01Year-round
National Park
Serengeti
Great Migration, big cats, balloon safaris
Endless golden plains, the Great Migration and some of Africa’s finest big-cat viewing — Tanzania’s most celebrated wilderness, planned around you by…
3–4 nightsExplore
Destinations · Northern Tanzania & Zanzibar
Tanzania Safari Destinations – National Parks, Mountains & Islands
From the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater to Kilimanjaro, Lake Natron and the beaches of Zanzibar — a local guide to where to go in Tanzania, and when.
Tanzania destinations
Where to go in Tanzania
Tanzania is one of the few countries where you can follow the Great Migration across the Serengeti, look down into a collapsed volcano full of wildlife, climb the highest mountain in Africa and end the journey on a white-sand beach — all in a single trip. Four of Tanzania’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites lie on the routes in this guide, and most of the country’s classic safari destinations sit on one easy circuit from Arusha.
The Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area form the heart of the northern safari circuit, with Tarangire and Lake Manyara close by. To the east rises Mount Kilimanjaro, where our team is based in Moshi; to the north, the soda lakes and volcanoes of the Rift Valley; and offshore, the spice island of Zanzibar with its historic Stone Town.
This guide brings every destination together in one place — on the map, side by side and month by month — so you can see how they fit together. Each destination has its own detailed guide, written by people who live and work here.
Interactive map
Every destination, on one map
Hover or tap a pin to preview a destination, then open its full guide.
Serengeti National ParkEndless golden plains, the Great Migration and some of Africa’s finest big-cat viewing — Tanzania’s most cele…Explore →
Ngorongoro Conservation Area & CraterA vast collapsed volcano sheltering a self-contained world of wildlife — from black rhino to lion — surrounde…Explore →
Tarangire National ParkAncient baobabs, a lifeline river and some of the largest elephant herds in East Africa — Tarangire is northe…Explore →
Lake Manyara National ParkA green jewel at the foot of the Great Rift Valley — groundwater forest, a shimmering soda lake, baboon troop…Explore →
Arusha National ParkForests, crater lakes and the slopes of Mount Meru, less than an hour from Arusha — walk, canoe and drive amo…Explore →
Kilimanjaro National ParkAfrica’s highest mountain and the world’s tallest free-standing peak — climb to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m with ou…Explore →
ArushaTanzania’s safari capital at the foot of Mount Meru — a lively, green city of coffee farms, markets and cultu…Explore →
Mkomazi National ParkA wild, little-visited park between the Pare and Usambara mountains — home to a black rhino sanctuary, Africa…Explore →
Lake EyasiA remote soda lake beneath the Ngorongoro highlands, home to the Hadzabe — one of Africa’s last hunter-gather…Explore →
Lake NatronA blood-red soda lake beneath an active volcano — the most important breeding ground for lesser flamingos in …Explore →
Moshi & Kilimanjaro RegionOur home town at the foot of Kilimanjaro — waterfalls, coffee farms, hot springs and crater lakes, with Afric…Explore →
Zanzibar Island & Coastal DestinationsWhite-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and the winding lanes of Stone Town — the perfect place to unwind after…Explore →The northern safari circuit
Tanzania’s most famous wildlife parks, linked by a single scenic route west of Arusha. Together they offer the Great Migration, the Big Five and some of the finest game viewing in Africa.
02Year-round
Conservation Area & Crater
Ngorongoro
Black rhino, the Big Five in a day
A vast collapsed volcano sheltering a self-contained world of wildlife — from black rhino to lion — surrounded by highland forest, Maasai pastures an…
1–2 nightsExplore
03June – October
National Park
Tarangire
Elephant herds, baobabs, birding
Ancient baobabs, a lifeline river and some of the largest elephant herds in East Africa — Tarangire is northern Tanzania’s most underrated park, just…
1–3 nightsExplore
04Year-round
National Park
Lake Manyara
Forest, birdlife, Rift Valley views
A green jewel at the foot of the Great Rift Valley — groundwater forest, a shimmering soda lake, baboon troops, elephants and hundreds of bird specie…
1 night or a half dayExplore
Kilimanjaro, Meru & the gateway towns
Africa’s highest mountain, the walking safaris of Arusha National Park and the green, coffee-growing towns where most journeys begin and end.
05Year-round
National Park
Arusha
Walking & canoe safaris, colobus
Forests, crater lakes and the slopes of Mount Meru, less than an hour from Arusha — walk, canoe and drive among giraffes, colobus monkeys and flaming…
1 day · Meru 3–4 daysExplore
06Jan – Mar · Jun – Oct
National Park
Kilimanjaro
Summit climbs, rainforest hikes
Africa’s highest mountain and the world’s tallest free-standing peak — climb to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m with our team from Moshi, or explore its rainfo…
6–9 days to climbExplore
07Year-round
Safari capital
Arusha
Coffee farms, culture, first night
Tanzania’s safari capital at the foot of Mount Meru — a lively, green city of coffee farms, markets and culture, and the starting point for journeys …
1–2 nightsExplore
08Year-round
Kilimanjaro gateway
Moshi
Waterfalls, coffee, hot springs
Our home town at the foot of Kilimanjaro — waterfalls, coffee farms, hot springs and crater lakes, with Africa’s highest mountain watching over every…
2–3 nightsExplore
Rift Valley & wild places
For travellers who want something different: flamingo lakes and an active volcano, ancient hunter-gatherer cultures and a quiet park devoted to rhino and wild dog conservation. Lake Natron is a protected Ramsar wetland of international importance.
