The Northern Circuit of Tanzania is one of the most spectacular safari destinations in the world. This iconic route takes you through four of Tanzania's most renowned national parks and conservation areas, each offering a unique ecosystem and wildlife experience.
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is Tanzania's oldest and most popular national park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and recently proclaimed a 7th worldwide wonder. It's famed for the Great Migration — over 2 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle moving in a clockwise direction across the plains in search of fresh grazing and water. The park is also home to the Big Five and boasts the largest lion population in Africa.
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest inactive volcanic caldera, formed over 2 million years ago. Today, it supports a year-round resident population of over 25,000 large animals including black rhino, elephant, lion, buffalo, and hippo. Descending into the crater feels like entering a lost world.
Tarangire National Park
Known for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, Tarangire offers a more intimate safari experience. During the dry season (June-October), the Tarangire River becomes the only source of water, attracting thousands of animals.
Lake Manyara National Park
Famous for its tree-climbing lions and vast flocks of flamingos, Lake Manyara is a small but diverse park. The soda lake covers two-thirds of the park and attracts hundreds of bird species.
Best Time to Visit: June to October for general wildlife viewing, December to March for the wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti.
