3 Most Beautiful National Parks In Tanzania To Visit In 2023

Last updated Apr 8, 2023

Giraffe and zebra in a Tanzania national park — Giraffe and zebra traffic jam in Tanzania [Image by Ben Harris from Pixabay]

In all of Africa, Tanzania is special and is renowned for its unique wildlife viewing, natural beauty and rich culture. Meanwhile, its landscapes are diverse, with lakes, mountains, rainforests and grasslands, often within the same area. Moreover, Tanzania offers some of the best safaris in the world where visitors are almost guaranteed to see at least one of the famous Big 5 of game animals. For those seeking lions, elephants, rhinoceros, leopards and buffalo, this is a great place to be. This East African country features 22 national parks to choose from, but the following are three of the best.

1. Serengeti National Park

Great Migration in Serengeti — Wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River in Great Migration, Serengeti [Image Wikimedia Commons]

Tanzania’s number one spot to visit is Serengeti National Park. Its name comes from the Maasai word, “serengit” meaning the land of endless plains and this is the perfect description. Each year, the Serengeti sees the famous Great Migration of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle, closely followed by their predators. The migration sees more than two million animals migrate in a clockwise direction. They cross the ecosystems of the Serengeti, as well as the Masai Mara in Kenya. This is an experience unlike anything else in the world and has attracted visitors for decades.

Besides the Great Migration, this national park boasts an impressive variety of wildlife, including the iconic Big 5.

2. Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania

Instant connection from the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro — Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania [Image by Antony Trivet from Pixabay]

Mount Kilimanjaro attracts thousands of visitors each year for its magnificence and beauty. Whether looking at the mountain from the ground with the Big 5 in the foreground or heading to the top, this is one must-visit location in Tanzania. Trekking this highest mountain in Africa takes visitors through lowlands, farmlands and alpine areas along the way. Meanwhile, the trek can be broken into more gentle hikes for those new to the sport. Even better, Mount Kilimanjaro now offers high-speed Internet for those who need to stay connected to the world.

3. Ngorongoro Conservation Area Park

Lion in Ngorongoro Conservation Area Park [Image by Alex Strachan from Pixabay]

This magical and unique location hosts the iconic Big 5 wildlife, as well as deep volcanic craters. It is also home to the semi-nomadic Maasai people of Tanzania. Meanwhile, the Ngorongoro Crater is the best-known crater in Africa and is the largest of its kind. Among the landscapes, visitors can experience lush grasslands, swamps, lakes and wooded areas. Here, it is possible to see the amazing sight of domesticated Maasai livestock grazing beside Africa’s wildlife.

Meet the local Maasai people — Local Maasai tribesmen [Image by Alex Strachan from Pixabay]

Of interest to note, archaeological research carried out in the park has led to the discovery of fossilized footprints and incredible evidence of human evolution. These days, the national park continues with its conservation efforts to protect history and iconic wildlife.

Experience the national parks of Tanzania in 2023, view the incredible wildlife, meet the friendly and colorful Maasai people and so much more. This is Africa at its best.