Best 7 National Parks of Tanzania

Tanzania is a place where you can watch a live episode of the Lion King. This can best be done from Serengeti as it has the highest numbers of lions in the whole world. No safari to Tanzania can be complete without a visit to the Serengeti.

It shelters almost every wildlife you would want to see. On a lucky visit, you could see the Wildebeest Migration, an adventure film in the wild. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a great spot for wildlife viewing. The best sights here are elephants, cheetahs and lions. Ngorongoro and Serengeti are just adjacent to each other; all sitting on the Northern region of Tanzania. Mount Kilimanjaro offers one of the best physical challenges to mountain climbers.

Serengeti National Park

Claiming that Tanzania has all the best places to spotting wildlife but it’s hard to argue against the fact that Africa’s wildlife can be summarized in one nation.

Starting with this oldest national park in Tanzania, the Serengeti National Park has been attracting at least 350,000 visitors every year, wildlife viewing here is as amazing and actually, the park was voted Africa’s best safari park by industry experts and safari-goers.

But not this Serengeti and this is simply due to the reason that the World’s largest annual migration of a certain 1.5 million white-bearded wildebeest occurs in this park.

The migration of this kind where wildebeests usually get a friendly company from a whopping 250 zebra has never been witnessed somewhere else in this world.

Apart from hooved animals in Serengeti (buffalo, elephants, giraffe, wildebeests, zebra, eland, gazelles) just to name a few, Serengeti is also the host for big cats where lions, cheetah, and leopard can be easily spotted.

 Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site, the incomparable Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest caldera. A caldera is the broad, crater-like basin of a volcano formed by the collapse of the central cone. Dominated by cliffs standing some 600 meters high and presenting a sheer drop down to a wide open space of some 264 square km, the crater is one of the most amazing sights seen anywhere. The Crater is home to 25,000 larger mammals, almost half of them zebra and wildebeest. There are also gazelle, buffalo, eland, hartebeest and wart hog. Such vast numbers attract predators a plenty, mainly lion and hyena but also cheetah and leopard. More than 100 species of birds not found in the Serengeti have been spotted here. Countless flamingos form a pink blanket over the soda lakes.

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha national park is two in one.

The park itself hosts Usangu game reserve which is the beautiful mountainous wildlife area with an astonishing view of grasslands, woodlands, and miombo that happily act as a home for elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalos just to name a few.

Speaking of the park itself, Ruaha national park;

• It is the largest national park in Tanzania.
• It is one of Africa’s remaining most lions and elephants’ populated areas with more than 2,000 lions.
• It is home to the Great Ruaha River which is one of the main tributaries of Rufiji River, the largest in East Africa which provides life to thousands of elephants.

It isn’t the truth that Ruaha is the best for viewing big pride of lion predating hence to enable the park to attract up to 21,000 visitors, Not even the fact that it is among the best places to enjoy viewing big packs of wild dogs,

Its unique feature of exclusivity. This park is always not crowded hence making it the best area for experiencing that feeling of adventure when encountering wildlife in Tanzania.

Tarangire national park

If there is one memorable encounter that I have ever experienced then it was tree climbing pythons view. That experience in Tarangire was just unmatched and will forever remain with me. To see these tree-climbing pythons you need to be luckier though, they are not regularly spotted so not everyone sees them.

However, Tarangire is the best park for day tours, and when you visit this near to Arusha city national park be sure to enjoy spotting big herds of elephants. Sometimes up to 200+ elephants can be found in the park making it one of the best areas for Wildlife in Tanzania.

Tarangire is also the best place to view the stunning huge baobab trees spanning around the Tarangire River which provides life to a number of wildebeests, buffalo, gazelles, and zebra.

Tarangire isn’t short of predators either.

Lions, leopards, and cheetah can be spotted in their endless missions of chasing and killing wildebeests, gazelles, and dik-dik for their meal.

