Northern Circuit National Parks
The Northern Safari Circuit of Tanzania is renowned as the heart of African wildlife, a legendary route that encompasses some of the world’s most spectacular national parks and conservation areas. This circuit offers an unparalleled diversity of landscapes, incredible concentrations of wildlife, and the chance to witness nature’s most dramatic events. From vast savannahs teeming with life to ancient volcanic craters and majestic mountains, your adventure through the Northern Circuit promises to be truly unforgettable.
Serengeti National Park: The Endless Plains
Overview: Tanzania’s oldest and most famous national park, the Serengeti, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching across vast, golden savannahs. Its name, derived from the Maasai word “Siringitu,” means “the place where the land runs on forever,” a perfect description of its boundless horizons.
What to See: Home to the world-renowned Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles embark on an epic annual journey. It boasts an exceptionally high concentration of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, along with elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and diverse birdlife.
Unique Features: Iconic kopjes (rocky outcrops) that serve as prime viewing spots for predators, and the Grumeti and Mara Rivers, famous for dramatic river crossings during the migration.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area: The Eighth Wonder of the World
Overview: A unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a groundbreaking example of multi-purpose land use, where wildlife, domestic livestock, and the Maasai people coexist. Its centerpiece is the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact and unflooded volcanic caldera.
What to See: The Crater floor is a natural amphitheater teeming with an incredible density of wildlife year-round, including the Big Five (it’s one of the best places to spot the endangered black rhino). You’ll also find vast flocks of flamingos in the soda lakes and a rich variety of bird species.
Unique Features: The stunning caldera landscape, the opportunity for cultural interactions with the Maasai, and archaeological sites like Olduvai Gorge, known as the “Cradle of Mankind.”
Tarangire National Park: The Land of Giants & Baobabs
Overview: Often overlooked but incredibly rewarding, Tarangire is famous for its immense elephant herds and ancient baobab trees that dot the landscape. The Tarangire River, its permanent water source, draws vast numbers of animals during the dry season.
Lake Manyara National Park: A Diverse Ecosystem
Overview: Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara is a relatively small park but boasts an incredibly diverse ecosystem, ranging from groundwater forests to acacia woodlands and the alkaline lake itself.
What to See: Famous for its tree-climbing lions (though sightings are not guaranteed), large troops of baboons, and immense flocks of flamingos that often paint the lake’s shores pink. You can also spot elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and a wide array of bird species.
Unique Features: The dramatic Rift Valley backdrop, the unique tree-climbing lions, and a fantastic birdwatching destination.
Arusha National Park: The Hidden Gem
Overview: Located near the safari capital of Arusha, this compact park is often visited for day trips or as a starting point for Mount Meru treks. It offers a surprising diversity of landscapes within its small area.
What to See: Home to the beautiful Momella Lakes (often frequented by flamingos), the Ngurdoto Crater, and lush montane forests. It’s one of the best places to see the agile black-and-white colobus monkeys. Giraffes, zebras, and buffalo are also common. While lions are absent, leopards and hyenas can be spotted.
Unique Features: The stunning views of Mount Meru (and Kilimanjaro on clear days), the diverse habitats, and opportunities for walking safaris.
Mkomazi National Park: A Sanctuary for Endangered Species
Overview: Located in northeastern Tanzania, Mkomazi is a vital sanctuary for two highly endangered species: the black rhino and the African wild dog. It offers a more remote and exclusive safari experience.
What to See: Focus on conservation efforts and the chance to see black rhinos and wild dogs. Also home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species.
Unique Features: Its critical role in rhino and wild dog conservation, and its rugged, less-visited wilderness.
