Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit Guide
The Northern Circuit is Tanzania’s most iconic safari route, famed for its legendary landscapes, rich biodiversity, and year-round wildlife spectacles. This is where travellers come to witness the Great Migration, track the Big Five, and explore the country’s most celebrated national parks in comfort and style.
From the endless plains of the Serengeti to the dramatic beauty of the Ngorongoro Crater, and the baobab-filled savannahs of Tarangire to the flamingo-dotted shores of Lake Manyara, the Northern Circuit offers a safari experience that is both classic and unforgettable. It’s the ideal introduction to East Africa — where luxury meets wilderness in perfect harmony.
Why Visit the Northern Circuit
The Northern Circuit is Tanzania’s most celebrated safari route, home to the country’s most iconic national parks and game reserves. Easily accessed from Arusha, this region combines spectacular landscapes, diverse habitats, and world-class wildlife viewing. From the elephant herds of Tarangire and flamingo-filled shores of Lake Manyara to the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater and endless plains of the Serengeti, the circuit offers the quintessential African safari experience.
Highlights of the Northern Circuit
– Tarangire National Park – Famous for its ancient baobab trees and massive elephant herds.
– Lake Manyara National Park – Known for its tree-climbing lions, diverse birdlife, and striking Rift Valley scenery.
– Ngorongoro Crater – A UNESCO World Heritage Site offering one of the best chances to see the Big Five in a single day.
– Serengeti National Park – Legendary for the Great Migration and year-round big game encounters.
Best Time to Visit
The Northern Circuit is a year-round safari destination, with excellent wildlife viewing in every season.
– June to October (Dry Season): Best for classic game drives, predator action, and dense concentrations of animals.
– November to May (Green Season): Lush scenery, fewer crowds, superb birdwatching, and the wildebeest calving season (December–March) in the southern Serengeti.
Accommodation
Across the Northern Circuit, you’ll find an exceptional range of lodges and tented camps, from luxury retreats on crater rims and Serengeti kopjes to intimate camps that follow the migration. Many properties are designed to complement the natural landscapes, combining comfort with authentic safari atmosphere. For handpicked stays, please click on Our Accommodation to explore our curated collections.
Things to Do
The Northern Circuit offers more than just game drives. Soar above the Serengeti in a hot air balloon, walk along the treetop canopy in Lake Manyara, enjoy cultural visits with the Maasai, or explore ancient history at Olduvai Gorge. Night drives, walking safaris, and photographic safaris add further depth to your adventure.
Plan Your Northern Circuit Safari
Whether you have a few days or two weeks, a Northern Circuit safari can be tailored to your interests and schedule. Many itineraries include Tarangire and Lake Manyara as introductions before continuing to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. Our expert safari planners will design a seamless journey, ensuring you experience the best of Tanzania’s most legendary wildlife areas.
