Destinations

Explore the Best of Tanzania

Overview of Tanzania’s National Parks

Tanzania is home to some of the world’s most spectacular national parks, each offering a unique safari experience. From the world-famous Serengeti National Park, known for the Great Wildebeest Migration, to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the northern circuit is rich with unforgettable wildlife and landscapes.

Beyond these icons, Tanzania also treasures hidden gems such as Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)—one of Africa’s largest protected areas where boat safaris bring you closer to hippos and crocodiles—and Katavi National Park, a remote paradise offering raw and untouched wilderness with fewer visitors. Other parks like Ruaha, Mikumi, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Gombe Stream provide incredible opportunities to witness elephants, tree-climbing lions, chimpanzees, and diverse birdlife.

For each park, Matiya provides a detailed information guide including the park’s main attractions, accessibility, recommended safari styles, and the best time of year to visit. Whether you are seeking luxury, midrange, or budget options, we are here to help.

Our team will be delighted to assist you in planning a personalized safari itinerary, carefully designed around the national parks you wish to explore. With our expertise and local knowledge, we ensure your Tanzania adventure is both memorable and seamless.

Northern Circuit Tanzania

The Northern Circuit is the most popular safari region in Tanzania, famous for its world-class national parks and diverse landscapes. 🦁🐘🌍

➡️ It includes iconic destinations such as the Serengeti National Park, home of the Great Wildebeest Migration, and the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich with wildlife.
➡️ Visitors can also explore Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and baobab trees, and Lake Manyara National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions and flamingos.
➡️ In addition, the circuit features Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Africa’s highest peak and a world-class trekking destination.

With well-developed infrastructure and a wide range of lodges, camps, and tour options, the Northern Circuit is the perfect choice for both first-time and experienced safari travelers.

Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

Tarangire National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Southern Circuit Tanzania

The Southern Circuit offers a more remote and less crowded safari experience compared to the Northern Circuit. 🌿🐘🦓

➡️ Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) is one of the largest protected areas in Africa, famous for boat safaris on the Rufiji River, diverse landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
➡️ Ruaha National Park is renowned for its rugged wilderness, large elephant population, and predators including lions, leopards, and wild dogs.
➡️ Mikumi National Park, located closer to Dar es Salaam, is an accessible park ideal for shorter safaris, featuring open plains and a variety of animals similar to the Serengeti.

The Southern Circuit is perfect for adventurous travelers looking for authentic, off-the-beaten-path safari experiences with fewer tourists and untouched wilderness.

Nyerere National Park 

Ruaha National Park

Mikumi National Park

Western Circuit Tanzania

The Western Circuit is the most remote and least visited safari region in Tanzania, offering an untouched wilderness and truly unique experiences. 🌍🐒🐘

➡️ Katavi National Park is a hidden gem with vast floodplains, large herds of buffalo and hippos, and a real sense of raw, untamed Africa.
➡️ Mahale Mountains National Park is world-famous for its chimpanzee trekking on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, combined with stunning forested mountains and pristine beaches.
➡️ Gombe Stream National Park is the smallest park in Tanzania but very special, known as the research home of Dr. Jane Goodall and the chimpanzees she studied for decades.

The Western Circuit is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking a truly wild and exclusive safari away from the crowds.

Katavi National Park

Mahale Mountains National Park

Gombe Stream National Park

Zanzibar & Coastal Destinations

Tanzania’s coast and islands along the Indian Ocean offer stunning white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, rich history, and vibrant culture. 🌊🏝️

  • Zanzibar Island (Unguja) → Famous for its spice plantations, Stone Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation after safari.

  • Mafia Island → A paradise for divers and snorkelers, known for its pristine coral reefs, whale shark sightings, and peaceful atmosphere.

  • Bagamoyo → A historic coastal town rich in Swahili culture, once an important trading port, offering cultural tours, beaches, and heritage sites.

  • Saadani National Park → The only park in East Africa where wildlife meets the ocean, offering a unique combination of safari and beach experience.

These destinations are perfect for travelers who want to combine adventure with relaxation, cultural discovery, and marine activities.

Zanzibar Island

Mafia Island

Bagamoyo

Saadani National Park

Ready for Your Safari? Let’s Plan Together!

Discover Tanzania’s northern circuit with budget, luxury, and classic safari packages — taking you to some of the most amazing wildlife hotspots in Northern Tanzania.