diving and beach).

Bagamoyo Beaches

Bagamoyo Beaches

Overview

Historic coastal town with beautiful beaches, Swahili ruins, and a rich cultural heritage.

Activities

Beach relaxation, historical tours, dhow rides, cultural visits.

Best Time to Visit

June to October (dry season, best for beach and sightseeing).

Pangani Beaches

Pangani Beaches

Overview

Quiet, unspoiled beaches north of Dar es Salaam, with coconut palms and Swahili history.

Activities

Beach relaxation, snorkeling, dhow cruises, cultural tours.

Best Time to Visit

June to October (dry season, best for beach and water activities).

Mbudya Island

Mbudya Island

Overview

Popular day-trip island near Dar es Salaam, with white sands and clear waters.

Activities

Swimming, snorkeling, beach picnics, relaxation.

Best Time to Visit

June to October (dry season, best for beach activities).

Bongoyo Island

Bongoyo Island

Overview

Another favorite island getaway from Dar es Salaam, with coral reefs and tranquil beaches.

Activities

Snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, hiking.

Best Time to Visit

June to October (dry season, best for beach and snorkeling).