SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

Serengeti National Park is the far-reaching, endless savannahs that inspired the Lion King

The Serengeti comes from the Maa word ‘Serengeti’, which translates to ‘the place where the land moves on forever’. The Serengeti is well known for the largest annual animal migration in the world of over 1.5 million blue wildebeest and 250,000 zebras and the largest lion population in Africa. One of the most famous destinations in Africa, this UNESCO world heritage park is the stage for the dramatic wildebeest migration that takes place each year. Tanzania’s oldest park, covering a whopping 1.5 million hectares, is home to an incredible diversity of animals. The Serengeti National Park is one of the best places for safari in Africa thanks to the huge numbers of big game that reside here.

The Best Time To Visit Serengeti National Park to see the migration is from July to October. This is the dry season, and in June and July the herds will be facing their biggest challenge: The Mara river crossing. If you are keen on seeing the predators in action, go in January or February, when there is a hiatus in the annual rains and the wildebeest calve.

The great migration is the world’s longest overland migration. The complete migration route is around 800 km (500 mi). South of this migration route covers the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where around half a million wildebeests are born between January and March. By March, at the beginning of the dry season, roughly 1.5 million wildebeest and 250,000 zebras start to migrate heading north. Common eland, plains zebra and Thomson’s gazelle join the wildebeest. In April and May, the migrating herds pass through the Western Corridor.

WHY VISIT SERENGETI?

Experience the Ultimate Safari Adventure in the Serengeti

The Serengeti offers an unparalleled safari experience with its vast, rolling plains and iconic wildlife spectacles. Renowned for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the landscape in search of fresh pastures, the Serengeti provides an extraordinary opportunity to witness one of nature’s most dramatic and dynamic events. Beyond the migration, the park’s rich ecosystem supports diverse wildlife including lions, elephants, and cheetahs, ensuring unforgettable encounters at every turn. Its wide-open spaces and minimal human interference offer a quintessential, immersive African adventure, making the Serengeti a must-visit destination for any nature enthusiast.

NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA

When going for a Tanzania safari, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated to the west of Arusha in the Crater Highlands. To the northwest, it connects Serengeti National Park, and to the south and west are volcanic highlands that is Ngorongoro Crater. Southern and eastern borders run along the Great Rift Valley. Formed when a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself two to three million years ago, the crater is a natural enclosure providing stunning sights, and with a wide variety of flora and fauna that will definitely blow your mind away. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a natural and ecological marvel.

This 19km wide crater is one of the largest calderas in the world. What’s unique about a Ngorongoro Crater tour is that the crater is not a lake- and that is extremely rare. The walls of the caldera rise up over 400-600m, providing a stunning and protected enclosure for nature drama to occur.

WHY VISIT NGORONGORO?

Discover a Natural Wonderland in the Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a breathtaking geological marvel that offers an extraordinary wildlife experience within its caldera. This massive volcanic crater, with its lush grasslands and diverse habitats, creates a unique environment where visitors can see a remarkable concentration of wildlife, including the rare black rhino, lions, and flamingos. The crater’s relatively compact size ensures that wildlife sightings are plentiful and accessible, providing an unparalleled safari experience. Additionally, the dramatic landscapes and rich geological history of the crater add to its allure, making Ngorongoro a must-see for those seeking both natural beauty and a vibrant array of animal life.

TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

Tarangire National Park has some of the highest population density of elephants as compared to anywhere in Tanzania, and its sparse vegetation, strewn with baobab and acacia trees, makes it a beautiful and distinctive location to visit. The park extends into two game-controlled areas and the wildlife is allowed to move freely throughout. Herds of up to 300 elephants scratch the dry riverbed for underground streams, while migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland crowd the shrinking lagoons. It’s the greatest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti ecosystem – a smorgasbord for predators —and the one place in Tanzania where dry—country antelope such as the stately fringe-eared Oryx and peculiar long-necked gerenuk are regularly observed. During the rainy season, the seasonal visitors scatter over a 20,000 sq km (12,500 sq miles) range until they exhaust the green plains, and the river calls once more. But Tarangire mobs of elephant are easily encountered, wet or dry. The swamps-tinged green year round, are the focus for 550 bird varieties, the most breeding species in one habitat anywhere in the world. Tarangire National Park is the sixth biggest park in Tanzania at 2,850 km². Tarangire is the perfect national park for a day trip as well.

WHY VISIT TARANGIRE?

