Where to visit on the Northern Safari Circuit - The Parks and Wildlife

The majority of visitors who want to experience a safari in Tanzania visit the 'Northern Safari Circuit'.

This is because this is where the Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilmanjaro and the Nogongoro Crater are located. It's also a far more accessible safari region in Tanzania due to its 'close' proximity to Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Below we break down the parks that are located in the region and the pros and cons of visiting each!

The Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park has to be THE most iconic safari destination in the world. Serengeti means 'endless plains' and that's exactly what to expect when you visit!

If you've ever watched a nature documentary set in Africa, chances are it was filmed in the Serengeti! It's home to the Big 5 and the stunning savanna plains. We would highly recommended visiting the Serengeti National Park as part of your safari trip!

Why we love it!

• It's one of the most iconic national parks in the world!

• Exceptional wildlife viewing, including the Great Migration

• Great for spotting predators

• Hot air balloon safaris

• Stunning savanna plains

• The most EPIC sunrises and sunsets

The cons!

• The crowds and prices! Particularly during high season during the Great Migration

• The precise location and timings of the Great Migration herds moving through the park can be unpredictable

• Due to its huge size and vast plains, wildlife viewing can be difficult in certain areas

  

The Ngorongoro Crater

This is genuinely one of THE most stunning places we have ever visited on Earth and The Ngorongoro Region is probably our favourite area in Tanzania! This place blew us away with its stunning landscapes and epic wildlife viewing. We would highly recommend this park if visiting Tanzania.

Why we love it!

• It's one of the most densely populated areas for wildlife in Tanzania

• Due to its relatively 'small size', the wildlife viewing is incredible

• You can see the Big 5 here

• It has stunning scenery

• It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 7 natural wonders of Africa!

• It's one of the few places in Tanzania you can spot the rare black rhino!

• There is a viewing area on the rim of the Crater that offers spectacular aerial views!

The cons!

• Due to its very small size, it can become overcrowded in the park, particularly during high season

• Entrance fees are expensive

• You can't see giraffe here as the incline in and out of the crater is too steep for them.

• Impalas are not typically seen in the Crater as they prefer woodland areas

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is a wonderful park and a quieter, lesser-known park on the Northern Circuit. It's famed for its herds of elephants and huge baobab trees (the tree of life in the Lion King)! It particularly comes into its own during the high season where it sees less crowds than its famous neighbours, the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater and the elephant herds migrate through the park. We loved this park and would recommended visiting!

Why we love it!

• It's a quieter park, particularly in the high season!

• Elephant encounters here are wonderful

• The elephant migration! Up to 3000 migrate through the park during the dry season

• The birdwatching!

• The beautiful baobab trees

The cons!

• Unfortunately you can't see the Big 5 here due to the lack of rhinos

• Wildlife viewing can be really tricky during the wet season

Lake Manyara National Park

Another stunning, but popular park on the Northern safari circuit. It's most famed for its tree climbing lions! Be on the lookout for monkeys and baboons as you drive through the entrance of the park!

Why we love it!

• It's really accessible and close to Arusha

• It's known for its tree climbing lions

• It's fantastic for birding!

• Beautiful scenery including Lake Manyara

• Embark on a walk across the Tree Top Walk to get a stunning perspective of the park!

The cons!

• It's a smaller safari circuit

• It can get crowded with day visitors

• You can't see the Big 5 here due to the lack of rhinos

• You can't see cheetahs

Arusha National Park

A little gem located close to Arusha with stunning views of Mount Meru! It doesn't have all the classic safari wildlife and is more low key, but it's a great option if you're short on time and want a little flavour of safari!

Why we love it!

• It's fantastic for birding, particularly large flocks of flamingos!

• On a clear day it has beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

• It's close to Arusha, so great for a day trip

• It's great for a bike safari or walking safari!

• You can see black and white colobus monkeys!

The cons!

• Wildlife viewing is limited here.

• There are no predators

• You can't view the Big 5

• Elephants are occasionally seen

Grumeti Game Reserve

Grumeti is a private reserve located next to the Serengeti National Park, so you are only able to visit the Reserve if you are staying at one of its lodges.

Why we love it!

• IT offers a more exclusive wildlife experience

• A great place to witness the Great Migration for an exclusive experience

• Incredible wildlife viewing including the Big 5!

• A much quieter park, with less visitors

The cons!

• No 'budget' accommodation options

• Often booked out months in advance

Mkomazi National Park

With spectacular backdrops and stunning scenery, this park is a refuge for protecting two of Africa's most highly endangered species, the black rhino and the wild dog. It's a much quieter park to visit as it sees far less tourists.

Why we love it!

• The scenery is spectacular including views of Mount Kilimanjaro

• You can view the Big 5, wild dogs and black rhino

• You can visit the Kisima Rhino Breeding Sanctuary, a huge drive-in sanctuary!

The cons!

• It is harder to spot the big cats in this park

• It isn't known as a park for 'prime wildlife viewing'

• A smaller game drive circuit