Safari in Tanzania Africa: Top 7 Best Places to See Wildlife

Best wildlife photography Destinations in Tanzania

Tanzania is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries and this amazing country was already featured on a previous blog on the best 10 places to see wildlife in the world. This is because Tanzania is home to an incredible variety of ecosystems that support some of Africa’s most emblematic wildlife. Located in East Africa, Tanzania boasts over 20% of Africa’s large mammal population and is home to more than 300 species of mammals and 1,000 species of birds. The country also harbors a significant number of endemic species, including the Pemba flying fox, the Tanzanian red-billed hornbill, and the Udzungwa red colobus monkey.

For wildlife lovers, Tanzania is more than just a safari destination, it’s a chance to witness some of the most extraordinary natural events on the planet, from the Great Migration to the elusive African wild dogs in Ruaha. In this guide, we explore the five best places to see wildlife in Tanzania, what makes each unique, and when to visit for the best experience.

For each place, you will find suggestion on where to book wildlife experiences and visit Tanzania to see animals.

This website is reader-supported. When you book a wildlife experience through links listed on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

1. Serengeti National Park: The Great Migration Spectacle

Located in northern Tanzania, Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous wildlife destinations in the world. Covering nearly 15,000 km², it is one of the prime safari destinations, home to the Great Migration, where over two million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles cross the plains in search of fresh grazing lands. The park’s vast, open landscapes also make it one of the best places to see Africa’s top predators, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas.

Best Time to Visit:

• June – October (Dry Season): Best time to see the Great Migration. Ideal for Wildlife Photographers. Peak season for predator action and river crossings.

• November / December – March (Wet Season): Best time for calving season, attracting large numbers of big cats and fewer crowds.

Great Migration in Serengeti National Park | Getty Images

Where to Experience Wildlife at Serengeti National Park

2. Ngorongoro Crater: Africa’s Most Concentrated Wildlife Area

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Tanzania's renowned national parks and the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, covering 260 km². This enclosed ecosystem is often called “Africa’s Garden of Eden” due to its high concentration of wildlife in a relatively small area. The crater is one of the best places in Africa to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) in a single day.

Best Time to Visit:

• June – October (Dry Season): When the weather is clear, wildlife becomes easier to spot as the shorter grass and open landscapes provide better visibility, creating ideal conditions for game viewing. However, larger crowds.

• January – May: January is perfect for visiting Ngorongoro Crater to witness wildebeest calving season, offering stunning photo opportunities. February’s dry weather is ideal for predator sightings, while March provides fewer crowds and lush landscapes as the “long rains” begin. Each month offers unique experiences, from wildlife spectacles to serene, green vistas.

Zebras at Ngorongoro Crater | Getty Images

Where to Experience Wildlife at Ngorongoro Crater?

3. Ruaha National Park

Located in central Tanzania, Ruaha National Park is the largest national park in the country, covering 20,226 km². Despite its size, it remains one of Tanzania’s least-visited parks, making it perfect for travelers seeking a wild, uncrowded safari experience. Ruaha is one of the last strongholds of the endangered African wild dog, and it is also home to one of the largest lion populations in East Africa. A good safari vehicle is essential for exploring Ruaha's rugged landscapes, ensuring reliability and offering superior viewing opportunities.

Best Time to Visit:

• June – October: Dry Season with warm weather and thinning vegetation, making wildlife viewing exceptional. This unique cross-over habitat blends ecosystems and species, as the region lies between East and Southern Africa. It’s a perfect time to experience diverse wildlife in a stunning, transitional landscape.

Wild Dogs | Photo by Phillip Van Zyl

Where to Experience Wildlife at Ruaha National Park?

4. Mahale Mountains National Park

Nestled along the shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, Mahale Mountains National Park is one of the most breathtaking yet least accessible wildlife destinations. The park is one of the best places in the world to see wild chimpanzees, with over 1,000 individuals living in the forested mountains. Unlike traditional safaris, visitors here trek through the jungle to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat, a truly immersive wildlife experience. Another unspoiled wilderness area in Tanzania is Katavi National Park, known for its diverse wildlife and unique ecosystems, offering activities like game drives and bird watching.

Best Time to Visit:

• June – October: Best for chimp trekking, as chimps are easier to track in dry conditions.

• November – May: Lush forest landscapes, more ideal for birdwatching.

