Safari in Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit
Home to the Great Migration, the Northern Circuit offers iconic wildlife experiences across vast plains, volcanic craters, and diverse landscapes.
Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit
Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit
Arusha National Park
A diverse park offering stunning views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro, with varied landscapes including the Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, and highland forests. It's home to giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and the rare colobus monkey, making it ideal for walking safaris and canoeing.
Burunge Wildlife Management Area
Burunge Wildlife Management Area is a protected area in Tanzania.
Chome Forest Reserve
The Eastern Arc forests is a montane tropical moist forest ecoregion of eastern Africa. The ecoregion comprises several separate highland areas above 800 meters in Kenya, and (mostly) Tanzania.
Duluti Arusha Forest
Duluti Arusha Forest is a protected area in Tanzania.
Enduimet Community Wildlife Management Area
Enduimet Community Wildlife Management Area is a protected area in Tanzania.
Enguserosambu Nature Reserve
Enguserosambu Nature Reserve is a protected area in Tanzania.
Grumeti Game Reserve
Located along the western corridor of the Serengeti, Grumeti is a private concession that plays a vital role in the Great Migration, particularly during the river crossings. It offers luxury, low-impact safaris with excellent predator sightings.
Ikona Wildlife Management Area
Ikona Wildlife Management Area is a protected area in Tanzania.
Ikorongo Game Reserve
Another private concession bordering the Serengeti, Ikorongo offers a similar exclusive safari experience, focusing on the Great Migration and resident wildlife. It provides an opportunity for walking safaris and night drives not permitted in the national park.
Kijereshi Game Reserve
Kijereshi Game Reserve is a protected area in Tanzania.
Kilimanjaro National Park
Home to Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, this park is primarily a trekking destination, offering a challenging and rewarding climb through various ecological zones. While not a traditional wildlife safari park, its lower slopes and surrounding areas do host some wildlife.
Lake Manyara National Park
Known for its tree-climbing lions, large flocks of flamingos on the soda lake, and diverse habitats ranging from groundwater forests to acacia woodlands. It's a fantastic birdwatching destination and offers good opportunities to see elephants, giraffes, and hippos.
Lake Natron Game Controlled Area
Lake Natron Game Controlled Area is a protected area in Tanzania.
Loliondo Game Controlled Area
Loliondo Game Controlled Area is a protected area in Tanzania.
Makame Community Wildlife Management Area
Makame Community Wildlife Management Area is a protected area in Tanzania.
Makao Community Wildlife Management Area
Makao Community Wildlife Management Area is a protected area in Tanzania.
Manyara Ranch
Manyara Ranch is a protected area in Tanzania.
Mara Triangle Conservancy
Mara Triangle Conservancy is a protected area in Tanzania.
Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara National Reserve is a protected area in Tanzania.
Maswa Game Reserve
Adjacent to the Serengeti, Maswa is a crucial calving ground for the Great Migration and offers a more exclusive safari experience. It's known for its high density of predators and excellent birdwatching, especially during the migration season.
Mkomazi National Park
A vital sanctuary for endangered black rhinos and African wild dogs, Mkomazi is a semi-arid park offering a unique landscape and a focus on conservation. It provides a different safari experience with a strong emphasis on these rare species.
Mkungunero Game Reserve
Mkungunero Game Reserve is a protected area in Tanzania.
Moivaro Forest
Moivaro Forest is a protected area in Tanzania.
Monduli Forest Reserve
Monduli Forest Reserve is a protected area in Tanzania.
Mount Gelai Conservation Area
Mount Gelai Conservation Area is a protected area in Tanzania.
Mount Hanang Nature Forest Reserve
Mount Hanang Nature Forest Reserve is a protected area in Tanzania.
Mount Longido Park
Mount Longido Park is a protected area in Tanzania.
Mwiba Wildlife Reserve
A private concession south of the Serengeti, Mwiba is a pristine wilderness area offering an exclusive and luxurious safari experience. It's known for its diverse wildlife, including the Big Five, and unique cultural interactions with Hadzabe and Datoga tribes.
Ndarakwai Ranch
Ndarakwai Ranch is a protected area in Tanzania.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a natural caldera teeming with an incredible density of wildlife, including the Big Five and a significant population of black rhinos. It's a unique ecosystem where Maasai pastoralists coexist with wildlife.
Olderkesi Wildlife Conservancy
Olderkesi Wildlife Conservancy is a protected area in Tanzania.
