What is the northern circuit?
The northern circuit is Tanzania's best known safari route. It links Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti, with the Mara River country of the northern Serengeti at the far end. Roads are good, lodges are plentiful, and wildlife is excellent all year, which is why most first safaris in Tanzania follow it.
We are based in Arusha, the starting point of every northern circuit safari, so we plan from the ground: private 4x4 vehicles with pop-up roofs, licensed driver guides, and lodges or tented camps chosen for each park and season.
Five parks, five different safaris
Serengeti National Park
Endless plains, big cats and the Great Migration. Central Seronera is good all year, Ndutu hosts the calving season, and Kogatende and the Mara River are the focus from July to October.
Explore the Serengeti →Ngorongoro Crater
A volcanic caldera with a dense population of wildlife, including black rhino and large lion prides, seen on a full-day game drive on the crater floor.
Explore Ngorongoro →Tarangire National Park
Large elephant herds among baobab trees, strongest in the dry months from June to October when animals gather along the river.
Explore Tarangire →Lake Manyara National Park
A compact park of groundwater forest, hippo pools and an alkaline lake, ideal for a shorter first or last stop on the way to Ngorongoro.
Explore Lake Manyara →Great Migration
Around two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle move in a loop between the southern Serengeti, the Western Corridor and the northern Serengeti. See where the herds are, month by month.
Migration calendar →Best time for a northern circuit safari
- June to October: the dry season, with the easiest game viewing, the strongest Tarangire elephant numbers and Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti from about July to September.
- January to March: calving season on the southern plains around Ndutu, with large herds and many predators, and fewer visitors than the dry season.
- November and December: short rains with green landscapes and the herds moving back south.
- April and May: the long rains, with the lowest prices and quiet parks, best for travellers who are flexible about weather.
Read the month-by-month guides: Great Migration guide, migration in August, migration in February and best time to visit Tanzania.
How long do you need?
- 3 to 4 days: Tarangire or Lake Manyara with Ngorongoro Crater, a short and affordable first taste of Tanzania.
- 5 to 6 days: Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the central Serengeti, the most popular balance of time and cost.
- 7 days or more: add Lake Manyara and a longer Serengeti stay to follow the migration, or finish with a Zanzibar beach extension.
Compare private northern circuit safari packages, join a group safari departure to share costs, or see where you will stay, from mid-range tented camps to luxury lodges. A private guided safari typically costs about $250 to $600 or more per person per day depending on season, lodge level and group size.
Northern circuit safari FAQs
What is the northern circuit in Tanzania?
The northern circuit is Tanzania’s classic safari route through Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti. It combines large elephant herds, the Ngorongoro Crater, big cats and the Great Migration in one trip.
When is the best time for a northern circuit safari?
June to October is the dry season with the easiest game viewing, and Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti usually fall between July and September. January to March is calving season around Ndutu in the southern Serengeti.
How many days do I need for the northern circuit?
Plan 3 to 4 days for Tarangire or Manyara with Ngorongoro, 5 to 6 days to include the central Serengeti, and 7 days or more to add Lake Manyara and follow the Great Migration.
How much does a northern circuit safari cost?
A private guided northern circuit safari typically costs about $250 to $600 or more per person per day, depending on the season, lodge level and group size. Group departures can lower the cost per person.
Can I see the Great Migration on the northern circuit?
Yes. The migration moves through the Serengeti all year. We time your safari to the herds: calving around Ndutu from January to March, the Western Corridor around May and June, and the Mara River in the northern Serengeti from July to October.
Do you offer mid-range and luxury northern circuit safaris?
Yes. We book mid-range tented camps and lodges as well as luxury lodges in every park on the circuit. See our accommodations page to compare options by location and safari type.
Plan your northern circuit safari
Tell us your dates and how many travellers, and we will reply with a tailored itinerary and price.