Chimpanzee Mahale Mountains | Getty Images

5. Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)

Renamed Nyerere National Park, Selous Game Reserve is one of Africa’s largest protected areas, covering 50,000 km². Unlike traditional safari parks, Selous is famous for its diverse waterways, woodlands, and floodplains, making it one of the best places in Tanzania for boat safaris and walking safaris. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including one of Africa’s largest populations of elephants. Reliable safari vehicles are essential for exploring the diverse landscapes of Selous Game Reserve, ensuring a safe and enriching adventure.

Best Time to Visit:

• June – October: Dry season, no rain to the Selous, minimizing malaria risk and concentrating wildlife around water sources like the Rufiji River. It’s an ideal time for safaris, with optimal wildlife viewing and comfortable conditions. The dry season ensures a memorable and safe experience in this stunning ecosystem.

Elephant | Photo by Nico Smith

Where to Experience Wildlife at Selous Game Reserve?

6. Tarangire National Park: Elephant Empire

Tarangire National Park, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, is a hidden gem that offers a unique and intimate safari experience. Known as the “Elephant Empire,” this park is renowned for its large elephant herds, which can often be seen congregating around the Tarangire River. The park’s diverse landscape, which includes savannas, woodlands, and wetlands, provides a rich habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.

In addition to elephants, Tarangire is home to over 500 species of birds, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. The park also boasts healthy populations of lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as lesser-known species like the fringe-eared oryx and the gerenuk. The unique baobab trees that dot the landscape add to the park’s distinctive charm.

Best Time to Visit:

• June – October: The dry season is the best time to visit Tarangire National Park, as wildlife congregates around the Tarangire River and other water sources, making them easier to spot. The thinning vegetation also improves visibility for game viewing.

Where to Experience Wildlife at Tarangire National Park?

Some of the best places to experience wildlife at Tarangire National Park include:

• The Tarangire River: This lifeline of the park attracts a multitude of animals, especially during the dry season, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.

• The Silale Swamp: A haven for birdlife and mammals, the swamp is a must-visit for those interested in the park’s diverse avian species.

• The Matete Hills: Offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape, the hills are home to a wide range of wildlife and provide a picturesque backdrop for your safari adventure.

Elephants at Tarangire National Park | Getty Images

7. Lake Manyara National Park: Tree Climbing Lions

Lake Manyara National Park is a small but incredibly diverse park that offers a unique safari experience. One of the park’s most famous attractions is its population of tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior that is not commonly seen in other parts of Africa. These lions can often be spotted lounging in the branches of acacia trees, providing a unique and memorable sight for visitors.

The park’s landscape is a mix of dense woodlands, open grasslands, and the alkaline Lake Manyara, which attracts a variety of bird species, including large flocks of flamingos. The park is also home to elephants, hippos, giraffes, and a variety of other wildlife, making it a great destination for a well-rounded safari experience.

Best Time to Visit:

• June – October: The dry season is the best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park, as wildlife is more concentrated around water sources, making them easier to spot. The weather is also more pleasant for game drives and other activities.

Giraffe at Lake Manyara National Park | Getty Images

Best Time to See Wildlife in Tanzania

Tanzania’s wildlife is spectacular year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your interests:

• June – October (Dry Season): Best for big game viewing, as animals gather around water sources.

• November – May (Wet Season): Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and excellent birdwatching.

• The Great Migration Timing:

• June – July: Best for dramatic river crossings and the see the Great migration.

• December – March: Best for calving season, with high predator activity.

Tanzania’s geographic diversity, rich biodiversity, and commitment to conservation make it one of the most rewarding wildlife destinations in the world. Whether you dream of witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti, tracking wild dogs in Ruaha, or coming face-to-face with chimpanzees in Mahale, Tanzania offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

No matter which destination you choose, one thing is certain: a wildlife safari in Tanzania is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa’s wild beauty.

Dar es Salaam serves as a central hub for accessing nearby attractions such as Zanzibar and various national parks. Its proximity to notable destinations like Saadani and Mikumi National Park makes it an important stopover for visitors exploring Tanzania's natural beauty. Additionally, Kilimanjaro International Airport is a major entry point for travelers heading to popular safari destinations, making it essential for logistics and overnight stays in Arusha while exploring nearby attractions.