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
Honeymoon Safari in the Serengeti National Park (6 days)
Enjoy a romantic honeymoon at the Ngorongoro Crater where you can spot the Big Five and experience the wildlife-rich Serengeti National Park
$ 3,510
£ 2,524
R 50,394
€ 2,925
per person
6 days
Medium Budget, Maximum Game Viewing in Tanzania’s North (11 days)
Visit Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorogoro Crater and Serengeti for a four-in-one safari you'll remember forever
$ 6,980
£ 5,019
R 100,213
€ 5,817
per person
11 days
Tanzania July to October Great Migration Safari with HerdTracker (9 days)
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!
$ 6,680
£ 4,803
R 95,906
€ 5,567
per person
9 days
June to July Great Migration Safari in Tanzania with HerdTracker (9 days)
HerdTracker invites you to join them on a migration safari in Tanzania's Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park.
$ 7,960
£ 5,723
R 114,283
€ 6,634
per person
9 days
August Migration Safari with HerdTracker (10 days)
Experience the drama of the nature's greatest spectacle in the Tanzania
$ 7,165
£ 5,152
R 102,869
€ 5,972
per person
10 days
HerdTracker July/October Great Wildebeest Migration safari
The movement takes place in Tanzania, which covers Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha and Tarangire National Park
$ 8,240
£ 5,925
R 118,303
€ 6,867
per person
9 days
Affordable Ngorongoro and Serengeti Safari (6 days)
We're offering our guests the chance to explore two world-famous destinations in under a week
$ 4,725
£ 3,397
R 67,837
€ 3,938
per person
6 days
July Wildbeest Migration Safari with HerdTracker (10 days)
Experience the drama of the nature's greatest spectacle in the Serengeti National Park
$ 7,165
£ 5,152
R 102,869
€ 5,972
per person
10 days
The Serengeti on Foot (9 days)
There's no better way to get close to nature and feel alive than on foot, and no better place to walk than the remarkable Serengeti
$ 3,500
£ 2,517
R 50,250
€ 2,917
per person
10 days
Green Season Wildebeest Migration Safari (11 days)
This four-in-one calving season safari includes not only the Serengeti, but Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the Ngorogoro Crater
$ 9,865
£ 7,093
R 141,633
€ 8,222
per person
11 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
Safari/bucket showers are common in mobile or tented camps where there is no permanent plumbing. They are an effective yet environmentally friendly way to shower where water is at a premium and provide plenty of hot water to wash… go there.
Safari lodges have guest rooms similar to a hotel with en-suite bathrooms. They are comfortably furnished with all facilities normally associated with a 3-star hotel. Tented lodges have rooms which are tents on a platform and with a roof and… go there.
Language The official language in Tanzania is Swahili but there are hundreds of other local dialects. English is the second official language and the country's commercial language. It is also the main teaching language used for all higher… go there.
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.
Family safaris in Africa are a worthwhile and meaningful experience. Aside from spending quality time with your nearest and dearest under a wide blue African sky, a safari in Africa offers invaluable experiences including unique cultural… 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.
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.
Reviews on our Tanzania Northern Circuit safaris
This was my first safari. I didn’t expect to be so pampered. Everything was first class. We had everything provided for us before even asking. We had a dedicated team at our service. Megan was on call whenever we needed something and she…
Saada
from Nigeria
Tanya was an absolute delight to deal with. From the first phone call she was extremely polite, professional and very eager to facilitate my requests regarding our safari. Our 3 nights at the V & A Hotel were fabulous and Motswari Game…
Debbie
from Australia
Perfectly tailor-made tours that take all your wishes and requests into consideration. All my expectations were beyond fulfilled.
Henrik Wetterstrand
from Sweden
Living afar and trusting in an organisation with whom you have no previous knowledge can lead to feeling of mistrust and wondering whether what we have paid for actually exists. A little more proactive communication would have eased those…
Tony Russell
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
Planning the trip was managed extremely well especially since travel was at a busy time of year and not much notice was given. All communication was by email, and was responded to promptly and efficiently. Different options were provided…
Suzanne McKeen
Related Articles
What To Look Out For When You’re Booking a Honeymoon Safari
Planning your first adventure together as a married couple is rather exciting. And spending this in the beautiful African wilderness is an amazing choice. There are some things you need to keep in mind when travelling to Africa. Especially… read more
A Quick Newbie Safari Guide to Tanzania
Tanzania is one of the biggest countries in East Africa. It also has the tallest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzania is a wildlife paradise, being home to the Big Five and most other general Safari animals. The most famous part… read more
How to Pick The Company You Book Your Safari Holiday Through
Going on a Safari is exciting and adventurous. One wants to make sure that you getting the most out of your trip. A Safari is a life-changing experience. There is something incredibly special about being in such close contact with wildlife.… read more
Revisiting Africa’s Most Interesting Golf Courses
The world is opening up after COVID-19, and soon you’ll be able to travel again. If you’re an avid golfer and already planning an excursion to get your golfing fix, we’re looking at some of Africa’s most exciting golf courses for your… read more
.png)