Lake Manyara National Park

Are you a day tours lover? Then this park might very well suit your Wildlife in Tanzania needs.  You can simply reach it in less than 2 hours, and enjoy your game drive right away. This beautiful park which is famous for tree-climbing lions attracts over 161,000 visitors.

However, it isn’t these tree-climbing lions that may strike you most, but the way you can spot the relaxed elephants at very close proximity.

Along with wildlife viewing, Lake Manyara national park is one of the best parks for birding. The park is just incomparable when it comes to flocks of flamingos.

Manyara has thousands of flamingos along with other superb birds and if you are a water lover, the canoe safari in this park will treat you extremely well.

Arusha National Park

Arusha national park is just another best in Tanzania for day tours. The park doesn’t offer a chance of encountering the big 5 but hey, its birding experience is just out of this world.

A partial climb to Mount Meru, the second-highest in the country will also give you a good view of the beautiful forest with the black and white colobus.

Now, this doesn’t mean you are going to see only the mentioned above, a wide range of antelope species, giraffes and buffalo can be easily spotted.

If you need to experience your wildlife in Tanzania but you’re pressed with time, then Arusha national park can just be one of your top priorities.

Selous Game reserve

Hosting the greatest possible concentration of big game on the planet, Selous game reserve is among the best parks to enjoy wildlife in Tanzania.

The true African wilderness of this land is just fascinating.

This vast wildlife land known for hunting is also acknowledged for its more than 400 known species of birds which makes the destination the perfect for bird watching.

Rufiji River, largest in Tanzania which is the source of life in the reserve is the habitat for the crocodiles and uncountable hippos in the reserve.

A visit to this Africa’s largest unexploited wildlife area which is one of the largest faunal reserves of the world will leave you with lifetime memories.

A wildlife viewing in Selous which is one of the largest parks in Africa and UNESCO World Heritage Site is simply rewarding.

Conclusion, a Tanzania safari to the most popular wildlife parks is one of the experiences not to miss while in East Africa. Wildlife watching in Tanzania is quite a memorable experience. You can book your Tanzania safari with Primate Safari Experiences a local company that has the expertise in tailoring Tanzania safaris with extending to gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Uganda & Congo staying in luxury lodges.

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Summit Kilimanjaro and Meet Mountain Gorillas

For people who like both adventure and nature, hiking Mount Kilimanjaro and going gorilla climbing in East Africa is one of the most beautiful, cultural, and physically exciting trips you can take. Reaching the top of Africa’s biggest mountain and meeting endangered mountain gorillas in their misty forest homes are two of the most famous things that can happen on the continent.
This piece will talk about why this is the best way to see wildlife and go hiking, how to plan it, and what makes it an unforgettable item for any bucket list.

The Majesty of Mount Kilimanjaro: A Hiker’s Dream

Africa’s Highest Peak and the Roof of the Continent

Mount Kilimanjaro, located in northern Tanzania, stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) and is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Unlike other high-altitude climbs, Kilimanjaro requires no technical mountaineering skills, making it accessible to trekkers with moderate fitness and determination.

Why Kilimanjaro is the Perfect Trekking Challenge:

• Multiple scenic routes for all skill levels.
• Dramatic ecological zones from rainforest to alpine desert.
• Panoramic views and breathtaking sunrises from the summit.
• Rich cultural experiences with local Chagga guides and porters.

For those who love the challenge of hiking and the reward of breathtaking vistas, Kilimanjaro offers a transformative journey that pushes physical and mental boundaries.

Gorilla Trekking: A Soul-Stirring Wildlife Encounter

Up Close with the Gentle Giants of the Forest

After conquering Kilimanjaro, the next leg of your adventure leads you to the lush rainforests of Rwanda or Uganda to track the elusive and awe-inspiring mountain gorillas. With fewer than 1,100 individuals left in the wild, seeing them in their natural habitat is a rare privilege.

What Makes Gorilla Trekking So Special:

• Intimate group sizes (only 8 visitors per gorilla family per day).
• Hour-long visits with habituated families led by expert trackers.
• Trekking through biodiverse, misty forests filled with rare flora and fauna.
• Deep emotional connection formed during close-up observation.

