Tanzania Travel Guide: Safari Parks, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar

The national parks authority lists Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Arusha and Kilimanjaro, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area has its own authority. Kibo, the highest peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, is 5,895 m.

Zanzibar adds a coastal and historical side to a trip. The official sources used here cover these parks and Stone Town, so other regions are not described.

Places to visit in Tanzania

Serengeti

Serengeti National Park was established in 1959 and covers 14,763 square kilometres, according to the national parks authority. It is the heart of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem and is renowned for the annual wildebeest migration. Activities listed include hot air balloon rides, game drives, walking safaris and birdwatching.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The conservation area is in northern Tanzania and is home to the volcanic Ngorongoro Crater. UNESCO says wildlife coexists there with semi-nomadic Maasai pastoralists, and that the crater is the world's largest caldera. The Authority lists attractions that include Olduvai Gorge and Empakai Crater.

Tarangire and Lake Manyara

Tarangire was gazetted in 1970 and covers 2,850 square kilometres, and its authority highlights elephants and baobab trees. Lake Manyara was established in 1960 and is known for tree-climbing lions and a 470-metre canopy walkway.

Arusha National Park

This small park lies in the shadow of Mount Meru, the country's second-highest peak. Its landscapes range from forested slopes to savannah and lakes, and activities include game drives, walking safaris, canoeing and horseback riding.

Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro National Park was gazetted in 1973 and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Kibo, at 5,895 m, is the highest peak. The park is divided into five eco-climatic zones, from lush montane forests to glaciers on the peaks.

Stone Town, Zanzibar

UNESCO lists the Stone Town of Zanzibar as a fine example of the Swahili coastal trading towns of East Africa. It keeps its urban fabric and townscape virtually intact, and its buildings reflect African, Arab, Indian and European cultures.

Getting to Tanzania

The Tanzania Airports Authority lists Kilimanjaro International Airport and Julius Nyerere International Airport among its airports, along with Msalato International Airport, Arusha Airport, Songwe and Dodoma.

Check which airport is closest to your first park before you book.

Getting around

The national parks authority publishes a map of park locations and flight routes on its national parks page.

Inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Authority states that driving is permitted between 06:00 and 18:00. For hiking on Mount Meru in Arusha National Park, the authority notes that a vehicle is not mandatory.

When to go to Tanzania

Dry season at Tarangire

The park's authority says the Tarangire River becomes a lifeline in the dry season, drawing large herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras and buffaloes, plus predators.

Serengeti migration

More than 1.5 million wildebeest, plus zebras, gazelles and elands, move in search of water and grazing, according to the authority.

What to book ahead

• Special campsites in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area must be reserved and confirmed before arrival, according to the Authority.
• Olduvai Gorge: an official guide is needed to visit the actual excavations.
• Hot air balloon flights in the Serengeti and Tarangire are listed by the parks authority, so check availability for your dates.
• Guided day trips run on fixed days; check dates before fixing your route.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change over time. Check the current rules on the Tanzania Immigration Services Department website before you book, and confirm again shortly before you travel.

Official source: Tanzania Immigration Services Department.

Frequently asked questions

Which parks does the national parks authority list?

It lists Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Arusha and Kilimanjaro, among others. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is run by a separate Authority.

How high is Kilimanjaro?

The national parks authority gives Kibo, the highest peak, as 5,895 m. The park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

What is Stone Town?

It is the historic town of Zanzibar, listed by UNESCO as a fine example of the Swahili coastal trading towns of East Africa.

Do I need a visa for Tanzania?

It depends on your nationality, and the rules change. Check the Tanzania Immigration Services Department website before you book.

Which airports does Tanzania have?

The Tanzania Airports Authority lists Kilimanjaro International Airport, Julius Nyerere International Airport and Msalato International Airport, along with Arusha Airport, Songwe and Dodoma.