Tanzania
Northern Circuit
Tanzania’s Northern Circuit is the country’s most popular safari route, renowned for its breathtaking diversity and world-famous wildlife destinations.
Tanzania Mainland
Iconic Landscapes, Endless Discovery
Tanzania’s Northern Circuit is the country’s most iconic safari route, home to some of Africa’s most celebrated landscapes and wildlife experiences. From the endless plains of the Serengeti, where the Great Migration unfolds, to the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater teeming with wildlife, every stop is a highlight. Explore the elephant-rich valleys of Tarangire, the bird-filled forests of Lake Manyara, and soak in views of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. Perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike, the Northern Circuit delivers a seamless blend of breathtaking nature, rich culture, and unforgettable game viewing.
Epic Routes, Wild Wonders
Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Arusha National Park
Tanzania key facts
Best Time to Visit: June to October (dry season for best wildlife viewing)
Wildlife Highlights: Big Five, Great Wildebeest Migration, tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, diverse birdlife
Accessibility: Easily reached via Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and Arusha town
Ideal For: First-time safari-goers, families, photographers, and luxury travelers
Activities:
Game drives, walking safaris, cultural visits, bird watching, hot air balloon safaris
Accommodation Options:
Ranges from luxury lodges and tented camps to mid-range and budget options
Habitats
Tanzania’s Northern Circuit showcases a remarkable diversity of habitats, each supporting unique wildlife and offering distinct safari experiences.
From the vast, open savannahs of the Serengeti to the lush groundwater forests of Lake Manyara, the dramatic highlands of the Ngorongoro Crater, and the baobab-dotted woodlands of Tarangire—these ecosystems are rich in biodiversity. This natural variety not only makes every game drive different but also ensures year-round interest for birders, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Wildlife
The Northern Circuit is a sanctuary for some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. From massive herds of wildebeest and zebra thundering across the Serengeti during the Great Migration to the dense predator populations of the Ngorongoro Crater, this region offers extraordinary encounters.
Tarangire is famed for its large elephant herds and ancient baobabs, while Lake Manyara surprises with tree-climbing lions and vibrant birdlife. Whether it’s spotting the elusive leopard or watching giraffes stride across golden plains, the Northern Circuit delivers unforgettable moments for every wildlife lover.
Weather
The Northern Circuit enjoys a generally pleasant, safari-friendly climate year-round, with two main seasons: dry and wet. The dry season (June to October) offers the best wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources and vegetation is sparse.
The short rains fall in November and December, followed by the long rains from March to May, when landscapes turn lush and green. While wildlife is still present, some roads may become challenging during the rainy months. Temperatures vary by altitude—highland areas like Ngorongoro are cooler, while lower parks such as Tarangire are warmer and drier.
dry season
(June to October)
short rains
November and December,
Long rains
March to May
Top Destinations
Arusha National Park
Tarangire National Park
Lake Manyara National Park
Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti National Park
Explore iconic parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro on expertly guided game drives, spotting the Big Five and witnessing the Migration.
Step off the vehicle and into the wild on foot, led by experienced guides who reveal the smaller wonders of the bush.
Soar above the Serengeti at sunrise, watching wildlife from the sky in serene silence. Celebrate your flight with a champagne bush breakfast.
Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Tanzania with visits to local Maasai, Hadzabe, and Datoga communities. Experience their unique lifestyles
With hundreds of species, from flamingos at Lake Manyara to raptors in Tarangire, the region is a birder’s paradise.
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for one of the most concentrated wildlife experiences on Earth.
As the sun dips below the horizon, sip a chilled drink in the heart of the wild while the sky burns with color—this is the magic of a safari
Things to do
Safari experiences
Experience one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations with game drives and guided walks across the vast, wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti. Discover Tanzania’s remarkable birdlife, from vibrant endemics to seasonal migrants, and end each day under star-filled skies, mirroring the abundance of life roaming beneath them.
Northern Circuit Safari tented Camp/Lodge
Experience the charm of the wild without sacrificing comfort. Our carefully selected tented camps and lodges immerse you in Tanzania’s natural beauty, offering warm hospitality, breathtaking views, and close proximity to the wildlife action—all while ensuring restful nights under the African sky.
Let’s plan your next journey
Ready?
When we say we’re with you every step of the way, we truly mean it. From designing your perfect route to organizing seamless private transfers and guiding you through customs, we’re there—on the ground, by your side, 24/7. Whether you’re chasing iconic landscapes or seeking out Tanzania’s hidden treasures, our dedicated Travel Designers are here to craft a journey that’s entirely your own.