09June – October
National Park
Mkomazi
Rhino & wild dog conservation, solitude
A wild, little-visited park between the Pare and Usambara mountains — home to a black rhino sanctuary, African wild dogs and dry-country wildlife, wi…
1–2 nightsExplore
10Year-round
Rift Valley lake
Lake Eyasi
Hadzabe & Datoga cultures
A remote soda lake beneath the Ngorongoro highlands, home to the Hadzabe — one of Africa’s last hunter-gatherer communities — and the Datoga, renowne…
1–2 nightsExplore
11June – December
Rift Valley lake
Lake Natron
Flamingos, volcano climbs, waterfalls
A blood-red soda lake beneath an active volcano — the most important breeding ground for lesser flamingos in East Africa, and one of the wildest land…
1–2 nightsExplore
Zanzibar & the coast
Turquoise water, coral reefs and Swahili history — the perfect ending to a safari or a Kilimanjaro climb.
At a glance
Compare Tanzania’s destinations
A quick way to see which destinations suit your interests, your travel dates and the time you have. Travel times are approximate and depend on roads and season.
| Destination | Best for | Best time | Getting there | Suggested stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serengeti National ParkNorthern safari circuit | Great Migration, big cats, balloon safaris | Year-round | By road from Arusha: 7–8 hrs to central Serengeti | 3–4 nights |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area & CraterNorthern safari circuit | Black rhino, the Big Five in a day | Year-round | By road from Arusha: 3–4 hrs | 1–2 nights |
| Tarangire National ParkNorthern safari circuit | Elephant herds, baobabs, birding | June – October | By road from Arusha: 2–2½ hrs | 1–3 nights |
| Lake Manyara National ParkNorthern safari circuit | Forest, birdlife, Rift Valley views | Year-round | By road from Arusha: about 2 hrs | 1 night or a half day |
| Arusha National ParkKilimanjaro, Meru & the gateway towns | Walking & canoe safaris, colobus | Year-round | From Arusha: 45 min – 1 hr | 1 day · Meru 3–4 days |
| Kilimanjaro National ParkKilimanjaro, Meru & the gateway towns | Summit climbs, rainforest hikes | Jan – Mar · Jun – Oct | Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi: about 45 min | 6–9 days to climb |
| ArushaKilimanjaro, Meru & the gateway towns | Coffee farms, culture, first night | Year-round | From Kilimanjaro Airport: about 1 hr | 1–2 nights |
| Mkomazi National ParkRift Valley & wild places | Rhino & wild dog conservation, solitude | June – October | From Moshi: 2½–3 hrs | 1–2 nights |
| Lake EyasiRift Valley & wild places | Hadzabe & Datoga cultures | Year-round | From Karatu: about 1½ hrs | 1–2 nights |
| Lake NatronRift Valley & wild places | Flamingos, volcano climbs, waterfalls | June – December | From Arusha: 4–5 hrs | 1–2 nights |
| Moshi & Kilimanjaro RegionKilimanjaro, Meru & the gateway towns | Waterfalls, coffee, hot springs | Year-round | From Kilimanjaro Airport: about 45 min | 2–3 nights |
| Zanzibar Island & Coastal DestinationsZanzibar & the coast | Beaches, Stone Town, snorkelling | June – October · Dec – Feb | Flight from Kilimanjaro/Arusha: 1–1½ hrs | 4–7 nights |
When to go
Best time to visit Tanzania, month by month
Tanzania has two rainy seasons: the long rains from about March to May and the short rains around November and December. The dry season from June to October is the classic time for safaris, but the green months bring calving season in the Serengeti, lush scenery and fewer vehicles.
Each row below comes from that destination’s own month-by-month guide. Patterns vary from year to year, so treat it as a guide rather than a guarantee.