It’s not just about the wildlife; it’s about being part of a powerful conservation story, one that continues to inspire travelers from around the world.

A Complementary Adventure: Hiking and Wildlife in Harmony

The Perfect Balance of Challenge and Reward

Combining Kilimanjaro trekking with gorilla tracking creates a perfectly balanced itinerary—both physically and emotionally. The strenuous, high-altitude trek tests your endurance, while the serene, humbling encounter with gorillas offers introspection and connection with nature.

Why These Experiences Go Hand-in-Hand:

• Kilimanjaro offers a high-adrenaline hiking challenge; gorilla trekking provides a quiet wildlife contrast.
• Both require respect for nature, patience, and preparation.
• They showcase East Africa’s diverse ecosystems, from alpine peaks to dense equatorial forests.
• Both are conservation-focused, supporting local communities and wildlife protection.

This dual adventure also allows you to explore multiple countries—Tanzania, Rwanda, or Uganda—each offering rich culture, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes.

Planning the Ultimate Kilimanjaro + Gorilla Combo Trip

Best Time to Go

The best time to combine both experiences is during the dry seasons, which offer better visibility and safer trails:

• January to early March
• June to October

These months provide ideal trekking conditions on Kilimanjaro and drier forest floors for gorilla tracking, making your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Sample Itinerary (13–15 Days)

1. Arrival in Arusha, Tanzania 2–8. Kilimanjaro Trek via Lemosho or Machame Route
2. Fly to Kigali, Rwanda (or Entebbe, Uganda)
3. Rest day and cultural tour
4. Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP or Bwindi
5. Optional second trek or golden monkey tracking
6. Relax and fly home or extend to a beach destination (e.g., Zanzibar)

Travel Tips

• Book gorilla permits early: They are limited and in high demand.
• Work with a trusted tour operator to handle logistics, flights, permits, and luxury or comfort-level lodging.
• Ensure you’re fit and prepared—both activities are physically demanding.

An Unforgettable Bucket-List Experience

When you hike Kilimanjaro and gorilla trekking together, you get more than just two great thrills; you get a better sense of Africa’s wild spirit. From the thrill of reaching the top of a mountain to the quiet awe of watching a silverback take care of his herd, these events change what it means to travel.
This pair offers inspiration, challenge, and a deep connection with nature, whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, a way to celebrate a milestone, or just the ultimate adventure.

Ready to Take the Leap?

Your dream trip to Africa is waiting for you. Talk to an expert on Kilimanjaro and gorilla trekking combined trips to start making a custom plan that will make your wildest dreams come true.
Go up high. Go deep. Full-live.

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Best 5 National Parks of Rwanda

Rwanda’s is a small province in eastern Africa that has been paradise of beauty, fascinating cultures and interesting wildlife. It is well-known for being the most peaceful countries in the world, with a low crime rates a, advanced technology and strong education system. Visitors to Rwanda will find stunning scenery and fascinating wildlife such as mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and exciting chimpanzees. The land of a thousand hills is also the most popular mountain gorillas which is one of the world’s remaining habitants for endangered gorillas. There are also others animals that can be seen in Rwanda includes, buffalos, lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, zebras among others. Rwanda also country known for its rich and exceptional cultural heritages and friendly people and its excellent Rwandan coffee and tea.

Looking to explore Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills. There are only four national parks that have been gazetted in the country.

