The Most Visited National Parks and Game Reserves in Tanzania

The Most Visited National Parks and Game Reserves in Tanzania. Tanzania is a sensory overload. It is unrivaled in terms of natural beauty, rare wildlife viewing, and rich culture. Extremes shape the landscape. Mountains, lakes, grasslands, and rainforests can all be found in the same area. Also, safaris in Tanzania are among the best in the world, with most visitors seeing at least one of the “Big 5” game animals: lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and buffalo.

The Maasai graze their livestock alongside these wild animals. Making them one of the world’s few groups to maintain their traditional, nomadic lifestyles in modern times.

As a result, it is no surprise that tourism is on the rise in this beautiful East African country, and no visit is complete without a visit to some of Tanzania’s stunning national parks. Each one has its own distinct natural wonders, adventure activities, and cultural experiences that will awe even the most seasoned traveler


Tanzania National Parks

How Many National Parks Are In Tanzania

The Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) oversees the country’s twenty-two national parks.

Covering over 15% of Tanzania’s total land area, the national parks are world-famous for their breathtaking scenery and excellent animal watching, making them the ideal safari location. Safari packages to Tanzania are available from African Scenic Safaris, and they feature exciting adventures as well as cultural immersion in the country’s many national parks.

Tanzania Is Divided In To 4 Types

Wildlife management areas, conservation areas, game reserves, and national parks all fall within this category. There are some shared characteristics between these regions, but their management goals, rules, and allowed activities are all different. Some important distinctions between Tanzanian national parks, game reserves, and conservation zones are as follows:

National Parks:

In addition to allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in nature, these protected areas are meticulously maintained to conserve the abundant biodiversity that exists there. Parcs nationaux de Tanzania:

  • Primarily overseen for the purpose of protecting animals and attracting tourists
  • Boast a wide variety of plant and animal life in their huge, protected parks.
  • Visitors are subject to rules that restrict them to certain activities, such as guided walks and game drives.

Game Reserves:

Safari destinations in Tanzania where hunting for fun and protection of wildlife live in peace. Reserves allow visitors more freedom than national parks, so they may fully experience the natural beauty while also learning about the delicate balancing act of conservation and responsible hunting.

Conservation Areas:

Management of natural resources, including conservation and sustainable development, is the primary goal of Tanzania’s conservation areas.

  • Most of the time, local communities are given permission to exploit local resources in a
  • long-term basisUnlike national parks, some places might let visitors do more of what they want.

It follows that National Parks In Tanzania are mainly concerned with the preservation of wildlife and the promotion of tourism, while all protected areas in Tanzania strive to preserve natural resources. Hunting is legal in game reserves, and there are less limitations on what visitors can do while there. Conservation areas, on the other hand, put an emphasis on managing natural resources and could even make sustainable development possible.

Wildlife Management Areas:

Communities in Tanzania work together to protect and preserve wildlife and other natural resources in what are called Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Sustainable land use, community development, and wildlife conservation all rely on these regions.

  • Tanzania is home to 26 WMAs, which together encompass more than 10,500 sq. km.
  • Despite their dispersed nature, most of Tanzania’s WMAs may be found in the north, close to the Serengeti habitat.
  • A locally chosen body oversees the management and regulation of natural resource use within each WMA.

Along with other environmental groups, the committee collaborates closely with TANAPA. More than that, they promote sustainable land use practices while protecting animals and other natural resources.

Entrance To Tanzania National Parks

Here you will find all the information you need about entering Tanzania’s national parks. The area of Tanzania’s national parks and the cost to enter those parks are the two primary topics covered here. Additionally, we offer helpful information regarding the entrance costs for Tanzania’s national parks.

Tanzania National Parks Area

More than fifteen percent of Tanzania is devoted to its national parks, which span over forty-two thousand square kilometres. Because it includes some of the most breathtakingly varied landscapes in the nation, the combined acreage of these parks is thus quite important. Various Tanzania Safari Parks’ areas are highlighted below:

