Northern Tanzania – Safari Circuit

Northern Tanzania is the country’s premier safari circuit. From the grassy plains of the Serengeti and the sun‑baked baobab valleys of Tarangire to the lush forests surrounding Lake Manyara and the breathtaking depths of the Ngorongoro Crater, this region delivers iconic wildlife encounters. Travellers can witness the annual migration of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle across vast savannah, watch tree‑climbing lions lounge in acacia trees above a soda lake, marvel at herds of elephants moving between ancient baobabs, and descend into a volcanic caldera harbouring more than 25,000 animals. With Arusha as the gateway, northern Tanzania combines wildlife, scenery, and culture to create the ultimate East African safari.

Quick Facts

• 📍 Location: Northern Tanzania, encompassing Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and Arusha National Park.
• 🗺️ Area: Serengeti National Park alone protects 1.5 million ha of savannah; Lake Manyara National Park covers about 330 km², two‑thirds of which is the soda lake; the Ngorongoro Crater is 12 miles across and 2,000 ft deep, one of the world’s largest intact calderas.
• 🌿 Highlights: Great Wildebeest Migration, Big‑Five viewing, tree‑climbing lions, large elephant herds, baobab forests, soda lakes with flamingos, Maasai culture, and panoramic crater landscapes.
• ✈️ Access: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and Arusha Airport (ARK) connect to regional flights; road transfers link Arusha to the parks. Charter flights operate between the parks and major airstrips.
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: The dry season from late June to October offers prime game viewing with cool nights and sunny days. Two rainy seasons occur: the long rains in April–May and the short rains in November–December.
• 🔭 Top Wildlife: Lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, rhinos, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, hippos, flamingos, and over 400 bird species in Lake Manyara and more than 550 bird species in Tarangire.

When to Visit & Climate

• ☀️ Dry Season (June–October): This is the prime safari season when animals congregate around permanent water sources and grass is short, making wildlife easier to spot. Days are warm and skies are clear, but evenings can be chilly, especially on the crater rim.
• 🌦️ Short Rains (Nov–Dec): Afternoon showers green the landscape and attract migratory birds. Game viewing remains good.
• 🌧️ Long Rains (Apr–May): Heavy tropical downpours turn dirt roads muddy and some camps close. However, the scenery is lush and the rates are lower.
• 🎢 Migration Peaks: Wildebeest calving occurs on the southern Serengeti plains from January to March; river crossings on the Grumeti and Mara Rivers happen from June to August. Predator action is intense during these periods.

How to Get There

• ✈️ Flights: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) and connect to Arusha or regional airstrips. Daily light‑aircraft services link Arusha with Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara.
• 🚐 Road Transfers: Private 4×4 safaris depart from Arusha, taking two hours to reach Lake Manyara or Tarangire and about four hours to Ngorongoro Crater. Serengeti requires a long day’s drive via the crater or a flight.
• 🚞 Self‑Drive: While possible, self‑driving in the parks requires 4×4 vehicles and experience with rough roads. Most travellers opt for guided safaris.

Highlights & Experiences

• 🌍 Serengeti Safari: Traverse endless plains to witness the Great Migration of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles, and the predators that follow. Spot big cats, cheetahs on open plains, and leopards in riverine trees.
• 🦁 Ngorongoro Crater: Descend into this UNESCO World Heritage Site—a collapsed volcano harbouring around 25,000 animals, including lions, buffaloes, zebras, gazelles, hippos, and one of Tanzania’s few populations of black rhinos. Enjoy picnic breakfasts on the crater floor.
• 🐘 Tarangire National Park: Walk among giant baobab trees and watch Africa’s largest elephant herds congregate along the Tarangire River. Keep an eye out for endangered African wild dogs and more than 550 bird species.
• 🦩 Lake Manyara: Drive through evergreen forests and open savannah to spot tree‑climbing lions and large herds of elephants. View flocks of pink flamingos and over 400 bird species along the lake’s edge.
• 🏞️ Walking & Cultural Tours: Join a nature walk on the Manyara escarpment, visit Maasai communities near Ngorongoro, or hike in Arusha National Park at the foot of Mount Meru.
• 🚩 Hot‑Air Balloon Safari: Drift above Serengeti’s plains at dawn and toast the sunrise with champagne.

Where to Stay

• 🏕️ Luxury Tented Camps: Stay in canvas suites with en‑suite bathrooms, plush bedding and private verandas; examples include Serengeti’s Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, and Tarangire’s Lemala Mpingo Ridge.
• 🛌 Mid‑Range Lodges: Comfortable lodges such as Serena Safari Lodges in Serengeti and Manyara or Sopa Lodges in Ngorongoro offer swimming pools and panoramic views.
• ⛺ Adventure Camps: Mobile tented camps follow the migration in Serengeti while budget camps and public campsites serve Lake Manyara and Tarangire for self‑drivers.

Suggested Itineraries

Choose from our most‑loved experiences—crafted for first‑timers, families, and seasoned safari‑goers.

Travel Tips

• 🧢 Pack Layers: Early mornings are cool, while afternoons can be warm. Bring a windproof jacket, hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes.
• 🦟 Health: Carry insect repellent and consult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis before travel.
• 🤳 Photography: Bring extra memory cards and avoid using flash around wildlife. Respect animal behavior and maintain safe distances.
• 💵 Payments: Keep small amounts of cash for tips and curio purchases; most lodges accept credit cards.
• 📜 Culture: Always ask before photographing local people and dress modestly when visiting villages.