The renowned ‘Northern Circuit’ safari in northern Tanzania presents an array of thrilling safari experiences, featuring National Parks, game reserves, conservation areas, and private concessions. Included in this list are the renowned and legendary Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, along with their lesser-known companions, Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park.These parks serve a vital role in safeguarding the incredible diversity and richness of wildlife that call them home, whether they are permanent residents or seasonal visitors. At the heart of it all is the breathtaking spectacle of the world’s largest annual migration of wildebeest and zebra. Even though this region has gained popularity and is bustling with activity, there are still hidden gems waiting to be discovered, where you can enjoy solitude if you know the right paths to take.

What is the location of Northern Tanzania?
A safari in northern Tanzania is a must for any travel enthusiast seeking unforgettable experiences. The Great Migration in Serengeti National Park is an extraordinary wildlife spectacle, while a safari on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, an extinct volcano, offers an unparalleled game viewing experience. Standing majestically is Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding mountain on the planet and perhaps the most formidable challenge in Africa. Far from the bustling tourist attractions, serene parks like Tarangire National Park provide exceptional opportunities for game viewing, yet they are frequently overshadowed by their more renowned counterparts. The Rift Valley Lakes of Eyasi and Natron serve as a vibrant habitat for the Hadzabe tribes and are the bustling breeding grounds for the largest flocks of flamingos on the planet. For countless individuals, a safari in Northern Tanzania stands out as the ultimate safari experience.

Tanzania’s northern safari circuit is renowned as the ultimate destination for thrilling wildlife experiences in Africa. With the renowned Serengeti National Park and the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, along with the hidden gems of Lake Manyara and Tarangire, this region boasts an incredible abundance of Africa’s majestic wildlife.

Many travel plans for this area focus on the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, highlighting the Serengeti’s Wildebeest Migration and the large populations of predators as key draws, along with the opportunity to encounter the big five in Ngorongoro. The region boasts a rich tapestry of cultures, including the Maasai and the Hadzabe, and stands out as one of the most visually stunning and varied areas on the continent.

Northern Tanzania Expedition or Southern Tanzania Expedition?
Which region of Tanzania should you explore for a safari, the north or the south, and what is the ideal duration for your adventure? This is the initial and crucial choice you must confront. The northern safari parks offer a unique experience compared to the Southern Tanzania Safari, each with its own set of pros and cons:

The parks in southern Tanzania offer a sense of seclusion, yet they are conveniently accessible with daily flights from Dar and no need for stopovers. The camps in the south provide a more appealing experience compared to those in the north, often featuring a cozier atmosphere and a range of exciting activities such as walking, boating, and fly camping. Game viewing takes place in open-sided vehicles, elevating the experience to new heights. The south presents an enticing blend of brief safari and beach escapades, delivering an affordable and immensely fulfilling journey with minimal crowds.

In the north, however, most parks mandate the use of enclosed vehicles, restrict walking (with only a few camps permitting it), and do not allow boating safaris. Additionally, these areas tend to be quite crowded and lack a sense of true wilderness. While many of the camp and lodge options tend to be large and lacking in personality, those with a discerning eye and a flexible budget can discover charming, intimate tented camps hidden away from the bustling crowds. Nonetheless, the north offers incredible experiences with the big five, the Great Wildebeest Migration, and breathtaking landscapes. Just be mindful of the generally higher prices and the lesser value for money in the low- to mid-range options.

A Northern Circuit – Logistics
As with any journey, there are numerous choices available, ultimately depending on your financial plan. This is one of those moments when the value truly reflects the cost…

For the discerning traveller, there is the &Beyond flying circuit that offers a seamless journey between camps without the need for any driving. A typical safari features two nights at the Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, two nights at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, and a minimum of two nights at Serengeti Under Canvas and/or Kleins Camp. This is an extraordinary, luxurious journey. Enhancing the experience would be to include one or more of Singita’s camps in Grumeti Reserves: Faru Faru, Sasakwa, or Sabora.

A mid-range northern circuit, which is undoubtedly our most sought-after option, includes an exhilarating drive through Arusha, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and the stunning Ngorongoro Crater and Highlands. Then you would soar into one of the intimate tented camps nestled in a secluded and tranquil corner of the Serengeti, where the crowds are sparse. This type of safari offers a budget-friendly option compared to luxury trips, all while maintaining an exceptional game viewing experience. You can save money by driving the initial segment of the journey, and then take a flight to follow the migration in the Serengeti.

