The Serengeti is arguably Tanzania’s most famous national park. After all, this location hosts one of nature’s greatest spectacles, the Great Wildebeest Migration, where over a million wildebeest move across the plains in search of fresh grazing and water. It’s no surprise that so many people dream of witnessing this incredible event. However, for some, it’s not always possible, whether due to timing, budget, or simply a desire to avoid the crowds that flock there during peak season.
The good news is that Tanzania offers plenty of Serengeti alternatives for anyone willing to explore further afield. There are so many other fantastic parks that are just as wonderful, like Ngorongoro Crater or Gombe National Park, each providing unforgettable experiences that will last a lifetime.
So, if you’re not too pushed on visiting the Serengeti itself but still want that same sense of magic, try one of these routes instead!
Route 1 – An Alternative Northern Circuit
The north is where most visitors focus their attention when they come to Tanzania, and rightly so. It’s one of the easiest regions to see an incredible variety of wildlife without straying too far off the beaten path. There’s plenty of choice in this part of the country. However, in my experience, visiting Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, and Tarangire National Park provides an authentic taste of northern Tanzania without requiring a trip to the Serengeti.
Stop 1 – Ngorongoro Crater
Begin your trip through Tanzania’s wild and rugged north at Ngorongoro Crater, which is situated just under a two-hour drive from the Serengeti. What makes this place truly special is that it’s the world’s largest unbroken caldera, a protected area of breathtaking landscapes and remarkable biodiversity. It’s also one of the few sites in Tanzania recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here, you can witness just as much wildlife as in the Serengeti, with the Big Five frequently spotted on game drives. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the Maasai people and learn about the cultural traditions, providing a fascinating contrast to life in the Western world.
Stop 2 – Lake Manyara National Park
Less than an hour from Ngorongoro Crater lies Lake Manyara National Park, one of northern Tanzania’s most underrated gems. Although small in size, the area boasts a diverse array of wildlife. They even include the famous tree-climbing lions and herds of large elephants that roam the plains.
On any given day, you can spot pink flamingos scattered on the lake, while deeper in the forest, you may encounter some baboons. In fact, the park is home to some of the highest concentrations of baboons in all of Africa.
Stop 3 – Tarangire National Park
Did you know there’s another Great Migration that takes place in Tanzania? Besides the one in the Serengeti? Between June and October, vast herds of elephants, buffalo, zebras, and giraffes move through Tarangire National Park in search of water, which becomes scarce during the dry season. The elephants play a crucial role in this migration, as they carve pathways that pave the way for other animals to follow.
From Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire is a roughly three-hour drive away. It’s far less visited than other parks in the region, giving it an untouched, authentic feel, making it the ideal final stop on your holiday through northern Tanzania.
Route 2 – Southern Circuit
Southern Tanzania doesn’t get nearly as much attention as the north, and I can never quite understand why. This region has a great deal to offer. Imagine tracking predators through Ruaha National Park or hiking the peaks of Udzungwa Mountains National Park. It’s a world apart from the Serengeti, and that’s precisely why those who come here won’t be able to stop raving about it after they leave, as it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
Stop 1 – Nyerere National Park
You can begin your southern Tanzania exploration at Nyerere National Park, which was formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve. One of the country’s newest and largest national parks, it spans 30,000 square kilometers, where lions, rhinos, and other wildlife roam freely. The chances of spotting the Big Five here are high, so if that’s on your list, you’re in luck.
But the Big Five isn’t the only draw at Nyerere National Park. It’s also one of the best places in Africa to see African wild dogs, which are always on the hunt for other animals. Due to the high predator activity, exploring the park with an experienced guide is crucial to ensure your safety at all times.
You can easily visit Nyerere National Park from Dar es Salaam, making it an ideal starting point for this route, as you can fly in and then begin your journey south. From the capital, it’s roughly a five-hour drive to the nearest park gate.
Stop 2 – Ruaha National Park
As you start to venture deeper into the Southern Circuit, even more excitement awaits at Ruaha National Park, which is home to the mighty Great Ruaha River. This serves as a vital lifeline for the park’s wildlife, drawing some of the largest populations of elephants in Tanzania. Not only that, but Ruaha also has a good number of baobab trees. These trees are quite the sight, with thick trunks and sprawling branches that provide shade for all the animals during the day.
Only a handful of camps are scattered throughout Ruaha, so planning your stay well in advance is highly recommended. Whether you choose to embark on a night safari deep into the bush or set out on foot with a local guide to spot some of the park’s more than 570 bird species, Ruaha has endless opportunities for wildlife encounters. If you’re eager to see some predators, you’re in for a treat, as leopards, cheetahs, and African wild dogs all can be viewed here as well.
Stop 3 – Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is one of a kind, with no roads and endless rainforest where around 400 bird species and six different kinds of monkeys can be seen. It’s not for every traveler, but those who enjoy the outdoors will really take a liking to Udzungwa. It offers a unique experience for visitors, as there are no game drives here; instead, wildlife spotting is conducted entirely on walking safaris.
