Tanzania's Northern Circuit safaris, tours & holiday packages
Perfect for first-time safaris in Tanzania
Experience the best Tanzania has to offer in six must-see conservation areas of the north, either in a small group or on a private guided safari
The northern tourism circuit is by far the most popular safari circuit in Tanzania, comprising most of the must-see destinations in the country. If you're a first-time visitor to Tanzania, this is where you want to be. The circuit starts in Arusha and includes, from east to west: Arusha National Park at the foot of Mount Meru, Tarangire National Park 110km southwest of the town of Arusha, Manyara Ranch between Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park, Lake Manyara National Park at the bottom of the Gregory Rift, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (which includes the Ngorongoro caldera, the Empakaai Crater and the southern Serengeti plains of Lake Ndutu), and the Serengeti National Park that stretches north to the Tanzania/Kenya border.
Popular Tanzania Northern Circuit safaris
These popular itineraries can be customised to match your budget and travel dates
Wildlife and culture – the perfect balance
Balance Tanzania's wildlife highlights, such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, with the rich cultural heritage of local tribes like the Masai
$ 4,756
£ 3,609
R 66,023
€ 4,117
per person
11 daysTanzania - medium budget, maximum game viewing
Visit Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorogoro Crater and Serengeti for a four-in-one safari you'll remember forever
$ 6,980
£ 5,297
R 96,897
€ 6,043
per person
11 daysHoneymoon safari in the Serengeti National Park
Enjoy a romantic honeymoon at the Ngorongoro Crater where you can spot the Big Five and experience the wildlife-rich Serengeti National Park
$ 3,250
£ 2,466
R 45,117
€ 2,814
per person
6 daysTanzania July/October Great Migration safari with HerdTracker
The wildebeest migration, is one of the “Seven New Wonder of the World” and also known as The World Cup of Wildlife. If there is a safari you should go on, this has to be it!
$ 6,080
£ 4,614
R 84,403
€ 5,264
per person
9 daysHerdTracker July/October Great Wildebeest Migration safari
The movement takes place in Tanzania, which covers Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha and Tarangire National Park
$ 7,495
£ 5,688
R 104,046
€ 6,489
per person
9 daysThe Migration - calving season January to March
This four-in-one calving season safari includes not only the Serengeti, but Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorogoro Crater
$ 7,985
£ 6,060
R 110,848
€ 6,913
per person
11 days10-day HerdTracker July great migration safari
Experience the drama of the nature's greatest spectacle in the Serengeti National Park
$ 7,165
£ 5,437
R 99,465
€ 6,203
per person
10 days10-day HerdTracker August great migration safari
Experience the drama of the nature's greatest spectacle in the Tanzania
$ 7,165
£ 5,437
R 99,465
€ 6,203
per person
10 daysMigration Safari in Kenya and Tanzania
See the beauty of nature's greatest wildlife spectacle on one of the grandest stages of them all
Price on Request
per person
8 days9-day HerdTracker June/July great migration safari
If the great migration is on your travel bucket list, then this memorable safari in Tanzania is ideal for you.
$ 10,340
£ 7,847
R 143,540
€ 8,951
per person
9 days
“'If you plan your northern circuit safari well you can still experience an authentic safari, even during peak times; it is possible to show you lions and the migration without many vehicles present. It's important to start planning early so that you have as many lodge options as possible.' ”
More on Tanzania Northern Circuit holidays
A combination of these parks and reserves will give you the best possible first-time safari experience in Tanzania and there are enough lodges and camps to suit your budget. We can provide you with all three different safari options into Tanzania’s Northern Circuit: group departures, fly-in safaris and private guided safaris. The latter two can include activities such as walking and a hot air balloon ride. We're experts at getting you to see the annual wildebeest migration, the crossings of the Mara River and the birth of a new generation on the southern Serengeti plains.There are variations and ways to keep you from the masses that gather in the central Serengeti during July and August or the busy Ndutu area during February.
Tanzania Northern Circuit Map
Tanzania Northern Circuit's location on Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions about Tanzania Northern Circuit
A Grumeti safari is rewarding throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Grumeti Game Reserve is during the migration months of June and July - when massive herds of wildebeest arrive to cross the crocodile-infested Grumeti River… go there.
December to March are the sunniest months and perhaps the best time to visit. There are some cloudy periods and rain from March to May, and drizzle from October to early December which may restrict clear views. However, Mount Kenya National… go there.
The best time to visit Arusha National Park is from June to October, during the dry season. It is easier to spot the wildlife - since they normally gather around the waterholes, rainfall is minimal, vegetation is not too thick and mosquitos… go there.
The best time to visit Zanzibar Island is from June to October - during the dry months of spring. However, another popular time to visit the tropical Island is from December to February - when it’s hot and dry. go there.
Rubondo Island National Park is best visited in the dry months of July to February. The jungle is less humid - however, there are also less mosquito’s and the temperatures are not as extreme. go there.
June to August during the dry season, is the best time to visit Saanane Island National Park. This season is great for game drives, picnic as well as rock hiking. go there.
June to October is the best time to visit Mkomazi National Park. During the dry season - when the wildlife viewing is at its prime. go there.
July to October, during the dry months - is the best time to track the chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains National Park. Chimpanzees can be found easily on the low mountains slopes. go there.
June to October is the best time to visit Mikumi National Park. During the dry season, the wildlife concentrate around waterholes and rivers - making it easier to spot them. go there.
Reviews on our Tanzania Northern Circuit safaris
Discover Africa and Carel has put in such an effort for us to experience the annual wildebeest migration, meticulous planning and accurate predictions with logical and the best accommodation options both sides of the Mara River guaranteed us…
Jates and Hil Oettle
from South Africa
I just wanted to thank Discover Africa and Karl Svendsen - the safari was great - we saw many more animals than expected including cheetah, leopard, many lions and even a three-day old elephant calf. Additionally, we had our own hippo…
Margaret Dean
We had the most wonderful time in Tanzania. We left yesterday and miss it already. We saw the big 5 and felt super lucky to see the lions and leopard with their kill. Our guide was also wonderful. Thank YOU for planning our trip of a…
Debbie Wei
We had a wonderful experience with the Discover Africa team on our trip to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. Due to unforeseen circumstances we needed to head down early and their team were most helpful in arranging exciting new options for us while…
Mark Tomlinson
from South Africa
Our trip was arranged by Carel Verhoef at discoverafrica.com and was perfectly organised. We flew into the Masai Mara from Nairobi and all flight connections and transfers were arranged for us and went like clockwork. Carel was also very…
Geoffrey Burton
from South Africa
Every one was so helpful in making the arrangements. The booking people helped in all the questions we had, they were polite and helpful. The tour and lodge were amazing. Every one was helpful and very interesting to talk to. They made our…
Shelia
from United States of America
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