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For the perfect Big Five safari, Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit is a fantastic choice. It’s the most popular safari route in Tanzania, giving travellers sightings of lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, rhinos, and more. A Tanzania safari trip offers access to iconic parks and reserves, including the expansive savannahs of Serengeti National Park and the varying ecosystems of the Ngorongoro Crater, both well-known for the Great Migration and a high density of wildlife. A trip here can also include excellent cultural experiences with the Maasai people and historical sites like Olduvai Gorge, often called the “Cradle of Mankind”.
Top Destinations in Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit
A Tanzanian Northern Circuit itinerary can include a variety of pristine wilderness areas:
Serengeti National Park: For the Great Migration
Home of the Big Five, the Serengeti is also world-famous for the annual Great Migration and its abundance of big cats, with all three – lions, cheetahs, and leopards – easily seen.
During the Great Migration, millions of wildebeest traverse the plains and cross croc-inhabited rivers in search of grasslands for grazing. Big cat predators are on their tails, waiting for the opportune moment to strike.
This is one of the most incredible events on Mother Nature’s calendar and one not to be missed by safari enthusiasts.
Ngorongoro Crater: Home of the Black Rhino
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unflooded, unbroken caldera in the world and home to a high concentration of wildlife, making game drives a thrilling experience.
While on a Ngorongoro safari, you’re able to spot the Big Five. Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos are all located here – in fact, this is one of the best places to see the endangered black rhino.
Tarangire National Park: Birdwatching Paradise
Known for its massive elephant herds and distinctive baobab trees, Tarangire National Park is also a fantastic destination for birdwatching due to its large avian population.
The park boasts over 500 species of birds, including endangered species such as the ashy starling and northern pied babbler. While the bird life is plentiful all year round, you can witness the migratory species from November to April.
Lake Manyara National Park: Rare Tree-Climbing Lions
While Lake Manyara is one of Tanzania’s smaller parks, it’s a unique place to visit. The prides of tree-climbing lions and an abundance of flamingos drawn to the soda ash lake make this park an iconic safari destination.
On a safari in Lake Manyara, you’ll also spot zebras, hippos, giraffes, blue monkeys, and baboons.
Olduvai Gorge: Cradle of Humankind
Located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Olduvai Gorge is a paleoanthropological site where early human fossils were discovered, including tools and even a primitive species of human – Homo habilis.
Olduvai Gorge is located between the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, making it the perfect stop for your Tanzania safari.
When’s the Best Time to Go on Safari in the Northern Circuit?
The dry season, which is from June to October in Tanzania, is the best for wildlife viewing. During this time, animals are easily spotted as they congregate around the remaining waterholes. This time of year is also ideal for witnessing the Great Migration in action.
The low season is from March to May and in November and December due to the rains. While it’s wet, the landscapes are lush, and the birdwatching is excellent.
Animals Found in the Northern Safari Circuit
Tanzania’s Northern Circuit is a Big Five safari destination, so here you’ll see lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos (especially in Ngorongoro Crater).
The Great Migration sees millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in search of grazing grounds. Large herds of elephants can be seen in Tarangire National Park, along with giraffes, cheetahs, hippos, hyenas, and diverse bird species.
How to Get to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit
By Air
You can fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport from Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, followed by a lodge transfer to the safari destinations. There are also domestic flights to airstrips in Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
By Road
Most parks are accessible from Arusha Airport, with lodge transfers ranging from two to six hours depending on the destination. This is often done as part of a guided multi-day Tanzania safari.