A popular stop on every Udzungwa Mountains National Park itinerary is Sanje Waterfall, which stands at approximately 170 meters high. Getting here requires a hike through the park’s dense jungle, but you’re rewarded with a glimpse of one of Tanzania’s largest waterfalls. Fair warning, though, Udzungwa Mountains National Park is about six to seven hours from Ruaha by road, so it’s best to save your hiking for the morning after your arrival.
Route 3 – Western Tanzania
Ask most people about western Tanzania, and they’ll probably look puzzled. This isn’t a well-trodden path, and for good reason, it’s an entirely different world out there. It’s less developed with little infrastructure, which means the cost of a safari can be higher. But don’t let that deter you. The adventures to be had here are unbelievable.
Katavi National Park
Katavi National Park receives only a fraction of the visitors that the Serengeti does, making it one of the least-visited parks in the country. Forget fancy accommodation and modern comforts; if you come here, you’ll get the bare minimum. Expect a simple place to rest your head for the night before heading out to spot hippos, which are the park’s main attraction. To see them, time your visit for the end of the dry season, when the rivers begin to shrink in size.
Huge populations of buffalo and elephants are located in Katavi. Visitors often report sightings of lions, leopards, and wild dogs as well. So, you’ll have plenty of variety in what you can see.
Mahale Mountains National Park
The further west you go, the closer you get to the eastern side of Lake Tanganyika, which is the largest freshwater lake in the world. But for this stop, you won’t be spending your time relaxing at just any lake; you’ll be heading to Mahale Mountains National Park, which can only be reached by boat or plane.
Mahale Mountains National Park is recognized for having the largest population of eastern chimpanzees, which live deep within the jungle. Because this species is highly protected, there are strict rules in place to ensure the animal’s well-being. Visitors are allowed to observe the chimps for a limited time, usually around one hour, and groups are typically restricted to six people. In addition, everyone must wear a mask, as the chimpanzees can catch some illnesses that can be transmitted from humans.
Gombe National Park
Continue your trip along the western Tanzanian circuit to Gombe National Park. Park, which was put on the map thanks to the late Jane Goodall, who dedicated her life to studying chimpanzees and their fascinating behavior. Due to the park’s remote location and challenging access, only a few thousand people visit each year, but those who do are treated to an actual expedition from start to finish. The only way to get here is by boat, with a two-hour ride across Lake Tanganyika, passing dramatic peaks and dense forests along the way, with views of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west.
The two groups of chimpanzees that live here are the Kasekela chimps and the Mitumba chimps, and they’re relatively easy to spot since Gombe is the smallest national park in Tanzania. Today, only about 100 chimpanzees remain, and tracking excursions usually take place in the morning before it becomes too difficult for sightings. The experience requires some trekking, as there are no roads in the park, so a good level of fitness is essential, especially given the humid climate.
What to Consider When Choosing a Route
I’m well aware that these Serengeti alternatives may not suit everyone, which is why I’ve provided three options for you to choose from. What one person prefers, another might not, so here are a few things to consider before finalizing your itinerary.
The Type of Trip You Want
Each of these routes suits a different type of traveler. For people who want to see the Big Five and enjoy a higher level of luxury in camps, the northern circuit will suit you best. Travelers looking to escape the crowds and try something unique should head south. If you’re the adventurous type, the west will be your kind of place.
How Much Time Do You Have
We all have time constraints when traveling. You might only be able to visit Tanzania for a short trip of five days, and that’s perfectly fine, but it’s something you’ll need to factor into your decision. Since the north is the most accessible, you can explore it in a relatively short amount of time, while the south and west require more time due to the long journeys needed to reach the parks and their more remote nature.
Your Budget
Tanzania isn’t a cheap country for tourists. If you’re choosing a route as an alternative to the Serengeti because of its high cost, you’ll need to approach your planning more carefully. The south offers excellent value for money since fewer people visit, as demand is low. I’d say the north sits in the middle of the road, as there’s plenty of supply to meet demand, more competition, and a wider range of options. The west is by far the most expensive, mainly due to logistics and the uniqueness of the experiences found there.
The Amount of Comfort You Need
Comfort levels vary significantly when visiting Tanzania. Since the north is in the most touristy region, the facilities are better and the standard of accommodation is higher, with numerous luxury safari camps available for those who require them. As you move south, things become slightly less developed, though you can still find good places to stay if you’re willing to pay for them. In the west, however, you’re essentially paying a premium for a basic standard, so keep your expectations low, even though the prices might suggest otherwise.
Pick One of These Routes as an Alternative to the Serengeti!
Nothing can detract from the Serengeti’s amazingness, but not everyone wants to go there, or can afford to. That’s the beauty of Tanzania, though. There are still numerous incredible alternatives for seeing wildlife, as this post demonstrates. Pick one of these routes, follow it, and you’ll have just as great a time as you would in the Serengeti.