Unveil the Hidden Gem of Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is a captivating destination renowned for its distinctive landscape and diverse wildlife. Famous for its impressive population of elephants and ancient baobab trees, Tarangire offers a unique safari experience away from the more frequented parks. The park’s seasonal floodplains attract a plethora of animals, including wildebeest, zebras, and predators, providing excellent game viewing opportunities throughout the year. Its less crowded trails allow for a more intimate encounter with nature, while its diverse habitats—from lush swamps to dry savannahs—ensure a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. Tarangire’s combination of stunning scenery and abundant wildlife makes it a must-visit for those seeking a distinctive and immersive safari adventure.

LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK

From the entrance gate you will be surprised by the presence of entire families of baboons. A little further down the winding road you will have the pleasure of observing and photographing relaxed elephants. All of this immersed in the natural ecosystem, with lush vegetation that sometimes «crosses» the roads. You will get up close to the dominant flat-roofed Acacia trees, also known as the «umbrella trees». Acacias are home to many birds and food to many elephants. With over 350 species of birds including migratory birds, even the most seasoned bird enthusiast will not be disappointed. The lake itself attracts thousands of pink-hued greater and lesser flamingos on their perpetual migration along with many other aquatic species. Two of the more interesting species commonly seen are the long-crested eagle and the grey-headed kingfisher. Other fascinating species spotted in and around the soda lake include pelicans, Egyptian geese, ducks, waders, herons, storks, grebes, ibises, kingfishers, and many more. The extraordinary concentration of birdlife has made this place world-renowned among ornithologists. Lake Manyara is one of the most scenic of Rift Valley lakes teeming with wildlife on its shores. Night safaris are especially popular at Lake Manyara National Park because it’s the only national park in Tanzania that allows them.

WHY VISIT LAKE MANYARA?

Experience the Scenic Splendor and Diverse Wildlife of Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and rich biodiversity, making it a unique and compelling destination. The park’s striking combination of lush groundwater forests, grassy plains, and the sparkling, soda-rich Lake Manyara creates a picturesque backdrop for wildlife viewing. It is particularly famous for its large populations of flamingos, which turn the lake into a stunning pink spectacle, and its tree-climbing lions, a rare and fascinating sight. The diverse habitats within the park support a wide range of species, including elephants, giraffes, and over 400 bird species, offering visitors a varied and vibrant safari experience. Lake Manyara’s beauty and ecological diversity make it a captivating stop for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.

ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK

Visiting Arusha National Park is an experience of a lifetime because it houses the World’s Largest Giraffe Population, making it one of the most interesting places to visit in Tanzania. It hosts a wide variety of landscapes, ranging from vast savannah and rainforest to acacia woodlands and up to alpine vegetation on the higher reaches of Mount Meru. Arusha National Park has a rich variety of wildlife. Despite the small size of the park, common animals include giraffe, Cape buffalo, zebra, warthog, the black-and-white colobus monkey, the blue monkey, flamingo, elephant, bushbuck and many other African animals. Birdlife in the forest is prolific, with many forest species more easily seen here than elsewhere on the tourist route. Narina trogon and bar-tailed trogon are both possible highlights for visiting birders.

Arusha National Park is where many Tanzania safaris begin, either by road or by a short regional flight.  Explore our Tanzania safari packages starting from Arusha or get in touch with ACE TANZANIZ TOURS and one of our safari experts will tailor-make a safari to your needs!

WHY VISIT ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK?

Discover the Hidden Charms and Unique Landscapes of Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is a hidden gem that offers an intimate and diverse safari experience right at the foot of Mount Meru. Unlike the larger parks, it provides a captivating blend of landscapes, including lush rainforests, serene lakes, and expansive savannahs. The park is renowned for its stunning crater views, as well as the chance to see a variety of wildlife such as giraffes, buffaloes, and playful colobus monkeys. Arusha also stands out for its accessibility, making it a perfect destination for a day trip or a peaceful escape before or after visiting Tanzania’s more famous parks. Its blend of scenic beauty, unique wildlife, and tranquil atmosphere makes Arusha National Park a delightful and rewarding destination.

HANDY INFORMATION:

TANZANIA DAY TRIPS OVERVIEW

Take 1-day safari tour Tanzania, and explore the best of the country in less time. Then Tanzania Day Trips are the best suitable options to explore the wilderness and spectacular beauty the country has to offer.

In this just one extra day you can choose the followings:

Mount Meru Day Hike

For those who enjoy hiking and adventure, Mount Meru offers a rewarding day trip from Arusha. As the second-highest peak in Tanzania, Mount Meru stands at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet) and provides a scenic hiking route through lush forests, alpine meadows, and volcanic terrain. The hike to Miranda Point is a popular option for a one-day trek, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the distant peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. Along the way, trekkers may encounter wildlife such as buffaloes, giraffes, and monkeys. Mount Meru is also a great alternative for those who are looking to acclimatize before attempting a summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, or simply for those who want to enjoy Tanzania’s diverse landscapes from a more active perspective.

