Complete list of 22 national parks in Tanzania

Arusha

Burigi-Chato

Gombe Stream

Ibanda-Kyerwa

Katavi

Kilimanjaro

Kitulo

Lake Manyara

Mahale Mountains

Mikumi

Mkomazi

Nyerere

Ruaha

Rubondo Island

Rumanyika-Karagwe

Saadani

Saanane Island

Serengeti

Tarangire

Udzungwa Mountains

Ugalla River

West Kilimanjaro

Tanzania National Parks

Arusha National Park is a diverse area containing Ngurdoto Crater, the Momella Lakes, and Mount Meru. The park is known for its black-and-white colobus monkeys, flamingos on the lakes, and occasional views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Despite its relatively small size, the park has remarkable variety in its wildlife and vegetation.

Burigi-Chato National Park is one of Tanzania's newest national parks, established from former game reserves. The park features diverse landscapes including rolling hills, valleys, and lakes. It is home to various wildlife species including elephants, lions, and numerous bird species.

Gombe Stream National Park is famous for being the site of Jane Goodall's pioneering study of chimpanzee behavior. The park is one of the smallest national parks in Tanzania, located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. It's primarily known for its chimpanzee population and research station.

Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park is one of Tanzania's newest protected areas, converted from former game reserves. The park features diverse landscapes and serves as an important wildlife corridor. It hosts various species of animals including elephants, buffalo, and numerous antelope species.

Katavi National Park is one of Tanzania's most remote and pristine wilderness areas. The park is centered around the Katuma River and associated floodplains, including Lake Katavi and Lake Chada. It's known for having Tanzania's largest population of hippopotamuses and crocodiles during the dry season.

Kilimanjaro National Park protects Africa's highest mountain and the world's highest free-standing volcanic mass. The mountain rises from farmland on the lower levels to rainforest and alpine meadow and finally across a barren lunar landscape to the twin summits. The park is a major climbing destination.

Kitulo National Park is known locally as the 'Garden of God' due to its extraordinary wildflower displays. The park is situated on the Kitulo Plateau and is the first national park in tropical Africa to be established primarily for its floral significance. It's home to over 350 species of plants, including rare orchids.

Lake Manyara National Park is known for its tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and diverse birdlife. The alkaline lake attracts thousands of flamingos and other water birds. The park features a groundwater forest, acacia woodlands, and the steep western escarpment of the Great Rift Valley.

Mahale Mountains National Park is home to some of Africa's last remaining wild chimpanzees. The park is located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, featuring pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The forested mountains provide habitat for nine species of primates and various other wildlife.

Mikumi National Park is Tanzania's fourth-largest national park, bordered by the Selous Game Reserve. The park's landscape includes wide-open grasslands, woodland, and the Mkata River floodplain. It's known for its population of elephants, zebras, wildebeest, and tree-climbing lions.

Mkomazi is a vital refuge for endangered black rhinos and African wild dogs. The park features vast savannah and dry woodland habitats that extend to the Kenyan border. Its landscape includes the spectacular Kisima Hill and provides stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Pare and Usambara Mountains.

Formerly part of Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere is Africa's largest national park. The park is renowned for its large elephant populations and diverse wildlife along the Rufiji River. It features varied landscapes including woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands that support a rich ecosystem.

Ruaha is Tanzania's largest national park, known for its high concentration of elephants and large predator populations. The park is centered around the Great Ruaha River and features dramatic landscapes including rolling hills and ancient baobab trees. It's renowned for its wild and untamed character with relatively few visitors.

Rubondo Island is a unique protected area in Lake Victoria consisting of a main island and several smaller ones. The park is home to chimpanzees, elephants, and various species of birds. Its pristine forests and beaches offer excellent opportunities for hiking and sport fishing.

Rumanyika-Karagwe is one of Tanzania's newer national parks, protecting important grassland and woodland habitats. The park features scenic hills and valleys and is home to various antelope species and birds. It has significant historical importance as part of the ancient Karagwe Kingdom.

Saadani is unique as Tanzania's only coastal wildlife sanctuary, where the beach meets the bush. The park offers the rare opportunity to observe wildlife against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. It protects a diverse array of marine and terrestrial wildlife including elephants, hippos, and marine turtles.

Saanane Island is Tanzania's smallest national park, located in Lake Victoria near Mwanza city. The park serves as a recreational area and wildlife sanctuary, hosting various species of reptiles and birds. It offers excellent views of Lake Victoria and the surrounding landscape.

The Serengeti is world-famous for its annual wildebeest migration and abundant wildlife. The park encompasses vast plains, savannah, and woodland habitats that support diverse ecosystems. It's renowned for its large predator populations and spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year.

Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. The park is centered around the Tarangire River, which attracts diverse wildlife especially during the dry season. The landscape features rolling hills, vast swamps, and seasonal marshes that support varied ecosystems.

Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a tropical forest paradise known for its exceptional biodiversity and endemic species. The park is particularly famous for its primates, including the Iringa red colobus and the Sanje crested mangabey. It features dramatic mountain landscapes with waterfalls, making it a prime destination for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Ugalla River National Park protects a vast wilderness area along the Ugalla River. The park features extensive miombo woodlands and is known for its population of roan and sable antelopes. It offers excellent opportunities for game viewing and bird watching in a remote setting.

West Kilimanjaro Nature Reserve is a crucial wildlife corridor located on the western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The reserve serves as an important migration route for elephants and other wildlife between Kilimanjaro National Park and Amboseli National Park in Kenya. The area features diverse habitats including savannah grasslands and montane forest.