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serengeti | Green season | Green season | Long rains | Long rains | Long rains | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Short rains | Short rains |
| Ngorongoro | Green season | Green season | Long rains | Long rains | Long rains | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Short rains | Short rains |
| Tarangire | Green season | Green season | Long rains | Long rains | Long rains | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Short rains | Short rains |
| Lake Manyara | Green season | Green season | Long rains | Long rains | Long rains | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Short rains | Short rains |
| Arusha NP | Green season | Green season | Long rains | Long rains | Long rains | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Short rains | Short rains |
| Kilimanjaro | Dry season | Dry season | Long rains | Long rains | Long rains | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Short rains | Short rains |
| Arusha | Green season | Green season | Long rains | Long rains | Long rains | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Short rains | Short rains |
| Mkomazi | Green season | Green season | Long rains | Long rains | Long rains | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Short rains | Short rains |
| Lake Eyasi | Green season | Green season | Long rains | Long rains | Long rains | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Short rains | Short rains |
| Lake Natron | Green season | Green season | Long rains | Long rains | Long rains | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Short rains | Short rains |
| Moshi | Green season | Green season | Long rains | Long rains | Long rains | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Short rains | Short rains |
| Zanzibar | Dry season | Dry season | Green season | Long rains | Long rains | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Dry season | Short rains | Dry season |
- Dry season
- Green season
- Short rains
- Long rains
- Tap a destination for its full month-by-month guide
Combining destinations
Classic ways to combine them
Most journeys link two or three regions. These are the combinations our guests love most — each can be shaped around your dates and pace.
- 01
The classic northern circuit
6–9 daysTarangire→Lake Manyara→Ngorongoro Crater→Serengeti
See itinerariesThe perfect first safari: elephants and baobabs in Tarangire, a day on the crater floor at Ngorongoro and three or more nights in the Serengeti, timed to the migration.
- 02
Safari & Zanzibar
10–14 daysTarangire→Ngorongoro→Serengeti→Zanzibar
See itinerariesCombine the northern parks with four to six nights on the beach. A short flight connects the Serengeti or Arusha with Zanzibar.
- 03
Kilimanjaro & safari
11–14 daysMoshi→Kilimanjaro→Tarangire→Ngorongoro
See itinerariesClimb to Uhuru Peak, then celebrate with a few days on safari. Arusha National Park makes a good acclimatisation day before the climb.
- 04
Rift Valley & culture
7–10 daysLake Manyara→Lake Eyasi→Ngorongoro→Lake Natron→Serengeti
See itinerariesA more adventurous loop that adds time with the Hadzabe and Datoga at Lake Eyasi and the flamingos and volcano of Lake Natron to the classic parks.
Plan with confidence
Official sources & further reading
Park fees, entry rules and health advice change from time to time. These official, scientific and non-profit sources are the best places to check the latest information before you travel.
- Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA)tanzaniaparks.go.tz ↗The authority that manages Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Mkomazi national parks, including park rules and fees.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authorityncaa.go.tz ↗Official information on the Ngorongoro Crater, the highlands and Olduvai Gorge.
- Tanzania Tourist Boardtanzaniatourism.go.tz ↗The national tourism board, with background on regions, culture and events across the country.
- Tanzania e-Visa (Immigration Department)visa.immigration.go.tz ↗The only official website for Tanzanian visa applications, including for Zanzibar.
- CDC Travelers’ Health: Tanzaniawwwnc.cdc.gov ↗Vaccination and malaria advice for travellers to Tanzania and Zanzibar. Always speak to your own doctor too.
- UNESCO World Heritage Centrewhc.unesco.org ↗Why the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro and Stone Town are recognised as World Heritage Sites.
- Frankfurt Zoological Societyfzs.org ↗A conservation organisation that has worked to protect the Serengeti ecosystem for over 70 years.
- Wildlife Conservation Society Tanzaniatanzania.wcs.org ↗Research on the endangered Zanzibar red colobus, which you can see in Jozani Forest.
Questions
Tanzania destinations FAQs
Still deciding where to go? Our team in Moshi is happy to help you choose.
Ask on WhatsAppWhat are the best safari destinations in Tanzania?
For a first safari, the classic northern circuit is hard to beat: the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara. Together they offer the Great Migration, the Big Five and very varied landscapes within a few hours of Arusha.
When is the best time to visit Tanzania?
June to October is the dry season and the classic time for a safari. January to March is excellent for the calving season in the southern Serengeti. April and May are the wettest months, with the lowest prices and fewest visitors.
How many destinations can I combine in one trip?
On a seven to ten day safari, three or four destinations is ideal — for example Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. Adding Zanzibar or a Kilimanjaro climb usually means two weeks in total.
Can I see the Big Five in Tanzania?
Yes. Lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo are widespread in the northern parks, and the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places in East Africa to see black rhino.
Is it easy to combine a safari with Zanzibar?
Very. Scheduled flights connect Arusha, Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti airstrips with Zanzibar in around one to two hours, so the beach is an easy add-on at the end of a safari.
Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?
Most visitors need a visa, which can be applied for online through the official Tanzania e-visa website. Requirements change, so please check before you travel.
Which destinations are best for families?
Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater have short drives and plenty of wildlife, and Zanzibar’s north coast is ideal for swimming. Private vehicles let you set a pace that suits children.
Where should I go for something off the beaten track?
Lake Natron, Lake Eyasi and Mkomazi National Park see very few visitors and offer flamingos, volcano climbs, ancient cultures and rhino conservation.