Undoubtedly, Tanzania is among the most well-liked locations for an African safari. From first-timers to seasoned safari enthusiasts, the region is adored for its diversified environment, abundant wildlife, plenty of opulent lodges and camps, and rich cultural heritage.

Travelers might easily spend their Tanzania safari tours taking advantage of the extraordinarily large wilderness areas, even if multi-country safari adventures in Africa are the recommended mode of transportation. A thorough Tanzania safari that visits all of the nation’s best national parks and cities might easily take up to four weeks to complete, given the country’s total land area of 947,300 km² (365,754 mi²) and 1,424 km (884.8 mi) of coastline.

The majority of people choose to do a safari in Tanzania’s northern or southern circuits because not many people have the time or resources to travel that far. Here, we examine the variations between the two methods to help you determine which is most appropriate for you. However, be advised that after reading this, you may find yourself wanting to do both!

What Are the Northern and Southern Circuits in Tanzania?

You could honestly believe that Tanzania was created with safaris in mind if you didn’t know any better. However, unless you have an endless budget and amount of time, it is practically impossible to see and do everything in the nation.

Tanzania is so commonly split between the northern circuit and the southern circuit for safari travel. Regarding the national parks of the country, these two circuits highlight their geographic range. Authentic safari experiences, remarkable wildlife encounters, and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscapes await you on any circuit you decide to explore.

What Is the Difference Between the Northern and Southern Safari Circuits in Tanzania?

The safaris offered by Tanzania’s northern and southern circuits offer amazing vistas of wildlife, stunning landscape, opulent lodging, and life-changing experiences. There aren’t many significant variations between them.

Accessibility.

One path is easier to reach than the other, which is the main difference between the two. This is due to the fact that the national parks on the southern circuit are located in incredibly isolated parts of the nation. This implies that since the parks cannot be reached by road, you will have to go by light aircraft to get from place to place. Conversely, the northern circuit offers convenient access to national parks. In addition, the proximity of the wildlife parks to one another reduces travel time and saves time.

Cost.

Traveling on the southern circuit will cost more because it needs fly-in safaris because to its remote location. The cost is increased by fewer flights to this area and greater travel times between parks. The northern circuit is more affordable than the southern one because it is more accessible and has more flights to this region of the nation.

Crowds.

Because it is less expensive and has more well-known drawbacks than the other route, the northern circuit is far more popular. Due to the circuit’s great popularity, you can expect to see a lot of other travelers competing to enjoy the same experiences and sights that you do. This isn’t a problem in the southern circuit; in fact, you may occasionally feel like the only one there.

Wildlife.

Greater concentrations of game can be found in Tanzania’s northern national parks, where safari vehicles are a common sight, so the animals are not readily frightened away. Game drives will find it more difficult to detect wildlife in the south because it is more dispersed. The animals are also wary of vehicles and will flee when they encounter one because the area receives few visitors. The Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) as well as big cats can all be seen in amazing game viewing possibilities on both circuits.

What Destinations Are on the Northern Circuit in Tanzania?

Given that it passes through several of Tanzania’s most well-known tourist destinations, the northern safari circuit is the more well-liked of the two.
Arusha National Park.

The entrance to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit is Arusha, with its picturesque rolling green farmlands and mild temperature. Before traveling farther into the nation, it’s likely that you will stay a night or two in one of the opulent lodgings found on a picturesque coffee plantation. You should definitely take advantage of the chance to explore Tanzania’s underappreciated Arusha National Park, which is home to a variety of animals, including hippos, elephants, and leopards, because of its varied environment.

Serengeti National Park.

One of the attractions of the northern Tanzania trip is the Serengeti National Park, an unquestionable industry titan in the safari business. It goes without saying that one of the main draws for safari travelers to Tanzania is the Serengeti. The romance and majesty of the Serengeti are unparalleled, with events like the Great Wildebeest Migration every year, amazing year-round game watching, breathtaking hot-air balloon rides over the plains, and cultural exchanges with the Maasai.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

The biggest intact volcanic caldera in the world, Ngorongoro Crater, is located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. In addition to being one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders, this UNESCO World Heritage Site provides some of the region’s greatest safari experiences. 30,000 species, including the coveted Big 5, call the floor of the old volcanic caldera home. When you’re not spending your days on game drives, there are many of other thrilling things to do. Walking the crater rim, hiking along pathways through the wilderness, touring local cultures, and mountain biking are just a few examples of what this entails.

Mount Kilimanjaro & Mount Meru.

A safari in northern Tanzania is undoubtedly made more memorable by the chance to view Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. The world is aware that Kilimanjaro, with its snow-capped top, is Africa’s highest mountain and a well-liked trekking destination. From all over the world, tourists swarm to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro (a five to eight-day trip). If the idea of climbing Kilimanjaro seems a little too intimidating, you might begin by climbing Mount Meru. Thankfully, the most stunning views can be found from both summits.

Tarangire National Park.

