Tanzania’s parks group into a northern and a southern safari circuit.
Tanzania has more than 20 national parks, and knowing where they sit on the map makes planning a safari far easier. Most parks fall into one of two main safari circuits, plus Kilimanjaro and the Zanzibar coast. This guide is a simple orientation to where Tanzania’s parks are and how to combine them into a route.
How Tanzania’s parks are grouped
Rather than scattered points on a map, think of Tanzania’s parks in clusters. The far north holds the famous northern circuit. The south and west hold the wilder, quieter southern and western circuits. Mount Kilimanjaro stands alone in the northeast, and the islands of Zanzibar lie off the east coast. Understanding these groups is the key to planning an efficient trip.
The northern safari circuit
The northern circuit links the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara.
The northern circuit is Tanzania’s most popular safari region, and most first-time visitors start here. The parks sit within easy driving distance of Arusha, so they combine naturally into one trip. The main stops are:
- Serengeti National Park — endless plains and the Great Migration
- Ngorongoro Crater — the Big Five in a stunning caldera
- Tarangire National Park — huge elephant herds and baobab trees
- Lake Manyara National Park — tree-climbing lions and birdlife
Because these four parks lie close together, you can see them all on a single week-long route. This is why the northern circuit is the classic Tanzania safari.
The southern safari circuit
The southern circuit covers Nyerere (Selous) and Ruaha for a wilder safari.
The southern circuit is wilder, quieter, and reached by a short flight from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. It suits travellers who want fewer vehicles and a more remote feel. The main stops are:
- Nyerere National Park (Selous) — boat safaris on the Rufiji River
- Ruaha National Park — Tanzania’s largest park, rich in big cats
The southern circuit pairs beautifully with a Zanzibar beach finish, thanks to the short flight links.
Kilimanjaro and the coast
Two more regions complete the map. In the northeast, Kilimanjaro National Park protects Africa’s highest mountain and is a trekking destination rather than a game park. Off the east coast, Zanzibar and its marine parks offer beaches, diving, and Stone Town’s history — the perfect way to end a safari.
Park entry fees and rules
Every park charges an entry fee, which your operator includes in your safari price. Fees vary by park and by visitor category, and the high-profile parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro cost more. On safari, a few simple rules protect the wildlife: stay in your vehicle unless permitted, keep to the tracks, observe speed limits, and never feed the animals.
How to combine the parks
The right route depends on your time and interests. For a first safari, the northern circuit delivers the most in one trip. For a wilder, quieter experience, choose the south. Many travellers combine a safari with a few days on Zanzibar, or add a Kilimanjaro climb before their game drives.
Plan your Tanzania safari route
Once you know the map, building a route is easy — and we do it for you. Browse our Tanzania safari packages, read our Tanzania park reviews, or contact us for a custom itinerary built around the parks you most want to see.
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