The Ultimate Northern Circuit Safari Experience
The well-established 'Northern Circuit' safari of northern Tanzania offers some of the world's most diverse safari experiences, consisting of National Parks, game reserves, conservation areas and private concessions. Among these are the world-famous and iconic Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, and of course their less well-known neighbours, Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park.
These parks exist for one general purpose — to protect the amazing variety and abundance of wildlife in them, both resident and seasonal — and most of all, the world's largest annual migration of wildebeest and zebra. Although this part of the world has become increasingly busy as a result of its reputation, it is still possible to escape the crowds and find a quiet corner if you know where to go.
Iconic Parks of the North
Discover the legendary parks that make Northern Tanzania Africa's most celebrated safari destination.
Serengeti National Park
Home to the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth — the Great Wildebeest Migration. Unlimited plains, abundant predators, and year-round game viewing.
Ngorongoro Crater
The world's largest intact volcanic caldera and a natural sanctuary for over 25,000 animals including the rare black rhino and Big Five.
Tarangire National Park
Famous for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Offers superb game viewing away from the crowds with excellent walking safaris.
Lake Manyara National Park
Famous for its tree-climbing lions, vast flocks of flamingos, and diverse birdlife. The scenic Rift Valley setting makes for spectacular photography.
Mount Kilimanjaro
The world's highest freestanding mountain and Africa's tallest peak. A challenging but rewarding climb for adventurous travelers.
Arusha National Park
A diverse park featuring Mount Meru, Ngurdoto Crater, and Momella Lakes. Perfect for walking safaris, canoeing, and stunning views of Kilimanjaro.
Mkomazi National Park
A remote wilderness bordering Kenya, home to black rhino and African wild dog sanctuaries. Offers exclusive, crowd-free game viewing experiences.
The Crown Jewel of African Safaris
A northern Tanzania safari should be on everyone's travel bucket list. The Serengeti National Park's Great Migration is one of the most amazing wildlife spectacles in the world, whilst safari on the Ngorongoro Crater floor of the extinct volcano at Ngorongoro is a game viewing environment that has no equal.
Towering above it all is Kilimanjaro, the world's highest freestanding mountain and arguably Africa's toughest challenge. Away from the tourist hotspots, quieter parks such as Tarangire National Park offer superb game viewing yet are often overlooked compared to their more famous neighbours.
The Rift Valley Lakes of Eyasi and Natron are the home of Hadzabe tribes and the breeding grounds for the largest flocks of flamingo on earth. For many people, a Northern Tanzanian safari is the very best safari of all.
Northern Tanzania Safari vs Southern Tanzania Safari
The northern safari parks are very different to those on the Southern Tanzania Safari. Here's how they compare:
Northern Tanzania
- World-famous parks (Serengeti, Ngorongoro)
- The Great Wildebeest Migration
- Big Five guaranteed sightings
- Spectacular scenery & diverse landscapes
- Closed-sided vehicles (standard)
- Can be crowded in peak season
- Limited walking/boating activities
- Generally higher prices
Southern Tanzania
- Remote and exclusive wilderness
- Open-sided vehicles (better viewing)
- Walking, boating & fly camping allowed
- Better value for money
- Hardly any other visitors
- Intimate camp atmosphere
- Quick, cheap safari & beach combo
- No Great Migration
A Northern Circuit — Logistics & How to Get There
Getting There
The starting point for a northern safari is Arusha, which was once a traditional Maasai village. International flights arrive either through Dar es Salaam (a two-hour flight from Arusha) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is only a half-hour drive away. Your northern safari can start with a short flight from Arusha to any of the parks, or even a scenic drive.
Safari Options by Budget
High-End
The &Beyond flying circuit involves absolutely no driving between camps. A typical safari includes two nights at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, two nights at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, and two to four nights at Serengeti Under Canvas or Kleins Camp.
Mid-Range
The most popular option involves driving between Arusha, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Highlands, then flying into a smaller tented camp in a remote and quiet part of the Serengeti with far fewer people.
Budget/Economical
A full driving circuit done the old-fashioned way with your own private driver-guide. This is especially cost-effective the more people you have to share the cost. Benefit of having your own vehicle to stay in less-expensive hotels.
Key Logistics Info
What You Can Do in Each Park
Serengeti NP
- Daytime game drives
- Walking safaris (limited areas)
- Hot air balloon safaris
- Night drives (private concessions)
Ngorongoro Crater
- Daytime game drives
- Short bush walks (rim lodges)
- Hiking & mountain biking (Highlands)
- Maasai cultural visits
Lake Manyara NP
- Day & night game drives
- Canoeing (seasonal)
- Bird watching (400+ species)
- Tree-climbing lion viewing
Tarangire NP
- Walking safaris
- Night drives
- Bush nights under stars
- Elephant tracking
Beyond Game Drives — Cultural Experiences
The surrounding areas like Empakai, Lake Eyasi, Mt Meru and Kilimanjaro offer the obvious walking and trekking, with Eyasi and the Southern reaches giving the opportunity to hunt with the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers. Guided walks, often led by Maasai, are also rewarding along the top of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, overlooking Manyara.
How Much is a Northern Tanzania Safari?
The northern camps vary enormously in price. Generally, the higher the price, the better your camp and game experience.
- Large permanent lodges (Serena, Sopa)
- 70+ rooms, busy areas
- Standard game activities included
- Good value for groups
- Mobile tented camps (Olakira, Dunia)
- Move with migration
- Personal camp atmosphere
- Excellent game experience
- Alex Walker's Serian
- Best mobile operation
- Frequent special offers
- Exceptional service
- &Beyond, Singita properties
- World-class safari experience
- Private concessions
- All-inclusive luxury
Escape the Crowds
With a few exceptions, no walking is allowed in the northern parks and game viewing is in closed-sided vehicles. However, it is now possible to take good — albeit short — safari walks in the Serengeti with Serian and Nomads from their mobile camps and from Sayari and Serengeti Lamai in the Lamai Wedge.
If you would like to walk or hike properly, it is well worthwhile getting off the beaten track, out of the National Parks and into the less tightly-regulated concession areas. The best of these for walking are around Nduara Camp in the Loliondo region, or with the Hadzabe hunter/gatherers near Eyasi.
Recommended Guidebook
While we try to make our website as comprehensive as possible, if you would like some more background information, have a read through the Cadogan Guide to Tanzania and Zanzibar - Northern Circuit Chapter, written by one of our director's Annabel. The most recent edition was published in 2005 so some of it might be slightly dated but generally it's as comprehensive as they come.
Ready to Experience Northern Tanzania?
Let us craft your perfect Northern Circuit safari — from the Great Migration to the Big Five.