Volcanoes national park

Volcanoes national park is the famous world’s premier gorilla trekking destination. The Rwandan volcanoes are fame for its thriving population of mountain gorillas, occasional primate’s endemic to Africa. The park hosts almost a third of the remaining population of the mountain gorillas in the world. Volcanoes national park is part of the Virunga Mountains, seeing mountain gorillas in wild Rwanda is a privilege and meeting them is unforgettable adventure experience. There is another beautiful endangered golden monkey which are barely seen in the volcanoes national park, golden monkey is an old-world order monkey that are endemic to the Virunga massif. They are characterized with a bright orange-golden body, you can spot these magnificent uncommon monkeys during a hike through within only the volcanoes national park and the nearest Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. This fascinating rare golden monkey are only found in the Virunga massif.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

One of the most protected conservation areas in mighty Africa, Nyungwe forest national park contains a remarkable arrange of biodiversity of over 1,068 plants species, 322bird species and 75 different animals. The park contains plenty of primate’s species of more than 13 primate’s species which is the most captivating chimpanzees, white and black colobus monkeys and others endemic to the Albertine region.  Hanging out with the primates isn’t only activity to do in the park, Nyungwe forest national park is also a home to canopy walk in east Africa. Besides the primate’s species and interesting canopy walk, Nyungwe forest national park also owns plentiful Bird species and other mammal species along with glorious undergrowth.

Akagera national park

Akagera national park is another important destination with amazing attractions, the national park is one of the oldest national in the region and the only savannah park in Rwanda. The park is a home to the famous and incredible African big 5 animals such also lions, buffaloes, rhinos, elephants and leopards’ other wildlife includes giraffes, Topis, zebras, antelopes, hyenas, impalas among others. There also others primate such as vervet monkeys, olive baboon, and through game drives offered in the park is when you can see almost all this amazing wildlife including bird species such as local red-faced barbets, and the swamp fly catcher as well as the elusive shoebill stork among others.

Gishwati Mukura National Park

Gishwati Mukura National Park is a recently created national park that includes two distinct forests along with a buffer area. The landscape here is much like that of Nyungwe National Park, providing a variety of thrilling experiences, including a small group of chimpanzees. Besides chimpanzees, the park also hosts other types of primates, such as baboons, L’Hoest monkeys, golden monkeys, and a variety of bird species all of which are unique to the Albertine Rift region. Some notable birds you can find in Gishwati-Mukura National Park include the Black-billed turaco, Blue-headed sunbird, Great blue turaco. Occasional, Regal sunbird, White-necked raven among others. If you’re thinking about going on a primate safari, Gishwati Mukura National Park should definitely be on your list of places to visit.

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Best Parks for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Uganda, DR. Congo and Rwanda in Africa are the best destinations and only three countries where you will find the last mountain gorillas in the wild. When planning your gorilla safari in Africa, you need to first know which country that can fit your budget. You need to know the costs that are standard, costs that cannot be negotiated but standard. This will help you to plan your best budget tour based on facts.

Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks

In Uganda mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In these areas tracking takes place at 5 locations; Buhoma Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo in Bwindi and Ntebeko in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. All locations combined give a total of over 18 gorilla groups, however the permit number are limited because only 8 people are allowed to visit a gorilla family per day for only one hour.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is undoubtedly the best point in the entire world to enjoy the ultimate gorilla experience.  Bwindi Impenetrable is a World Heritage Site located south- western Uganda, a sanctuary for chimpanzees, bird species, and butterfly species but most famous for its mountain gorilla population, more than half of the world’s gorillas permanently live here.

Uganda’s dense forests are home to over half of the world’s 1004 or so mountain gorillas as of May 2018, the rest live in the neighboring Rwanda and the Democratic Republic if the Congo. As they do not survive in captivity, preservation of these fragile habitats is essential for their survival.

Accessibity to the Park

By road; Bwindi impenetrable National Park can be reached from Queen Elizabeth National Park to the north (2-3 hours), from Kabale to the south (1-2 hours), or from Kampala via Mbarara (6-8 hours). The roads meet at Butogota, 17km from the Buhoma entrance gate. A 4WD vehicle is necessary during the rainy season.

By Air; Guests can fly from Entebbe or Kampala (Kajjansi airfield) to the modern tarmac airstrip at Kisoro. Planes can also be chartered to the grass Kayonza or Savannah airstrips. Bwindi is well served by three airfields at Kayonza and Kihihi for the northern sector and Nyakabande in Kisoro for those going to track gorillas in the southern sector (Nkuringo, Nshongi and Mishaya).