 Materuni Waterfalls and Coffee Tour Day Trip

A fantastic cultural day trip from Arusha is a visit to Materuni Waterfalls and a traditional coffee farm experience. Located just outside of Arusha, this day trip offers a chance to explore rural Tanzania and learn about the local Chaga culture. Visitors can hike through lush forests to reach the beautiful Materuni Waterfalls, where they can take in the stunning views and swim in the cool mountain water. The trip also includes a visit to a local coffee farm, where you can learn about the process of growing, harvesting, and roasting coffee beans, with the chance to taste fresh, locally brewed coffee. This is an ideal option for those looking to combine a scenic adventure with a cultural immersion.

 Tarangire and Lake Manyara Combined Day Trip

For travelers with a bit more time, a combined Tarangire and Lake Manyara Day trip offers a diverse safari experience in a single day. Starting with a morning game drive in Tarangire, visitors can experience the park’s vast landscapes and large elephant herds before heading to Lake Manyara for an afternoon of wildlife viewing. The combination of these two parks provides a great variety of ecosystems, from the dry savannahs of Tarangire to the lush forests and wetlands of Lake Manyara and ensures a packed day of wildlife viewing without the long travel times required for a visit to more distant parks like Serengeti or Ngorongoro.

 Arusha National Park Day Trip

One of the most accessible national parks from Arusha, Arusha National Park offers a more relaxed safari experience, perfect for those with limited time. Just a short drive from the city, the park is known for its stunning landscapes, including the forested slopes of Mount Meru, volcanic craters, and the serene Momella Lakes. Visitors can enjoy game drives in search of animals such as giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and various antelope species, as well as enjoy walking safaris guided by park rangers, where you can learn about the park’s flora and fauna up close. The park also offers opportunities for birdwatching and is one of the few places in Tanzania where you can go on a guided walking safari with the chance to see wildlife on foot. It’s a great way to enjoy a quieter, more intimate safari experience while still being close to Arusha.

 Olduvai Gorge and Maasai Village Visit

For those interested in history and culture, a day trip to Olduvai Gorge combined with a visit to a Maasai village offers a fascinating look into Tanzania’s ancient past and contemporary culture. Olduvai Gorge, often referred to as the “Cradle of Humankind,” is an important archaeological site where early human fossils have been found, including those of Homo habilis. Visitors can tour the small museum and learn about the history of human evolution. Afterward, travelers can visit a nearby Maasai village to interact with one of Tanzania’s most famous indigenous communities. You’ll get a chance to see traditional Maasai homes (enkangs), watch their dances, and learn about their customs and way of life. This day trip offers a unique blend of history and culture, making it a great choice for those looking to delve deeper into the heritage of the region.

Duluti Lake and Chemka Hot Springs Day Trip

A day trip from Arusha to Duluti Lake and Chemka Hot Springs offers a perfect blend of nature, relaxation, and adventure, ideal for those looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in the tranquility of Tanzania’s natural beauty.

Duluti Lake, located just 30 minutes outside of Arusha, is a serene, crater lake surrounded by lush forests and hills. It offers a peaceful environment perfect for a relaxing stroll or a canoe ride. The lake itself is a stunning sight, with calm waters and a rich diversity of birdlife. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the area, with its mix of vibrant greenery and the peaceful stillness of the lake. The area also provides a glimpse into rural Tanzanian life, as local communities around the lake rely on agriculture and fishing for their livelihoods. Walking or cycling around the lake is a peaceful way to soak in the natural surroundings, and the area is less crowded compared to other tourist hotspots, offering a more intimate and quiet experience.

After exploring Duluti Lake, the trip continues to the Chemka Hot Springs, about an hour’s drive from the lake. Also known as Kikuletwa Hot Springs, Chemka is a hidden oasis in the heart of the Tanzanian countryside. The natural hot springs are set in a lush, verdant environment, with crystal-clear, turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming and relaxing. The water temperature is consistently warm, making it an inviting place to take a dip, surrounded by dense vegetation and a peaceful atmosphere. The hot springs are nestled in a remote area, making it a secluded and serene spot to unwind. Whether you choose to relax by the springs or enjoy a swim in the warm waters, the beauty of the place, coupled with its calming atmosphere, provides a refreshing break from the more popular tourist destinations.

This combination of Duluti Lake and Chemka Hot Springs offers a unique day trip experience from Arusha, allowing you to enjoy both cultural immersion and natural relaxation. It’s a perfect way to spend a day exploring Tanzania’s lesser-known treasures, with opportunities for nature walks, birdwatching, canoeing, and, of course, relaxing in the rejuvenating hot springs. For those seeking a quieter, more tranquil experience, this day trip is an ideal choice.