Pololeti Game Controlled Area
Pololeti Game Controlled Area is a protected area in Tanzania.
Pololeti Game Reserve
Pololeti Game Reserve is a protected area in Tanzania.
Proposed Torosei B Wildlife Conservancy
Proposed Torosei B Wildlife Conservancy is a protected area in Tanzania.
Randilen Community Wildlife Management Area
Randilen Community Wildlife Management Area is a protected area in Tanzania.
Serengeti National Park
World-renowned for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse its vast plains. It offers exceptional Big Five viewing, particularly lions, cheetahs, and leopards, against a backdrop of endless grasslands and acacia woodlands.
Shompole Community Conservancy
Shompole Community Conservancy is a protected area in Tanzania.
Swagaswaga Game Reserve
Swagaswaga Game Reserve is a protected area in Tanzania.
Tarangire National Park
Famous for its large elephant herds, iconic baobab trees, and diverse birdlife, especially during the dry season when the Tarangire River becomes a vital water source. It offers excellent predator sightings and a more intimate safari experience.
Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West National Park is a protected area in Tanzania.
Compare Parks in Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area | - | 638 | - | Quiet | Moderate | TZ-0055 (19km) |
| Serengeti National Park | - | 524 | - | Moderate | High | SEU (30km) |
| Tarangire National Park | 2,616 km² | 269 | - | Moderate | High | TZ-0065 (36km) |
| Kilimanjaro National Park | 75,575 km² | 532 | - | Moderate | High | HKLT (30km) |
| Lake Manyara National Park | 644 km² | 638 | - | Moderate | High | LKY (26km) |
| Arusha National Park | 552 km² | 617 | - | Moderate | High | ARK (27km) |
| Grumeti Game Reserve | - | 395 | - | Very Quiet | High | GTZ (11km) |
| Mwiba Wildlife Reserve | - | 245 | - | Very Quiet | High | TZ-0088 (14km) |
| Ikorongo Game Reserve | - | 481 | - | Moderate | High | TZ-0026 (15km) |
| Maswa Game Reserve | - | 476 | - | Very Quiet | High | TZ-0096 (23km) |
| Mkomazi National Park | 3,306 km² | 405 | - | Very Quiet | High | TZ-0043 (22km) |
| Burunge Wildlife Management Area | - | 612 | - | Quiet | High | TZ-0022 (20km) |
263 species recorded in Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit22 threatened
We love the sheer drama of Northern Tanzania. The endless plains of the Serengeti stretch out before you, a sea of gold under a sky that feels impossibly vast. You can almost feel the rumble of hooves during the migration, a primal energy that courses through the land. Then there's the Ngorongoro Crater, a sunken world teeming with life, where the air is crisp and the views are simply breathtaking. The sunsets here are sensational, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple that we never tire of.
Terrain & Altitude
Vast, rolling savanna plains dominate, punctuated by dramatic volcanic craters and rugged kopjes.
900-2,500m above sea level
Vegetation
Acacia woodlands, open grasslands, and riparian forests define the landscape, changing dramatically with elevation and season.
Water Sources
The Mara River is a vital artery, alongside numerous seasonal rivers, permanent waterholes, and the alkaline lakes of the Great Rift Valley.
Unique Features
The sheer scale of the Serengeti ecosystem and its role as the stage for the Great Migration is unparalleled.
While Arusha is the common gateway, we often fly directly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to bypass the city bustle. For the ultimate flexibility and access to remote camps, we strongly recommend chartering a small aircraft from Arusha Airport directly to a bush airstrip – it’s a thrilling start to any safari and saves considerable driving time.
Nearest Airports
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
40km / 1hr drive to Arusha
Daily international flights from Europe and the Middle East; connections to Nairobi and Dar es Salaam
Arusha Airport (ARK)
Central Arusha
Frequent domestic flights to Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, and other Tanzanian destinations; charter flights available
Bush Airstrips
Driving Routes
From Arusha
Good tarmac roads to Tarangire and Manyara. The road into Ngorongoro Conservation Area is paved but can be slow going. We always recommend a 4WD vehicle, even with good roads, for flexibility.
From Nairobi, Kenya
A straightforward drive via the Namanga border crossing. Ensure your visa and vehicle documentation are in order beforehand. This is a practical way to start your Northern Circuit adventure if flying into Nairobi.
Temperature
20.7°C
69°F
Rainfall
120.9 mm
Wet season
Humidity
68.2%
Sunshine
10.7 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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Health & Travel Info
Important health and safety information for Tanzania