Sectors for tracking mountain gorillas

There are 4 locations for trekking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and these are Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. The 4 locations have a total of about 18 families as of December 2018. Tracking permits need to be bought prior to tracking by booking directly with the reservations office at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Headquarters or through a reputable tour agent. Permits can be paid for up to two years in advance.

Number of people to track and how old

According to the number of people allowed trekking the gorillas, only 8 visitors are allowed to view the gorillas for one hour per day, participants must be aged 15 or over. And they will be accompanied by trained armed guides while with the gorillas.

The Gorilla Experience

Tracking commences every morning from the park headquarters at 8:00am. Your guide will then lead you along generally clear paths up into the forest, in radio communication with the trackers that stay with the group so that they can be located. The mountain gorillas cover large distances throughout the day and they rarely do stay in one area. The guides will use their knowledge of the gorilla’s habits and information from the previous day to locate the group’s whereabouts.

Climate

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is chilly in the morning and at night with average temperatures ranging from 77⁰C – 20⁰C. The coldest period in Bwindi is June and July, while wet seasons are March- May and September-November with total annual rainfall of up to 2390mm. Rains in March-May are short. They are heavier in September-November but can just be long hours of soft drizzle.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Covering an area of about 33.7 sq. kilometres, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the south-western park of Uganda bordering Congo and Rwanda. The Park is a habitat for man’s closest mountain gorillas which roam about the whole forest in search for food.

This Park is one of the few places in the world where the endangered mountain gorillas live and it attracts people from different countries to come to Uganda for gorilla safari tours.

Accessibility to the park

By road; Mgahinga can be accessed by use of a car from Kampala via Kabale to Kisoro. This journey takes about 8 hours.

By air; one can board a plane from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip which is near the park. This is the quickest mode of access and it takes about 1 hour. There are daily scheduled flights which must be booked long in advance with your local Uganda safari operator.

On a daily basis, the moment you visit the park, the welcoming atmosphere is an evidence of adventure filled of natural beauty. A day’ trek through the forests of Mgahinga with a well-trained guide explains the gorillas’ behaviors along the way is a lifetime experience.

Usually, gorilla trekking tour starts from Ntebeko entrance gate around 8:00am in the morning daily taking 2-4 hours. A visitor is expected to budget for his/her time well while with a gorilla family since the maximum time allowed to spend with them is one hour.

Gorilla Permit Price

You need to know the cost of a gorilla permit before booking your safari trip. A gorilla permit in Uganda costs $700 USD per person, while Gorilla Habituation Experience costs $1500 USD per person spending 01 and 4 hours with gorillas respectively.

Other places that provide an opportunity for gorilla trekking are Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda as well as Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo. So, before you decide to book a gorilla tour in Uganda, you need to convince yourself that you have made the right decision on where to trek these gorillas.

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6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Rwanda

Rwanda is one of the smallest countries on the African continent; it’s located in east Africa bordered by Uganda in the north, Burundi in the south, Tanzania in the east and DR Congo in the west. Geographically the country is in the Albertine rift valley occupying an area of 26,338 sq km with the larger area being hilly with many undulating green rolling hills and ragged tropical forested volcanoes in the Northern Province. Hence Rwanda experiences a favorable temperate tropical climate.

The country’s population currently stands at 12 million people made up of three major ethnic groups with the original inhabitants of the Tutsi, Hutu and the Batwa pygmies who make only 1% of the population.

Despite the lethal 1994 genocide that killed over 800,000 people within 100 days which led to destruction of the tourism industry and the general economic breakdown, Rwanda has recovered under the new government putting much emphasis on infrastructure development and diversifying its natural tourist attractions. This growing trend coupled with political security is attracting many tourists hence emerging as Africa’s ecotourism tourism hub because of the following 6 reasons;

1. Primates Trekking

For wildlife lovers, Rwanda is highly visited for its mountain gorillas which are found in Volcanoes National Park in the Northern Province. The park is part of the Virunga chain of 8 volcanic mountains the only habitat on earth for the remaining 1060 population of mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park’s mountain gorilla numbers are estimated to be 250 individuals with 10 families habituated. All these are located in one habitat range which makes them easily accessible by tourists in addition to the short drive time of 2 hours from Kigali airport to the park. Book a gorilla permit with a tour operator for gorilla trekking the main tourist activity in park.

