Top Visited National Parks in Tanzania in 2025 : Explore the top visited National Parks in Tanzania and discover what makes them unique and worthy visiting. Tanzania boasts over 22 national parks, each offering something special for nature enthusiasts. The top visited National Parks in Tanzania Include Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Arusha National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
There are 6 top visited National Parks in Tanzania a thanks to their diverse wildlife species, unmatched beauty, and exceptional experiences. Here is a detailed list of the top visited National Parks in Tanzania and why should consider them as your bucket list destinations on your next Tanzania tours.
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. the park is one of Africa’s most popular safari parks and the largest protected area in the country. It is located in the North Eastern part of the country and covers an area of about 14,769square kilometers. More so, this stunning national park is the only place in Africa where vast land-animal migrations still take place. It is the most sought-after destination for tourists who wish to witness the worlds natural wonder of Great Wildebeest Migration.
Today, Serengeti National Park stands out as Africa’s destination for seeing the Great Wildebeest Migrations with over 1.5 million blue wildebeest and 250,000 zebras along with smaller herds of Thomson’s gazelle and eland crossing the Maara River to Maasai mara national reserve. On a Tanzania safari between June to September, Serengeti National Park should be a must-visit destination for you to witness this spectacular event, that will live you with a lasting memory.
Other exciting safari highlights that have positioned Serengeti National Park among the top-visited National Parks in Tanzania include game drives, bird watching/birding and nature walks.
Beside the Great Wildebeest Migration, Serengeti National Park stands out as a haven for Big Five an animal such as lion, buffalo, leopard, black and white rhinoceros, and elephants. Other mammals include giraffes, hippopotamus, cheetahs, Thomson’s gazelles, grant’s gazelle and several species of antelopes, Nile crocodiles, African rock python toads, frogs’ abs various species of chameleons among others.
Amazingly, this park is also a birdwatchers’ paradise, boasting over 500 species of birds including Gray Crowned-Crane, ostrich, greater flamingo and lesser flamingo, Hamerkop, African Jacana, pennant-winged nightjar,
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park, established in 1970 and located in northern Tanzania, is known for its iconic baobab trees and large elephant herds. This park offers visitors a unique safari experience, especially during the dry season when animals gather around the Tarangire River.
Tarangire National Park shelters a huge variety of predators including lions, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, leopards, cheetahs and various species of antelopes such as the greater kudu and the elands. The park is also a refuge of over than 500 species recorded such as African grey flycatcher, ashy starling, bare- faced go-away birds, Donaldson smith’s nightjar, great white pelican, mouse-coloured penduline tit, norther pied babbler among others.
Tarangire National Park is among the top-visited National Parks in Tanzania because of its enriching walking safaris and guided game drives, allowing tourists to get up close to the vibrant ecosystem and witness its remarkable beauty.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is Tanzania’s most popular park and is an excellent place to find the tree climbing lions. the par was gazetted in 1960, is situated in a stunning location at the foot of the Great Rift Valley. Known for its diverse habitats, it also famous for its large flocks of flamingos. The park is home to wildebeests, zebras, Thomson’s gazelle, Granit’s gazella, bushbuck, waterbuck, impala, cape buffalo, giraffe, hippopotamus, warthogs, elephants, among others. Lake Manyara National Park also boast over 400 recorded bird species, making it one of the top destinations in Tanzania for bird enthusiasts
Lake Manyara National Park is most visited for game drives, boat cruises, bird watching, lion tracking and biking through scenic trails, offering a chance to explore the park’s unique landscapes and wildlife.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, established in 1959, is located in northern Tanzania. Having an abundance of flora and fauna, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is undoubtedly the best tourist destination you will ever discover. The Ngorongoro Crater, a World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere Reserve, is home to spectacular volcanic craters, landscapes, and an array of wildlife species.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area supports the world’s largest herds of ungulates, including wildebeests, plains zebras, and Thomson’s, Grant’s gazelles, lions, spotted hyenas, leopards, and cheetahs. Over 475 bird species are also distributed in the diverse habitats in Ngorongoro Crater and include the yellow-billed duck, helmeted guineafowl, scaly francolin, lesser and greater flamingo, speckled pigeon, red-eyed dove, yellow-throated sandgrouse, black-billed bustard, white-browed coucal, Abyssinian nightjar.
The area is perfect for safari activities, including guided tours around the crater, Cultural visits, Crater rim hiking and wildlife trekking, allowing visitors to experience one of the most remarkable natural wonders in Tanzania up close.
Selous Game Reserve
Located in southern Tanzania, Selous Game Reserve was gazetted in 1982 and is one of the largest wildlife reserves in Africa. It is famous for its pristine wilderness and diverse wildlife, including large populations of elephants, hippos, and wild dogs, wildebeests, zebras lions, black rhinoceroses, cheetahs, giraffes, as well as leopards, hyenas and crocodiles. its untouched beauty and opportunities for adventure make it a top choice for tourists. Visitors can partake in various safari activities, including boat safaris on the Rufiji River and walking safaris, providing an intimate experience with nature and a chance to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park, located in Tanzania, was officially established in 1960. What makes this park unique compared to others in the country is its stunning landscapes, including lush forests, open savannas, and the impressive Mount Meru. It’s a top destination for tourists because it’s close to Arusha city, making it easy to access. Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of wildlife, such giraffe, Cape buffalo, waterbuck, warthog, leopard, elephant, zebra, dik-dik, hippopotamus, and the rare black-and-white colobus monkeys, along with over 400 bird species, including the Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, European Nightjar, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Mottled Spinetailed Swift among others.
In Arusha National Park expect to indulge in a guided game drive through the Ngurdoto Crater, Canoeing on Mamella Lakes, Hiking Mount Meru, birdwatching and nature walks.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about Top visited national parks in Tanzania in 2025 and then book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global safaris who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in country.
