Among the national parks in the north of Tanzania, there are 5 that are the most famous: Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti.
In this article, The Smiling Zebra team explains the main features of these parks to help you choose which ones to visit!
Features of the Northern Parks
Arusha National Park: Arusha National Park is one of the smallest parks in northern Tanzania. It is known for hosting Mount Meru, the second highest mountain in Tanzania, after Mount Kilimanjaro, and the fifth highest mountain in Africa. Its summit is 4566m high. (For more information about climbing Mount Meru, go here).
There are also many different animals in Arusha National Park, including the famous Black and White Colobus monkey. Arusha National Park is also known for the incredible number of different bird species it has, there are over 400!
The advantage of Arusha National Park is that it is possible to go on a walking safari in this park. It is a walk of about 1 hour close to the animals. You will be accompanied by an armed ranger.
In the Momela Lakes area, a canoe trip can be organized. You will also go to Ngurdoto Crater, nicknamed Little Ngorongoro because of its resemblance to the Ngorongoro Crater.
The Arusha National Park has a dense forest, its fauna and flora are different from other parks which is worth a visit.
Tarangire National Park: Tarangire National Park is best known for its herds of elephants, as well as its magnificent baobabs. This park, with an area of about 2850 km2 can be visited in one or two days. The landscapes of this park are magnificent, with vast plains and its numerous baobabs.
Depending on the accommodation chosen in Tarangire Park, a walking safari or even a night game drive can be organized.
Lake Manyara National Park: Lake Manyara National Park is located in Mto wa Mbu, right on the edge of the Great Rift Valley. It is a park with a unique vegetation: tropical forest, mixed with vast grasslands and swamps near the lake. This park, which can be visited in one day, has more than 400 species of birds.
A night game drive can be done in Lake Manyara National Park, as well as a treetop walk.
Serengeti National Park: The Serengeti National Park, remains the most famous park in northern Tanzania, because of the famous wildebeest migration that moves throughout the year in search of fresh water and grass. Thanks to a favorable ecosystem, the Serengeti National Park has a very diverse fauna which allows all kinds of animals to take advantage of it.
The highlight of the park is a hot air balloon ride at sunrise! What could be more impressive than flying over the endless plains (meaning of the word Serengeti in Maasai language) at the top of the trees, to observe the animals and the magnificent landscapes that this park has to offer.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area: The Ngorongoro Conservation Area includes the famous Ngorongoro Crater. This is a unique area where Maasai people and wildlife live together. You really must see it to believe it!
This is the perfect place to visit a Maasai village, where you can see their way of life and they will explain to you how they live together with the wild animals.
Because of the rich vegetation in the crater, there is a high concentration of wildlife. This is one of the places where you can have the chance to see the endangered rhinos. So, get your binoculars ready!