Besides the gorillas, Volcanoes National park is also a home to the critically endangered golden monkeys. Golden monkeys are easily identified by their golden-orange hair on their body, guided nature walks is the only way tourists get to see these primates.

In the southwest of Rwanda, is Nyungwe forest national park a home to man’s closet cousin the chimpanzees hence tourists visit the forest foe chimpanzee tracking. Nyungwe forest is also known for the highest troop of Black and White Colobus monkeys in East Africa which are very attractive primates for tourists who visit the Forest for Colobus monkey tracking.

2. Rwandan Unique Cultural Experience

Rwanda being a tourist friendly nation, it has a great cultural heritage which complement its wildlife. There are designated places around national park which exhibit Rwandan culture hence one can easily incorporate them into their safari. For instance, Iby’Iwacu cultural village near Rwanda Volcanoes Park is a place where Rwandan traditional lifestyles are exhibited for tourists.

A great cultural experience of live traditional Intore dance performances, craft souvenirs and local food combined offer a memorable cultural experience. Other great cultural experiences include visiting the Rwandan genocide memorials, museums, ancient caves of the Batwa pygmy and the Kigali city.

3. Beautiful Lakes for Relaxation

Rwanda is located in the great Albertine rift valley hence it makes it a natural paradise by its unspoiled inland volcanic lakes with charming sandy beaches where tourists can relax and chill after strenuous gorilla trekking or volcano hiking. The fresh water Lake Kivu is one a kind situated on the Rwanda’s western border with DR. What fascinates about this lake is that it’s enclosed by picturesque terraced hills and three resort towns packed with luxury to budget waterfront resort hotels. Tourists will always launch their favorite water based activities just by the door step. Some of the water activities include kayaking, swimming, canoeing, speed boating, spot fishing, winds surfing, snorkeling and boat cruises. Lake Kivu is a great place to experience authentic African sunsets and sunrises.

4. East Africa’s Highest Canopy Walk

The highest canopy walk in East Africa suspended over 90 meters above the ground is found in Rwanda’s Nyungwe forest national park in the southwest. The canopy starts at Uwinka the main tourist centre in Nyungwe forest national park. it offers breathtaking views of Nyungwe forests while walking in the clouds above the trees you also get a chance to view primates and birds on top trees. There are also optional ground hiking trails from which tourists explore the forest on foot. Guided walks take visitors in the interior of the forest where waterfalls, flowers, birds, mammals, butterflies can be seen. It’s an incredible experience to walk on a wet ground even during the dry season.

5. Kigali City

Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda; the city is the safest and cleanest on the African continent. You will appreciate the culture of Rwanda, Umuganda is a platform where all Rwandans gather together to clean cities and villages hence the clean environment has come at a price. Do not expect to come to Rwanda with non biodegradable plastics or paper bags.

People in the city are very friendly and like to engage in conversations with tourists a reason why most visitors like to take a safe tour around the city during night or day. The city has got both local and international hotels, cafes, bistros and restaurants serving the most delicious cuisines on the continent. The newly Kigali convention centre with MICE facilities is an answer to the business travelers from around the world.

6. Security and Accessibility

Despite the historical war of 1994, Rwanda is currently Africa’s most politically stable. Even foreign tourists can walk freely on the streets. Rwanda is easily accessible from all its neighbors by both road and air provided you have a visa and passport while getting around within the country is easier due to modern roads connecting the country side.

Kigali international airport is a modern day airport served by more than 7 International Airlines connecting over 30 destinations hence one can fly from anywhere around the world to Rwanda.

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