When it comes to safari experiences, Tanzania offers a treasure trove of unique destinations, where you can immerse yourself in the African wilderness, witness spectacular wildlife, and explore diverse ecosystems. From the iconic Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater to the remote Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania is home to some of the best safari parks and reserves in Africa, making it an unmissable destination for wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers alike.


How Many Parks & Reserves Are There in Tanzania? Tanzania is blessed with an impressive 16 national parks and over 30 game reserves, each offering its own distinctive safari experience. The country's parks vary greatly in landscape, wildlife, and atmosphere, from the vast plains of the Serengeti to the lush forests of Gombe. I artist Adventure is proud to guide you through the country's top wildlife destinations, where you can discover the natural wonders of Tanzania and enjoy tailored, unforgettable safari experiences.


Best Time to Visit Tanzania The best time to visit Tanzania depends largely on your safari goals. For those seeking optimal wildlife sightings, the dry season (from June to October) is the ideal time. During this period, animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. The cooler temperatures and reduced humidity also provide a more comfortable experience. On the other hand, the green season (November to May) offers lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. For those keen on witnessing the Great Migration, time your visit to coincide with the herds’ movement between the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, typically from July to October. Here's a look at some of the top parks and reserves you can explore with I artist Adventure:


Serengeti National Park The Serengeti is Tanzania's crown jewel and one of the world’s most famous wildlife destinations. Famous for its annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move in search of fresh grazing, the Serengeti offers one of the most extraordinary safari experiences on Earth. The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the Big 5, cheetahs, giraffes, and a variety of bird species.
  • Best Known For: The Great Migration, Big 5 sightings, and diverse wildlife.
  • Best For: Adventurers seeking a true African safari experience.
  • Location: Northern Tanzania, near the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
  • Landscape & Scenery: Vast savannahs, acacia trees, and river systems.
  • Activities & Experiences: Game drives, hot air balloon rides, and wildlife photography.
  • Best Time to Go: June to October, during the dry season and peak of the Great Migration.
Ngorongoro Crater Often called the "Garden of Eden," the Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to spot the Big 5 in Tanzania. The caldera, formed by a collapsed volcano, is home to a high concentration of animals, including elephants, lions, and rhinos. The combination of lush vegetation and open plains makes it a photographer’s paradise.
  • Best Known For: Big 5 sightings in a compact area, unique landscapes.
  • Best For: Travelers looking for diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
  • Location: Northern Tanzania, part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
  • Landscape & Scenery: Lush grasslands, forests, and soda lakes.
  • Activities & Experiences: Game drives, crater rim viewpoints, and guided walks.
  • Best Time to Go: Year-round, with excellent wildlife sightings in the dry season. 
Selous Game Reserve For a more off-the-beaten-path safari experience, Selous Game Reserve offers a sense of remote wilderness. It’s one of the largest faunal reserves in Africa, home to large populations of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and wild dogs. The reserve also features diverse ecosystems, from open woodlands to wetlands.
  • Best Known For: Pristine wilderness and rare wildlife sightings.
  • Best For: Adventurous travelers looking for a remote, private safari.
  • Location: Southern Tanzania, covering 50,000 square kilometers.
  • Landscape & Scenery: Rivers, wetlands, and miombo woodlands.
  • Activities & Experiences: Game drives, boat safaris, walking safaris.
  • Best Time to Go: June to October during the dry season.
Tarangire National Park Tarangire National Park is known for its iconic baobab trees and large herds of elephants. The park is less crowded than Serengeti and Ngorongoro, offering a more intimate safari experience with abundant wildlife and diverse ecosystems.
  • Best Known For: Large elephant herds and stunning baobab trees.
  • Best For: Elephant lovers and those seeking a quieter safari.
  • Location: Northern Tanzania, near Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro.
  • Landscape & Scenery: Savannas, wetlands, and baobab trees.
  • Activities & Experiences: Game drives, birdwatching, and guided walks.
  • Best Time to Go: June to October, during the dry season.
Mikumi National Park For those looking to experience the classic Tanzanian safari without venturing too far from Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park offers a great option. The park is home to an impressive variety of animals, including lions, elephants, and giraffes, and is known for its stunning scenery.
  • Best Known For: Easy access and abundant wildlife.
  • Best For: Those short on time but eager for a classic safari experience.
  • Location: Southern Tanzania, near the Selous Game Reserve.
  • Landscape & Scenery: Savannah, wetlands, and mountains.
  • Activities & Experiences: Game drives and birdwatching.
  • Best Time to Go: June to October for the best wildlife viewing.
Lake Manyara National Park Located at the base of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions and the birdlife around its soda lake. The park offers diverse landscapes, from dense forests to the shores of the lake.
  • Best Known For: Tree-climbing lions and birdlife.
  • Best For: Birdwatchers and those seeking a unique safari experience.
  • Location: Northern Tanzania, near Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti.
  • Landscape & Scenery: Lake shores, dense forests, and grassy plains.
  • Activities & Experiences: Game drives, birdwatching, and scenic viewpoints.
  • Best Time to Go: June to October for optimal wildlife sightings.
  At I artist Adventure, we specialize in crafting personalized safari itineraries that immerse you in Tanzania's top wildlife destinations. Whether you’re seeking an intimate luxury safari or a more rugged adventure, we have something for everyone. Our knowledgeable guides ensure that you experience the best of Tanzania, with sustainable and culturally immersive practices that support local communities. Ready to explore Tanzania’s natural wonders? Contact I artist Adventure today to begin planning your safari!