Tanzania Safari Region
Northern Tanzania — Where the Safari Begins
Serengeti. Ngorongoro. Tarangire. Lake Manyara. Four parks. One unforgettable safari region.
Northern Tanzania Safari
Africa's most iconic safari region — and the one that defines Tanzania
Northern Tanzania is where nine out of ten safari visitors begin their Tanzanian journey. It is home to the Serengeti — 15,000km² of unfenced wilderness where the Great Migration plays out each year. It holds Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact volcanic caldera and a wildlife wonderland. It encompasses Tarangire's famous elephant herds and Lake Manyara's pink flamingo carpets.
This is the Tanzania you have imagined: golden grasslands stretching to the horizon, acacia trees silhouetted against burnt-orange sunsets, and wildlife moving in ancient patterns across the landscape. It is also the Tanzania we know best — our family has been guiding here since 1978.
Why Northern Tanzania
Three experiences that define an African safari
The Great Migration
1.5 million wildebeest moving in a continuous loop between the Serengeti and Masai Mara. The greatest wildlife spectacle on earth, entirely within Northern Tanzania.
Ngorongoro Crater
The world's largest intact volcanic caldera is a self-contained wildlife ecosystem. 20km across, 600m deep, and home to every Big Five member except giraffe.
Predator Density
Northern Tanzania has the highest concentration of large predators in Africa. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas are reliably seen on every game drive.
The Parks
Four parks. Every Big Five member. Countless memories.
15,000 km² of unfenced wilderness
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is Tanzania's flagship park and one of the most famous wildlife destinations on earth. It is home to the Great Migration, the highest predator density in Africa, and landscapes that shift from open golden plains to acacia woodlands to rocky outcrops.
Africa's 'Garden of Eden' in a volcanic bowl
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera — a 264km² self-contained ecosystem where wildlife is concentrated at extraordinary densities. This is often the highlight of a Northern Tanzania safari.
Elephant highways and ancient baobabs
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire is the 'elephant park' — home to Tanzania's second-largest elephant population and famous for its massive baobab trees. In dry season, wildlife concentrates dramatically around the Tarangire River.
Flamingos, tree-climbing lions, groundwater forest
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara is a compact but varied park — a soda lake fringed by alkaline flats, a groundwater forest of fig and mahogany, and a escarpment that rises dramatically behind it. Famous for its tree-climbing lions and enormous flamingo flocks.
Planning Essentials
What you need to know before you go
How many days do you need?
Minimum for Northern Tanzania: 5 days. This covers one full day in the Serengeti, a day at Ngorongoro, and travel days. Ideal: 7-10 days. This allows you to explore different regions of the Serengeti (southern plains for calving, central for predators, northern for river crossings) and add Tarangire or Lake Manyara. Two weeks would let you combine Northern Tanzania with a Southern Circuit extension or Zanzibar.
When is the best time to visit?
The Northern Tanzania safari season splits into two: Dry season (June-October) offers the easiest wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources, and the Great Migration river crossings happen July-October. Wet season (November-May) brings lush landscapes, fewer vehicles, lower prices, and the wildebeest calving in January-February. Both are excellent — it depends on what you want to see most.
How much does a Northern Tanzania safari cost?
A 5-day mid-range Northern Tanzania safari starts from $1,800-2,400 per person, including park fees, accommodation, meals, and game drives. Premium camps and private conservancies bring this to $4,000-8,000 per person. Budget safaris start around $1,200 per person for basic camping. The biggest variables are accommodation tier, time of year (peak season Jul-Oct costs more), and whether you choose a group or private safari.
Which park should you prioritize?
If you have 5 days: Serengeti + Ngorongoro (the essential Northern Tanzania combination). If you have 7 days: Add Tarangire for elephants and varied landscapes. If you have 10+ days: Consider splitting time between Southern Serengeti (calving season) and Northern Serengeti (river crossings). Ngorongoro Crater is almost always worth including — it is unique and guarantees wildlife sightings that the Serengeti cannot.
When to Visit
Northern Tanzania through the seasons
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January – March
Calving Season
Wildebeest calve on the southern Serengeti plains. Predator action is extraordinary — lion and cheetah hunts on newborn calves. Lake Manyara flamingos are at their peak.
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April – May
Green Season
Long rains bring lush landscapes. Prices drop significantly. Fewer visitors. Some roads become difficult. Not recommended for first-time visitors.
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June – September
Dry Season
Peak safari season. Wildlife concentrates around water. Best overall game viewing. Great Migration river crossings begin in July. Higher prices and more vehicles.
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October – December
Short Rains
November short rains begin. The Serengeti is still excellent. Wildebeest are in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara. Prices drop after September peak.
Ready to plan your Northern Tanzania safari?
Tell us your travel dates, how many days you have, and what you most want to see. We will design an itinerary that fits — and tell you honestly if you need more or less time.
Questions Answered
Frequently asked questions about Northern Tanzania
What is the difference between the Northern Circuit and Southern Circuit in Tanzania?
The Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara) is Tanzania's most established safari region — easier to access, more accommodation options, and home to the Great Migration. The Southern Circuit (Ruaha, Katavi, Nyerere) is more remote, less visited, and offers a wilder, more exclusive experience. Most first-time safari visitors to Tanzania choose the Northern Circuit.
Can you visit Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti in the same trip?
Yes — this is the most common Tanzania safari combination. Most itineraries include both, often with Tarangire or Lake Manyara as a third park. Ngorongoro Crater is a 2.5-hour drive from the Serengeti, making them easily combinable. We typically recommend at least one night inside the Serengeti itself to maximize your time and avoid the long drive back to Karatu each day.
Is Northern Tanzania safe for families with young children?
Yes — the Northern Circuit is the most family-friendly safari region in Tanzania. Most camps accept children from age 5 and up, and some premium camps cater specifically to families with child-specific activities. The relatively short driving distances between parks (compared to Southern Circuit) make it more manageable with children. That said, game drives can be long and dusty, so we recommend planning rest days and choosing camps with pools.
What should I pack for a Northern Tanzania safari?
Neutral-coloured clothing that blends with the environment (avoid white and bright colours), layers for morning game drives that can be 4-5°C, a light rain jacket for wet season, good walking shoes, binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens (70-200mm minimum for wildlife), sunscreen, and a daypack. Most camps provide laundry service, so you do not need more than 4-5 safari outfits. See our full packing list for Tanzania safaris.
Do I need a visa for Tanzania and how do I get there?
Most nationalities need a Tanzania tourist visa ($50 for US/UK/EU citizens, $100 for others), available on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or as an e-visa before travel. Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for Northern Tanzania safaris — this is the closest major airport to Arusha, the safari hub. Alternatively, fly into Dar es Salaam (DAR) and take a domestic connection to Arusha or directly to Serengeti/Ngorongoro.
What is the best way to travel between the Northern Tanzania parks?
By light aircraft for longer distances (Serengeti to Ngorongoro, or to add Southern Circuit). By 4x4 vehicle for game drives and short inter-park transfers. The drive from Arusha to Ngorongoro is 2.5 hours; from Ngorongoro to Serengeti is another 2.5 hours. Tarangire and Lake Manyara are closer to Arusha (2 hours and 1.5 hours respectively). Internal flights use small airstrips within or near each park.