East Africa has a lot to offer, and the beautiful country of Tanzania is not only famous for the high peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mother Nature was very generous to the African continent, and it shows.
Tanzania is home to some of the most stunning national parks not only in Africa but also in the world.
The variety of animal species found in African’s wilderness is somewhat unbelievable. The views are nothing short of breath-taking, it is an adventurer’s paradise.
Here’s a list of the top seven parks in Tanzania that every African explorer should consider visiting:
Kilimanjaro National Park
Starting the list off with Tanzanian’s crown jewel, Mount Kilimanjaro.
It is the highest mountain in Africa and the dormant volcano is the main feature of the Kilimanjaro National Park.
The park attracts thousands of tourists every year and it’s not hard to see why visitors appreciate the simplicity of the nature surrounding the mountain peak. This is the most idyllic African National Park for trekking.
During the Kilimanjaro climb, trekkers are treated to incredible views of alpine areas, sloping lowlands, and farmland that seems to be endless.
If you plan on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, it is strongly suggested that visitors book on to an organized trip, like ones offered by Kandooadventures.com.
Safety before, during and after the climb is of utmost importance and experienced guides offer important local knowledge. Solo hikes through the rest of the national park are also encouraged for an all-round and very unique experience.
Serengeti National Park
Located in the Mara and Simiyu regions, Serengeti National Park is one of the best places to experience the presence of wildlife.
It is here you might see wildebeests and zebras in their natural habitat and if you are lucky to witness their great annual migration, it will be a sight you’ll likely remember in the years ahead.
The Serengeti National Park offers hot air balloon safaris which are a peaceful way to view unsuspecting wildlife. Located on an ecosystem, Serengeti National Park is one of the best sites for spotting African predators such as lions and cheetahs.
Tarangire National Park
The Tarangire National Park is ideal for elephant enthusiasts. If you time your visit right, you may get to see over 3000 elephants migrate.
Tarangire is one of the least crowded parks in Tanzania which is perfect to enjoy peaceful wildlife spotting and exploration. Night and daytime walking safaris are available at Tarangire making it one of the most unique parks on the list.
The world-famous baobab trees can be found within the grounds of Tarangire and the trees are best seen during the dryer months.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area Park
Ngorongoro Conversation Area Park is one of the most special places on planet earth. It is home to Ngorongoro Crater that formed thousands of years ago creating a protective wall between nature and people.
Exotic plants and native animals can be found here that aren’t seen elsewhere. Take the endangered black rhino as a prime example.
Another attraction of Ngorongoro Conversation Area Park is the traditional village which is is a museum of Maasai culture. Ngorongoro Conservation Area Park can be visited year-round.
Lake Manyara National Park
Popularised by Ernest Hemingway himself, Lake Manyara is said to be the most beloved by the infamous author. Think of this park as a mini version of Serengeti. It is relatively small in comparison to other parks on the list, and the lake covers most of it. But, this also means that the wildlife is pretty concentrated.
Lake Manyara National Park is home to eleven ecosystems and a beautiful forest surrounds the lake which is perfect for a break from the scorching African sun. A typical day by Lake Manyara can include spotting tree-climbing lions and exotic birds.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is bound to impress with its flora and fauna alone. This place went through a historic transformation, from the rainforest coated Eastern Arc mountains to savanna with rainforested islands.
The park offers a fantastic opportunity to organize a visually satisfying trek. Treks are routed throughout the park and they range in length and difficulty, there is something for everybody.
Be sure to take a good camera on the hiking paths at Udzungwa as you will most likely pass a waterfall or a small natural pool.
Mikumi National Park
Another marvelous option for wildlife viewing is a visit to Mikumi National Park. Here you can easily spot zebras, wildebeests buffalos, and impalas. Animals like giraffes, elephants or lions are considered a common sight in the park.
When it comes to beautiful plants, watch out for black hardwood trees, grassy plains and baobab trees.
The park is situated between three mountain ranges, so breath-taking views are always part of the experience. The Mikumi National Park is also home to different research projects, a yellow baboon field study being one of them.
Tanzania is a great country to visit, there is no doubt about that. Getting to know the culture, trekking, a history lesson or an adventure, Tanzania has it all.
Africa is a part of all of our past, and it is always nice to explore roots. Visit the stunning country of Tanzania and create memories that will last forever and a lifetime.