Name Of the National Park Area (in sq. km.) Area (in sq. miles)
Serengeti National Park 14,750 5,700
Ngorongoro Conservation Area 8,292 3,202
Lake Manyara National Park 648.7 250.7
Tarangire National Park 2,850 1,100
Arusha National Park 552.9 213.2
Katavi National Park 4,471.1 1,726.3
Gombe Stream National Park 52.6 20.3
Kilimanjaro National Park 1,688.8 652.3
Nyerere National Park 30,893 11,920
Mahale Mountains National Park 1,613 622
Mkomazi Game Reserve 3,245 1,252.2
Ruaha National Park 20,226 7,812
Udzungwa Mountains National Park 1,990 768.5
Rubondo Island 457.7 176.6
Saadani National Park 1,062 410
Burigi-Chato National Park 2,200 849
Kitulo National Park 412.9 159.4
Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park 572 221

Tanzania National Parks Entrance Fees

Managed and preserved by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), these parks and reserves are home to Tanzania’s wildlife. For the years 2023–2024, TANAPA has now announced the conservation entry fees that visitors to these protected areas would have to pay.A large portion of TANAPA’s budget goes towards conservation, management, and community development initiatives inside the protected areas, all of which rely on the conservation entrance fees.The conservation entrance fees that visitors to Tanzania Safari Destinations are obligated to pay can differ in relation to their nationality, age, and duration of stay. For the years 2023–2024, the following are the conservation entrance fees for Tanzania’s national parks, game reserves, and open spaces:

Download Tanzania National Parks Entrance Fees 2023-2024

Some Notes:

  • A resident is a citizen or permanent resident of Tanzania, while a non-resident is a foreign national.
  • No admission fee is required of children younger than five years old.
  • The 18% VAT is not included in the fees.

Keep in mind that the conservation entry costs can change at any time without warning. Any prospective visitor to Tanzania’s national parks, game reserves, or conservation zones should contact TANAPA or an authorised tour operator to verify the most up-to-date prices.

Visit Top Tanzania National Parks

Here we will highlight some of Tanzania’s most impressive national parks. Wildlife can be seen in these protected areas up near and personal. Because African Scenic Safaris has operated countless safaris in these parks, we can promise you an unparalleled, tried-and-true experience. So that you can make an informed decision, let’s examine each one separately.

Northern Tanzania National Parks

You can find some of Tanzania’s top safari parks in the northern circuit. The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire, Lake Manyara National Park, and Arusha National Parks are all part of this group.It’s important to mention that the majority of our clients at African Scenic Safaris love to come to the northern part of Tanzania for their safaris. That’s why we conduct over 70% of our safaris there. A comprehensive overview of all the national parks in this area is provided here:

Serengeti National Park – The Glory Of Tanzania!

One of Tanzania’s crown jewels is Serengeti National Park, site of the world’s best wildlife spectacle. Additionally, the Serengeti is likely to have been in your dreams if you have fantasised about going on an African safari. In Tanzania’s northern region lies Serengeti National Park. And it occupies the whole eastern Mara region and northeastern Simiyu region. It ranks as Tanzania’s third-largest national park.

  • Area: 14,763 sq. km. (5,700 sq. miles)
  • Established in: 1951
  • Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in: 1981
  • Coordinates: 2.3333° S, 34.8333° E
  • Opening Hours: 6 am to 6 pm (open every day)
  • Entrance Fees: For Adults: $70. For Children (between the ages of 5 to 15): $20.

The Serengeti is a world-renowned ecosystem in the southeast, known for its seemingly unending grasslands. There are mountain ranges and rocky outcrops in the north. Lush forests and rivers can be found in the western area. Experiencing this vast and breathtaking terrain on safari is an unforgettable adventure.

Suggested Serengeti Safari Packages

Tarangire National Park – The Elephant Kingdom Of Tanzania!
The Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit passes through this Tanzanian national park. It is located between the Great River Valley lakes in the west and north, and the Masai Steppe grasslands in the southeast. The everlasting Tarangire River is the park’s lifeblood. Especially during the dry season, when the majority of the land is parched.

  • Area – 2,850 sq. km. (1,100 sq. miles)
  • Established in – 1970Coordinates – 4.0057° S, 35.9788° E
  • Opening Hours – 6.30 am to 6.30 pm (every day)

The Tarangire River is the main attraction of Tarangire National Park. Acacia shrubs and mixed forests cover some of the park’s terrain. Among them, the majestic baobab trees stand out. There is a vast marshland network in the park’s southern and eastern sections.For the best safari experience in Tarangire, we recommend a minimum of four days. Especially in the park’s southernmost section, where visitors can enjoy a more secluded and private setting.

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