DESTINATIONS
TANZANIA Destinations OVERVIEW
Safari in Tanzania? Verick Tanzania Safari is a reputable operator and offers lodge & camping safaris, luxury safaris etc. Review Tanzania Safari Packages and prices of our recommended safaris with the option of customising tour based on your preferences!
When to visit
The best time to visit Tanzania is from June to March. The beginning of March is when the heavy rains begin and last approximately until the end of May. The best time for wildlife viewing is June to October. This is because the country is at its driest making the vegetation less dense for optimal wildlife viewing. This is also the time of one of Africa’s naturals wonders: The Wildebeest Migration. The most beautiful time to see Tanzania is November to March where the scenery is lush, green and less crowded with tourists. November to December is when the short rains begin, but will most likely not interfere with your wildlife safari or beach vacation. January to February hosts a small dry period and is the time to see calving in the southern Serengeti and an excellent time to see predators capturing their prey.
Serengeti National Park Overview
Serengeti National Park is a world-famous safari destination located in northern Tanzania, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the annual Great Migration. Covering approximately 14,750 square kilometers, it features vast open plains, acacia-dotted savannahs, woodlands, and riverine forests. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, including the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo—along with cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, and a variety of antelopes.
The park’s highlight is the Great Migration, a spectacular natural phenomenon where over two million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles traverse its plains in search of fresh grazing and water. Predators such as lions, crocodiles, and leopards follow closely, offering dramatic wildlife encounters. Serengeti also boasts over 500 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Best Time to Visit:
For general wildlife viewing, the dry season (June to October) is perfect. The Great Migration is most impressive from June to July (river crossings) and January to February (calving season).
How to Get There:
The park is accessible via road from Arusha (6–7 hours) or by daily flights to airstrips like Seronera, Kogatende, and Ndutu within the park.
Tarangire National Park Overview
Tarangire National Park is a hidden gem in northern Tanzania, known for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Spanning approximately 2,850 square kilometers, the park is characterized by rolling savannahs, ancient baobab trees, and the life-giving Tarangire River, which serves as a vital water source for animals during the dry season.
The park is renowned for its large elephant herds, some of the largest in Africa, as well as diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and various antelope species. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy spotting over 500 bird species, making it one of Tanzania’s top birdwatching destinations.
Tarangire is less crowded than nearby parks, offering an intimate safari experience with stunning scenery and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Best Time to Visit:
The dry season (June to October) is the best time to visit Tarangire National Park. During this period, animals congregate around the Tarangire River, making wildlife viewing exceptional. The wet season (November to May) offers lush landscapes and is ideal for birdwatching, as migratory species are present.
How to Get There:
Tarangire is accessible by road from Arusha, about a 2–3 hour drive. It is also part of the northern safari circuit, making it easy to combine with other parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Alternatively, charter flights to the nearby Kuro Airstrip provide quick access to the park.
Ngorongoro Crater Overview
Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in northern Tanzania. Formed by a volcanic eruption around 2.5 million years ago, the crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, spanning approximately 260 square kilometers with a depth of over 600 meters. Its fertile plains, forests, and wetlands support an unparalleled density of wildlife.
The crater is home to about 25,000 large animals, including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards. It also hosts a significant population of zebras, wildebeests, and gazelles, making it a hotspot for predator-prey interactions. The alkaline Lake Magadi within the crater attracts flamingos and other bird species, enhancing the area’s beauty.
Best Time to Visit:
The dry season (June to October) offers excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather in the crater. The wet season (November to May) is ideal for birdwatching and seeing lush, green landscapes.
How to Get There:
Ngorongoro Crater is about a 4-hour drive from Arusha and is easily included in northern Tanzania safari circuits. The nearest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport, with connections to nearby towns and lodges.
Lake Manyara National Park Overview
Best Time to Visit:
The dry season (June to October) is ideal for game viewing, while the wet season (November to May) is perfect for birdwatching and seeing the park’s lush greenery.
How to Get There:
Lake Manyara is easily accessible by road, just a 2-hour drive from Arusha and part of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. It is also near Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park, making it convenient for multi-park itineraries. Flights are available to Lake Manyara Airstrip from major Tanzanian cities.
Arusha National Park Overview
Arusha National Park is a small yet diverse wildlife reserve located in northern Tanzania, just a short drive from Arusha town. Covering approximately 552 square kilometers, the park offers a variety of landscapes, including lush montane forests, the tranquil Momella Lakes, the Ngurdoto Crater, and the striking Mount Meru, the second-highest peak in Tanzania.
The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and various primates such as black-and-white colobus monkeys. Although large predators are rare, leopards and hyenas are occasionally spotted. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy over 400 bird species, including flamingos and trogons.
Best Time to Visit:
The dry season (June to October) is best for wildlife viewing, while the wet season (November to May) enhances birdwatching and offers clear views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro.
How to Get There:
Arusha National Park is just 25 kilometers from Arusha town, making it a convenient day trip. It’s accessible by road, with the journey taking about 30–40 minutes. For those flying, the nearest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport, about an hour away.p