Northern Circuit Safari

• Explore Tarangire National Park

• Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater

• Experience the Serengeti’s exceptional wildlife

• Excellent opportunities to see lions, leopards and cheetahs

• Large elephant herds and iconic baobab landscapes

• Possible Great Migration viewing depending on season

• Private 4×4 safari vehicle and dedicated guide

• Flexible game drives at your own pace

• Carefully selected safari camps and lodges

• Easy to combine with Zanzibar

What Is the Tanzania Northern Circuit?

The Northern Circuit is Tanzania’s most famous safari route.

It links several major wildlife areas in the north of the country, usually including:

• Tarangire National Park

• Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• Serengeti National Park

Depending on your itinerary, it may also include:

• Lake Manyara National Park

• Ndutu and the Southern Serengeti

• Western Serengeti and Grumeti

• Northern Serengeti and Kogatende

The route works especially well because each destination offers a different landscape and wildlife experience.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is known for large elephant populations, ancient baobab trees and the Tarangire River, which attracts wildlife during the drier months.

Depending on the season, you may see:

• Elephants

• Lions

• Giraffes

• Buffalo

• Zebra

• Wildebeest

• Antelope

• Large numbers of birds

Tarangire is particularly rewarding during the dry season, when wildlife concentrates around permanent water.

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Tanzania’s most distinctive wildlife destinations.

The crater floor supports a remarkable concentration of animals within a relatively small area, making it possible to see a wide variety of wildlife during a single game drive.

Common sightings may include:

• Lions

• Elephants

• Buffalo

• Hippos

• Zebra

• Wildebeest

• Hyenas

• Gazelles

Black rhino are also present, although sightings can never be guaranteed.

The Serengeti

The Serengeti is usually the longest and most important part of a Northern Circuit safari.

Which Serengeti region makes the most sense depends on your travel dates.

Central Serengeti

Excellent year-round wildlife viewing, particularly around the Seronera region.

Ndutu & Southern Serengeti

Especially rewarding from approximately January to March during the Great Migration calving season.

Western Serengeti & Grumeti

A quieter region that can be rewarding as migration herds move west and north during approximately May to July.

Northern Serengeti

Popular from approximately July to October for travellers hoping to experience the migration around the Mara River.

When Is the Best Time for a Northern Circuit Safari?

The Northern Circuit can be visited throughout the year, but the experience changes with the seasons.

January to March

Excellent for Ndutu and the Southern Serengeti during the calving season. Tarangire and Ngorongoro also combine well with this route.

April to May

The greener season brings lush landscapes, fewer visitors and attractive value at some camps. Rain can affect road conditions.

June to October

A popular dry-season period for wildlife viewing. Tarangire is particularly strong, while migration herds generally move towards the Western and Northern Serengeti.

November to December

The short rains return, landscapes become greener and migration herds gradually begin moving south again.

How Many Days Do You Need?

For a well-paced Northern Circuit safari, we generally recommend at least 6–8 nights.

A typical route might look like:

• 1–2 nights Tarangire

• 1 night Ngorongoro or Karatu

• 3–4 nights Serengeti

With more time, you can add additional Serengeti regions, Lake Manyara or extra nights for a slower pace.

A Northern Circuit safari of 8–10 nights gives you more flexibility and usually feels less rushed.

Sample Northern Circuit Itinerary

A sample itinerary might include:

Day 1 – Arusha
Arrival and overnight before safari.

Days 2–3 – Tarangire National Park
Game drives among elephant herds and baobab landscapes.

Day 4 – Ngorongoro / Karatu
Travel towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Day 5 – Ngorongoro Crater
Descend into the crater for a full wildlife experience before continuing towards the Serengeti.

Days 6–8 – Central Serengeti
Private game drives through the Seronera region and surrounding plains.

This is only a sample. Your actual itinerary can change according to season, flight schedules, migration movements and preferred travel pace.

Private Northern Circuit Safaris

BookMeAfrica primarily creates private safari itineraries.

Your vehicle and guide are dedicated to your group, giving you flexibility over the pace of your journey.

You can spend longer at wildlife sightings, stop for photography and adjust daily plans according to local conditions without following a larger group schedule.

What Wildlife Can You See?

A Northern Circuit safari offers the chance to see an extraordinary range of wildlife, including:

• Lions

• Leopards

• Cheetahs

• Elephants

• Buffalo

• Giraffes

• Zebra

• Wildebeest

• Hippos

• Hyenas

• Gazelles

• Many other antelope species

• Hundreds of bird species

Depending on the season and route, you may also encounter the Great Migration.

Where Will You Stay?

The Northern Circuit offers everything from intimate tented camps to luxury safari lodges.

We select accommodation according to:

• Location

• Safari season

• Budget

• Comfort level

• Preferred travel style

• Driving distances

For migration-focused trips, camp location becomes especially important because staying in the wrong part of the Serengeti can add unnecessary driving.

What Is Included?

Your Northern Circuit safari can typically include:

• Airport and airstrip transfers

• Full-board safari accommodation

• Private 4×4 safari vehicle

• Private game drives

• English-speaking private guide

• National park and conservation fees

• Tailor-made itinerary planning

• Local safari support

Exact inclusions depend on the final itinerary.

Combine the Northern Circuit With Zanzibar

One of the most popular Tanzania combinations is safari followed by Zanzibar.

After several days exploring Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, you can fly directly from a Serengeti airstrip to Zanzibar for a beach stay.

This works particularly well for:

• Honeymoons

• Couples

• Families

• First-time Tanzania travellers

• Longer holidays

Why Book With BookMeAfrica?

Private Safari Experience

Travel with your own guide and vehicle for a more personal and flexible journey.

Seasonal Route Planning

We match the Serengeti region to your travel dates instead of offering the same route throughout the year.

Carefully Selected Camps

Accommodation is chosen for both comfort and practical safari location.

Tailor-Made Itineraries

Your route can be adjusted to your available nights, budget, interests and preferred pace.

Plan Your Northern Circuit Safari

Tell us when you want to travel, how many nights you have and what you most want to experience.

We’ll recommend the parks, Serengeti regions and camps that make the most sense for your dates.

Start planning your private Tanzania Northern Circuit safari with BookMeAfrica.