Why Choose Northern Circuit Safari

Welcome to the Northern Circuit, where Tanzania’s most famous parks come together to offer the safari of your dreams. This is where you’ll witness the Great Migration, explore the Ngorongoro Crater, track Big Five animals, and sleep under the stars on the endless Serengeti plains.

A typical Northern Circuit Safari will have:

  • Unmatched wildlife viewing
  • Breathtaking landscapes
  • Cultural encounters
  • Well-developed safari infrastructure

If it’s your first time on safari or you’re chasing those bucket-list wildlife encounters the Northern Circuit is the place to be. In this guide, we will walk you through all the important details to help you understand why choose a Northern Circuit Safari.

What is the Northern Circuit Safari?

The Northern Circuit is the most popular safari route in Tanzania. It includes world-famous national parks and game reserves; all located in the northern part of the country.

The main parks are:

  1. Serengeti National Park
  2. Ngorongoro Crater
  3. Lake Manyara National Park
  4. Tarangire National Park
  5. Arusha National Park

Each park offers something unique, and together, they create a safari experience that’s both rich and balanced.

Why Choose the Northern Circuit Safari?

World-Class Wildlife

You’ll see the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino – and more. Wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, and crocodiles are all here, and often within the same day.

Home of the Great Migration

Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest cross the Serengeti in search of fresh grass. If you’ve seen dramatic river crossings on nature documentaries — this is the real thing.

Easy Logistics

All parks are easily connected by road or short scenic flights. Whether you have 5 days or 12, your trip is seamless and full of variety.

Excellent Lodges & Camps

From budget-friendly tented camps to luxury safari lodges with infinity pools, the Northern Circuit has the widest range of accommodations in Tanzania.

Year-Round Safaris

Wildlife is always present, and each season offers something different — green landscapes, dry-season action, or calving herds.

Northern Circuit Safari: Park Overviews

  1. Serengeti National Park

If there’s one place that defines the magic of African safaris, it’s here. “Serengeti” comes from the Maasai word “Siringet”, which means “endless plains.” And truly, you’ll feel like the land stretches forever.

What makes it special?

  • The Great Migration – Over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move in a circle every year, crossing rivers, dodging predators, and giving birth in dramatic scenes of survival.
  • Predators – Lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas… this is predator paradise.
  • Scenery – From open savannah to riverine forests and kopjes (rocky hills), the landscape changes with every game drive.

You can visit any time of year, and you’ll see something special. But if you wish to witness the migration, you have to go there at the right time of the year. We will cover later about migration.

  1. Ngorongoro Crater

Imagine driving through misty highlands and suddenly arriving at the edge of a massive volcanic caldera, 600 meters deep and 20 kilometers wide. Inside, it’s like a natural zoo – animals live in harmony inside this bowl-shaped paradise.

Why is it amazing?

  • All Big Five in one place – Elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and black rhino.
  • Scenic views – You won’t forget that first look from the crater rim.
  • Unique ecosystem – Everything from flamingos on the lake to hippos in the marshes.

It’s a great place for a day trip – but that one day will stay with you forever.

  1. Tarangire National Park – Land of Giants

Tarangire doesn’t get as much attention as the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, but for many of my guests, it ends up being their favorite.

What to expect:

  • Huge herds of elephants, especially in the dry season (June to October)
  • Ancient baobab trees – You’ll feel small next to these giants.
  • Peace and quiet – It’s less crowded than other parks.

The Tarangire River draws animals from far and wide, especially when water is scarce. Expect to see lions, giraffes, wildebeest, and even the rare fringe-eared oryx.

  1. Lake Manyara National Park – Small but Full of Surprises

This is often the first stop for many safaris. It’s small, yes – but don’t underestimate it!

Highlights:

  • Tree-climbing lions (yes, really!)
  • Flamingos and birdlife – Over 400 species.
  • Hippo pools, groundwater forests, hot springs, and open plains.

Manyara is especially good for a quick half-day game drive – perfect to kick off your safari in style.

  1. Arusha National Park – A Hidden Gem Near the City

Most people skip Arusha Park, but let me tell you – it’s underrated. Just 40 minutes from Arusha town, it’s great for a warm-up safari or a quiet escape.

You can:

  • Canoe on Momella Lakes
  • Walk with an armed ranger
  • See Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain

Colobus monkeys, giraffes, buffalo, zebras – they’re all here. And the views? You can sometimes see both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru in one glance!

Best Time to Visit Northern Tanzania

You can visit year-round, but different seasons offer different experiences.

If you don’t mind some rain and want fewer tourists, the green season is lovely too.

How Do You Do a Northern Circuit Safari?

You have two options:

  1. Private Safari

You get your own guide (like me!) and vehicle. We go at your pace, stop when you want, and make it all about you.

  1. Group Safari

Lower cost, shared vehicle. Great for solo travelers or those on a budget.

You can stay in:

  • Luxury lodges
  • Tented camps
  • Mid-range hotels
  • Budget camping

Whatever your style, we at Camp Seluu will find something perfect for you.

Cultural Experiences Along the Way

A safari is not only about animals – it’s about people too. Along the Northern Circuit, you can meet and learn from:

  • The Maasai – Warrior culture, red shukas, jumping dances.
  • The Hadzabe – A hunter-gatherer tribe near Lake Eyasi. They still use bows and arrows!
  • Iraqw and Datoga – Known for their traditions and crafts.

These are real encounters, not tourist shows. If you want to understand Tanzania, take time to meet its people.

How to get there

Most safaris start from Arusha, which has a small airport (ARK) and is near Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). You can fly in directly to JRO from Europe, the Middle East, or connect through Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Dar es Salaam.

From Arusha, it’s a short drive or flight to the parks. Some people even combine a Kilimanjaro climb, Zanzibar beach escape, or southern parks after the Northern Safari.

Our Final Word on Northern Circuit Safari

If you only do one safari in your life, make it this one. The Northern Circuit is the kind of place that changes you, not just because of what you see, but how it makes you feel. The quiet of the sunrise in Serengeti, the thrill of spotting a lion in the tall grass, the smile of a Maasai elder greeting you with “karibu”.  You are definitely into something deeper than just seeing the wildlife.

So, when are you coming?

Let’s start planning. Fill in the form below, and leave the rest to us.