Few people who travel on safari are aware that Tarangire National Park offers one of the most gratifying safari experiences in the nation; it is frequently overshadowed by its more well-known counterparts, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. However, since there aren’t many people around, you’ll have the best seats for some of the best game viewing. The most well-known inhabitants of Tarangire are the enormous herds of elephants and the lions that scale trees.

Lake Manyara National Park.

The final stop on Tanzania’s northern safari circuit is Lake Manyara National Park. This park, which is situated at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, includes a wide variety of ecosystems, including acacia woodland, floodplain, marsh, and forest. Its namesake, the enormous Lake Manyara, is an incredible addition to the area, making it a wildlife haven with abundant populations. The park is home to many of the most well-known creatures in Africa, but Lake Manyara is particularly wonderful for serious birdwatchers because of the frequent sightings of huge flamingo flocks and numerous raptors.

Rubondo Island.

A hidden treasure on Tanzania’s northern circuit is Rubondo Island. Africa’s largest island national park, Rubondo Island is situated in southwest Lake Victoria and provides a secluded, private haven that is largely unexplored by tourists. Rubondo Island Camp is the only lodging option in the area, so you can virtually count on total isolation and privacy in a pristine, wildlife-rich paradise. The tropical woods of Rubondo Island are among the greatest places to go chimpanzee trekking, making it the highlight of your trip. You will travel through lush foliage in search of these intriguing primates, escorted by a professional ranger.

What Destinations Are on the Southern Circuit in Tanzania?

Safaris in southern Tanzania are little less common than those in northern Tanzania, but the experiences are no less exhilarating. You can anticipate going to:

Dar es Salaam.

The southern circuit and the picturesque beaches of Zanzibar are both accessible from Tanzania’s main city, which also serves as a logistics hub. You will probably spend the night in this old town at the beginning or finish of your safari adventure, much like in Arusha on the northern route. Although Dar es Salaam is a lively city with busy streets, all of the tourist attractions are located outside of the city limits.

Nyerere National Park.

Nyerere National Park, Africa’s largest national park and a true highlight of the southern circuit, was formerly known as Selous Game Reserve. The huge Rufiji River, a dependable water source that draws a broad range of species, is the lifeblood of this isolated, undeveloped, and wildlife-rich region. In an off-the-beaten-path location, Nyerere offers some of the best game watching on the continent, including the Big 5 and the largest concentrations of endangered wild dogs.

Ruaha National Park.

Ruaha National Park is one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets; just 1% of travelers ever make it there. However, this area offers secluded, pristine game viewing in a leisurely, uncrowded setting. You will witness the biggest elephant herds in East Africa as well as all the big cats, and you will stay in tented camps and riverbank lodges where you will be treated to exquisite hospitality and luxurious experiences.

Mahale Mountains National Park.

Mahale Mountains National Park is a mystical hidden treasure on Tanzania’s southern circuit, well-known for its verdant woods, lakefront beaches, and chimpanzee expeditions. The desire to safeguard the thousands of chimpanzees who live in the area gave rise to the park. Currently, it is among the top African locations to interact with primates in their natural environment. Additionally, Lake Tanganyika, the second-largest lake in the world, is nearby, so you can anticipate some of the most breathtaking sunset views as the last rays of sunlight fade from the water’s surface.

Katavi National Park.

Tucked away in a remote area, Katavi National Park is home to some of Tanzania’s most opulent safari lodges and camps, gorgeous scenery, and amazing chances for wildlife viewing. Though most people aren’t aware of it, this hidden gem in Tanzania is a little-known park where prides of lions hunt unsuspecting buffalo. Katavi is best visited during the dry season. Although it may be difficult to get there, once you are there, you won’t want to leave.

Zanzibar.

Although Zanzibar is not officially included in safaris in southern Tanzania, it is a simple logistical addition to your schedule. It’s also the ideal way to treat yourself after spending a week in the bush. The goal of a vacation on Zanzibar’s immaculate beaches is rest and relaxation. During your visit, take in the magnificent beaches, opulent resorts, vibrant markets that line cobblestone streets, mouthwatering local food, spice tours, and an abundance of water-based activities.

Which is Better For Safari: Northern or Southern Tanzania?

What you hope to get out of your Tanzanian safari trip will determine the answer to this question. Tanzania’s top attractions, like as the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro, are located on the northern circuit, which is ideal for first-time travelers seeking the classic Tanzanian safari.

Nonetheless, the southern circuit is an excellent choice for seasoned safari visitors or those seeking a more unique travel experience. Experience an authentic and exclusive safari in some of the most stunning and unexplored locations, like as Ruaha and Nyerere, which are teeming with hidden jewels in distant, undeveloped regions.

It is highly recommended, nevertheless, that you combine the northern and southern circuits into one spectacular luxury safari in Tanzania, if you can afford it.

Ready to book your Safari in Northern or Southern Tanzania?

To begin organizing your fantastic safari across Tanzania’s northern or southern regions, get in contact with our team of Africa Safari Experts. With more than 20 years of expertise, we are experts in creating custom itineraries that will undoubtedly be the vacation of a lifetime:

Fill in and send the safari request form, we shall respond as soon as we receive your message. You can also reach us on Whats-app Number: +256753750983 for urgent requests.