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AFRICA / TANZANIA

Northern Circuit

Where Tanzania’s wild side comes alive.

Discover Tanzania’s legendary Northern Circuit, where vast savannahs, dramatic landscapes, and extraordinary wildlife come together. From the endless plains of the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater and the landscapes of Tarangire and Lake Manyara, this is classic East African safari country.

Discover the Northern Circuit

The Northern Circuit brings together some of Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife destinations, each offering a different perspective on the country’s incredible landscapes and wildlife.

Whether you’re planning your first safari, hoping to witness the Great Migration, or looking to explore several parks in one journey, we can help you create a Northern Circuit experience around your interests, travel style, and budget.

Why Visit the Northern Circuit?

Serengeti National Park

Experience vast open plains and extraordinary wildlife in one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations.

Ngorongoro Crater

Descend into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera for an unforgettable wildlife experience surrounded by dramatic scenery.

Tarangire National Park

Discover a quieter safari setting known for its large elephant herds, ancient baobabs, and diverse wildlife.

Lake Manyara National Park

Explore a compact but diverse park where forests, wetlands, and open plains create a unique environment for wildlife and birdlife.

The Great Migration

Depending on the season and location of the herds, witness one of nature’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles across the Serengeti ecosystem.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

The Northern Circuit can be visited throughout much of the year, with different seasons offering different wildlife, weather, and travel experiences.

PERIODWHAT TO EXPECT
January – MarchGenerally warm and relatively dry, with excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and the possibility of witnessing calving activity in parts of the Serengeti.
April – MayThe long rains bring greener landscapes and can mean fewer visitors, although some roads and activities may be affected by heavier rainfall.
June – OctoberA popular period for safari, with generally drier conditions and excellent wildlife viewing across the Northern Circuit.
November – DecemberThe short rains refresh the landscapes and can bring excellent scenery and wildlife experiences with fewer visitors in some areas.

Wildlife movements and weather patterns vary from year to year. We'll help you choose travel dates based on what you most want to experience.

Inspired by the Northern Circuit?

Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari

Experience the highlights of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit through a carefully planned safari combining some of the region’s most remarkable wildlife destinations.

Day by day

Open a day to see what happens.

Begin your safari from Arusha and travel toward Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and diverse wildlife.

Enjoy a morning game drive in Tarangire before continuing toward the Ngorongoro area.

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of wildlife viewing within one of Africa’s most remarkable natural landscapes.

Where Will You Stay?

From comfortable lodges to intimate safari camps, there are accommodation options across the Northern Circuit to suit different travel styles and budgets.

Tell us what matters most to you, and we’ll help you find the right place to stay.

What Our Travellers Are Saying

HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend! I had such a good experience booking my safari with her. Everything was so smooth, especially considering how last-minute my trip was.

Shyrose M.SafariRated 5 stars, Google review

They planned our Zanzibar trip so well, and everything was smooth from start to finish. … The trip was exactly as promised, and we created beautiful memories without any stress.

Linda A.Zanzibar tripRated 5 stars, Google review

Their organization, communication, and attention to detail really stood out to me. They made sure everything went smoothly, which allowed me to relax and enjoy my time in Zanzibar … Thank you Phylisia and your team for making my experience such a wonderful one!

LynneZanzibar tripRated 5 stars, Google review

Very well arranged everything was as I hoped they delivered well Very great trip. … We gave them our budget they stuck to it.

Sten T.Kenya wildlife trip · translated from NorwegianRated 5 stars, Google review

The level of professionalism is top notch. I really enjoyed my trip.

Mike W.TripRated 5 stars, Google review

Frequently Asked Questions

Most journeys begin at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha. From there, Tarangire and Lake Manyara are about 2-3 hours by road, Ngorongoro about 3-4, and the Serengeti is reached by road or a short light-aircraft flight.

Most travellers spend around 4-7 nights exploring the Northern Circuit, depending on the parks included and the pace of the journey.

Comfortable clothing, suitable footwear, sun protection, insect repellent, and binoculars are among the useful essentials for a safari.

The Northern Circuit commonly includes destinations such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara.

The Great Migration moves throughout the Serengeti ecosystem during the year. The exact location and timing vary, so we’ll help you plan according to where the herds are most likely to be during your travel dates.

The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS).

Swahili and English are widely spoken.

Tanzania uses East Africa Time (EAT), which is UTC+3.

Ready to Experience the Northern Circuit?

Tell us when you’d like to travel, who you’re travelling with, what you’d like to experience, and what you’d like to spend. We’ll help you turn your ideas into a personalised journey.