Tanzania protects a remarkable share of its land in national parks and conservation areas. Most first-time visitors head for the Northern Circuit, a series of world-class parks within reach of Arusha. Here is how they compare.
| Park | Best for | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Serengeti | The Great Migration, big cats, vast plains | 2 to 4 nights |
| Ngorongoro Crater | The Big Five, black rhino, scenery | 1 full day |
| Tarangire | Elephant herds, baobabs, birdlife | 1 to 2 days |
| Lake Manyara | Tree-climbing lions, flamingos, forest | Half to full day |
| Arusha National Park | Walking safaris, Mount Meru, colobus monkeys | 1 day |
| Mount Kilimanjaro | Africa's highest peak | 6 to 7 days |
Serengeti National Park
Africa's most famous park, home to the Great Migration and the Big Five. It covers around 14,750 square kilometres, so where you stay should depend on the month you travel.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The world's largest intact volcanic caldera, often called "Africa's Garden of Eden", and one of the best places to see black rhinos. Many visitors find it the most striking scenery of the whole trip.
Tarangire National Park
Famous for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, with over 500 bird species recorded. It is at its best in the dry season.
Lake Manyara National Park
Known for its tree-climbing lions and flocks of flamingos. Small and easy to reach, it adds variety on the way between Tarangire and Ngorongoro.
Kilimanjaro National Park
Home to Africa's tallest peak at 5,895 metres. See our Kilimanjaro routes and prices.
How to combine them
Most travellers follow the same natural route: Arusha to Tarangire, on to Lake Manyara, up through the Ngorongoro Highlands and into the Serengeti. Our 5-day and 7-day safaris show how it works in practice.
