Here is a list of popular safari tour locations in Tanzania, categorized by the major circuits:
Northern Safari Circuit: This is the most popular circuit, known for its high concentration of wildlife and the Great Migration.
- Serengeti National Park: Famous for the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras, abundant predators, and diverse ecosystems. The best time to witness the migration river crossings is typically between July and October. The calving season in the southern Serengeti (Ndutu area) is usually from December to March.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area: A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, home to a high density of wildlife, including the Big Five. It also encompasses the Olduvai Gorge, an important archaeological site.
- Tarangire National Park: Known for its large herds of elephants, majestic baobab trees, and diverse birdlife, especially during the dry season (June to October) when animals congregate along the Tarangire River.
- Lake Manyara National Park: Famous for its tree-climbing lions, large flocks of flamingos on the alkaline lake, and diverse habitats ranging from forests to grasslands. It also offers activities like walking safaris, night game drives, canoeing, and a treetop walkway.
- Arusha National Park: A smaller park close to Arusha town, offering diverse landscapes including the Ngurdoto Crater, Momela Lakes, and Mount Meru. It’s known for black and white colobus monkeys, buffaloes, giraffes, and various antelope species.
- Kilimanjaro National Park: Home to Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. While primarily known for trekking, the lower slopes offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, including primates and various bird species.
- Mkomazi National Park: Located in northern Tanzania, known for its populations of oryx and the endangered black rhinoceros, as well as wild dogs.