The most budget-friendly safari is a complete driving circuit taken in the classic style, with your own personal driver-guide by your side throughout the entire journey. The more of you there are to share the cost, the more advantageous it becomes. We exclusively arrange private safaris, tailoring the park combinations to the season’s rhythm. Having your own vehicle allows you to choose budget-friendly hotels that may not offer safari vehicles, while your personal driver-guide will be eager to unveil the wonders of the region every day. However, the downside of this type of circuit is that you are confined to the larger lodges in the bustling areas of the parks – this can be a bit disappointing for the Serengeti since you cannot always ensure witnessing the migration.

The northern parks are known for their unique charm, often providing a range of activities that invite exploration, with daytime game drives being a popular choice. Yet, this can differ from one park to another, and the private concessions occasionally have some flexibility, allowing for night drives and walking adventures.

The Ngorongoro Crater provides daytime game drives, and for those staying at lodges on the crater rim, there are opportunities for a brief bush walk around the property. The lodges in the expansive Ngorongoro Highlands area provide a wealth of activities such as hiking, riding, and mountain biking.

The Serengeti National Park provides daytime game drives exclusively, except for those staying in the remote northern Kogatende region, where select camps like Alex Walker’s Serian and Serengeti Lamai present walking safaris in designated areas. Kleins Camp and the Singita properties on the Grumeti reserve provide thrilling night drives and invigorating walking safaris, thanks to their exclusive nature.

Lake Manyara National Park is compact and easily reachable, making it perfect for day game drives and even night excursions based on your accommodation.

Tarangire National Park offers a thrilling array of activities. Within the park, Olivers Camp and Swala provide walking safaris and night drives, along with bush nights where you can camp beneath the stars. These can also be found at the camps beyond the park, though the setting is not as appealing.

The nearby regions such as Empakai, Lake Eyasi, Mt Meru, and Kilimanjaro present clear opportunities for walking and trekking, while Eyasi and the southern areas provide a chance to hunt alongside the Hadzabe.

What is the cost of a safari in Northern Tanzania?
The northern camps offer a wide range of prices, and typically, the more you invest, the more enriching your camp and game experience will be. At the lower end of the spectrum are the expansive permanent lodges like the Serena and the Sopa, featuring around 70 rooms and priced at approximately $500 per person per night, which includes game activities. This pricing is quite typical across all the parks. There are smaller tented camps like Kati Kati in the Serengeti that fit into this price range, yet they are located in equally bustling areas.

The mid-range options feature some fantastic mobile tented camps like Olakira, Dunia, and Ubuntu, priced around $650 per person per night. The incredible benefit of these camps is that they shift locations every four months in sync with the migration, steering clear of the crowds, fostering an intimate camp vibe, and providing an exceptional game experience. Alex Walkers Serian is $850 pppn and undoubtedly the finest mobile operation in the Serengeti, yet their regular special offers place this experience within a more accessible price range. These camps pair perfectly with Plantation Lodge or Gibbs Farm in the Ngorongoro Highlands, both around $650 per person per night, providing access to the Crater and Manyara while steering clear of the large hotels.

At the premium level, operators like &Beyond and Singita begin at $1,000 per person per night, reaching up to $1,600 per person per night. Next, we have Serengeti Lamai and Sayari, priced at approximately $900 per person per night. The premium offering provides an exceptional safari experience, making every dollar spent worthwhile if your budget allows for it.

For an overview of the top accommodations in the Serengeti, please follow this link.

A Northern Tanzania Safari – Uncharted paths await
With a few exceptions, exploring on foot is restricted in the northern parks, and wildlife observation is conducted from enclosed vehicles. Now, you can embark on exciting, albeit brief, safari walks in the Serengeti with Serian and Nomads from their mobile camps, as well as from Sayari and Serengeti Lamai in the Lamai Wedge.

For those eager to explore on foot, venturing beyond the usual paths and into the more loosely governed concession areas can lead to truly rewarding experiences. The most exciting options for walking can be found around Nduara Camp in the Loliondo region, or alongside the Hadzabe hunter/gatherers near Eyasi. Guided walks, frequently led by Maasai, offer a fulfilling experience along the edge of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, providing stunning views of Manyara.

A Journey Through Northern Tanzania – Navigating Your Way
The journey begins in Arusha, a place that was once a vibrant Maasai village, setting the stage for an exciting expedition to the north. International flights come in through Dar, a two-hour flight from Arusha, or Kilimanjaro, which is just a half-hour drive away. Your journey to the north can begin with a brief flight from Arusha to one of the parks, or you might choose to embark on a scenic drive.

A Safari in Northern Tanzania – Additional Insights
As we strive to provide a thorough experience on our website, if you are seeking additional insights, we recommend diving into the Cadogan Guide to Tanzania and Zanzibar – Northern Circuit Chapter, authored by our director, Annabel. The latest edition was released in 2005, so while some parts may feel a bit old-fashioned, overall, it remains incredibly thorough.