African Ambition Tours

There are 16 National Parks in Tanzania with a range of features and attractions. Below you will find a description of a few of the Parks and discover why the protected areas of Tanzania are so special. If you would like more information about the other parks or further details about those described, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

In addition to the safari destinations you will also find information about the different types of accommodation available in Tanzania. From budget camp sites to luxury lodges, there is something to suit every traveller.

The Serengeti National Park

This is the National Park when it comes to safari destinations and was the first to be established in Tanzania in 1951 (at that time the country was called Tanganyika). The name originates from the Maasai word-“siringet” meaning “endless plain”, which is truly the impression you get when you are visiting the Serengeti. The park is famous for the wildebeest and zebra migration, which occurs throughout the year as the nomadic herds move around the Serengeti in search of new grazing. The migration is especially spectacular in May/June when the dry season forces the wildebeest to migrate north and west, however you will not be disappointed by a visit at any time of year. The animals you are likely to see include lions, elephants, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, Nile crocodile, Thomson’s gazelles and if you are lucky enough you may spot the rare, beautifully spotted Leopard resting itself on the tree limbs. We recommend that your safari to the Serengeti is for a minimum of 4 days, preferably stopping off at other parks on your way north. This is because the Serengeti is so big at 14,763kmsq (around the size of Northern Ireland) that you need plenty of time to explore and appreciate the scale of the legendary National Park.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA)

This is another protected area found in the northern circuit of Tanzania, just a relaxed drive of 3 hours from Arusha city to Lodoare, the Ngorongoro main gate. This park is quite unique from the others as there are multiple uses of land. When you visit the NCA you will come across the indigenous people the Maasai, who still live a traditional lifestyle herding their cattle across the Ngorongoro area. Visitors are welcome at designated locations to pay the Maasai to see their bomas (the houses in which they live), thus providing the opportunity to meet this renowned tribe, see their bright shukas (blankets used as clothing) and even traditional dances.

There is a broad spectrum of activities to pursue in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, such as walking safaris for those of an adventurous nature, hiking along side the river Munge under the canopy of a breath-taking forest. This area is excellent for bird watching and viewing olive baboons as well as many other animals, safe in the knowledge that you are accompanied by a professional armed ranger for protection.

Another activity is archaeology, since the NCA is home to some of the oldest fossils of human beings in the world, leading to the location being described as the “cradle of mankind”. There is a museum at Oldupai Gorge and the archaeological excavation site is preserved for public viewing.

The most spectacular part of the Ngorongoro is the caldera, in which most of the animals live in the area. The Ngorongoro area has been dubbed a crater but in fact is actually a caldera due to its size and characteristics. With a depth of 610m deep and area of 304 sq km, the caldera is home to thousands of animals from warthogs to hippos, lions and elephants. Additionally the NCA is one of the few places in East Africa where you are likely to see the endangered black rhinoceros.

There are two picnic sites in the crater, one at the entrance of the Lerai forest and another at Ngoitokitok Springs, where black kites are bold and you should watch out for your lunch as the cheeky birds may even try to steal it! There are also hippos in the pools during the day, giving you an interesting view while resting during lunch. As for accommodation you have a wide choice depending on your budget, from well maintained campsites to luxury lodges.

Lake Manyara National Park

Is one of Tanzania’s smallest National Parks, but it has a number of unique features that make it well worth the visit, especially as a day trip before reaching the Serengeti. About 2/3 of the park is covered by the lake, which provides an ideal habitat for bird life, including a large population of flamingos. In addition the park is famous for its tree climbing lions, which are believed to have adopted this behaviour to avoid the biting flies and hot temperatures on the ground. At Manyara you can view hot springs and for those that wish to get closer to nature the park allows canoeing and walking safaris.

Accommodation & Food

Tanzania has a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget, from camping to youth hostels to 5 star hotels. For travellers on safari you have 2 considerations before you decide if you want to do the camping or lodge option: firstly if you camp in the safari parks you feel much closer to nature and the environmental impact is less than staying in a big lodge. However, the facilities tend to be basic, so if you have the necessary finances staying in a comfortable hotel can be very enjoyable after a day on bumpy park tracks. Decide on your preferred choice and we’ll do the rest!

Visitors to Tanzania are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out. In the main tourist towns, such as Arusha, Moshi and Stone Town in Zanzibar, you can pick from a wide range of restaurants and cafes offering Italian, Indian, Swahili or French style cooking, all using fresh produce from local suppliers. If you are on a tight budget you can find some tasty, cheap food at local restaurants serving dishes such as chicken and chips, rice with vegetable/bean sauce or the local favourite, chipsi mayai (chip omelette). Hotels tend to have menus offering a selection of different cuisine and at every establishment you will find a range of Tanzanian beers and international soft drinks. When you are on safari or a mountain trip you will be astonished at how good the food is despite limited facilities. From breakfast through to dinner you will be provided with delicious, freshly cooked meals that give you plenty of energy and nutrients to fuel your body for the adventure ahead.

Don’t forget the nightlife! Tanzania boasts a range of pubs, clubs and performance venues to suit every taste. The full moon beach parties in Zanzibar are not to be missed if you like music and dancing!

Day Trips

There are many options available as day trips from Moshi (nearest town to Mount Kilimanjaro) and Arusha (closest city to the northern safari circuit). Enjoy a day safari to Arusha National Park, which is home to Mount Meru and a large range of big game animals. In the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro you will find the pleasant village of Marangu, where you can visit a tranquil waterfall and relax amongst the banana and coffee plantations farmed by the local chagga people. For the adventurous why not take a camel ride and view dozens of snakes at Meserani Snake Park near Arusha. There are also many different cultural tourism activities available, such as visiting the Maasai community or local women's cooperative.