Safari Circuits in Tanzania: Northern vs Southern Routes
Tanzania is one of the best safari destinations in Africa, providing you with a variety of landscapes and rich wildlife. The country has two main safari circuits the Northern Circuit and the Southern Circuit. Each provides you with a unique experience But they suit different tastes and ways of traveling. In this guide, we will give you a detailed comparison of both the safari circuit.
Northern Circuit: The Classic Safari Experience
Overview
The Northern Circuit is the most popular safari route in Tanzania. It is widely known for its prominent national parks and the famous Great Migration. It draws in first-time visitors, wildlife lovers and photographers due to the large number of animals and stable infrastructure.
Key Destinations
1. Serengeti National Park
- Home to the Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles wander in search of fresh grass.
- Excellent for sighting big cats, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
- Provides you with economical and budget-friendly options
2. Ngorongoro Crater
- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino).
- Splendid landscapes with rich vegetation and a saltwater lake.
3. Lake Manyara National Park
- Famous for tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos.
- A great site for birdwatching and natural beauty.
- Smaller and less footfall than other parks on the northern circuit.
4. Tarangire National Park
- It is widely known for its large groups of elephants and baobab trees.
- Provides you with a more peaceful safari experience compared to Serengeti.
- A great place to see predators such as lions and leopards.
Pros of the Northern Circuit Tanzania
- A dense wildlife population increases the chances of seeing the Big Five.
- Well-developed structure with various accommodation options.
- Ideal for first-time safari-goers.
- Provides you with safari opportunities throughout the year, with the Great Migration as the main highlight of this safari circuit
Cons of the Northern Circuit
- Can be crowded, especially during the peak migration season (July–October).
- Higher safari and accommodation costs due to popularity and appeal.
Southern Circuit: The Untamed Wilderness
Overview
The Tanzania southern circuit is perfect for people looking for remote adventure with less crowd. This safari circuit is ideal for seasoned safari travellers and people who are more interested in a close connection with nature.
Key Destinations
1. Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve)
- One of the largest protected areas in Africa, Stretches over 30,000 km².
- Provides you with boat safaris on the Rufiji River, a unique option to traditional game drives.
- Home to large populations of elephants, crocodiles, hippos, and wild dogs.
2. Ruaha National Park
- The largest national park in Tanzania. It is known for its beauty and diverse ecosystems.
- Excellent for predator sightings, including high clusters of lions.
- Fewer amount of tourists giving you a more private and exclusive safari experience
3. Mikumi National Park
- Usually compared to the Serengeti but with fewer crowds.
- Easy to access from Dar es Salaam, making it ideal for shorter safaris.
- Home to elephants, zebras, giraffes, and various antelope species.
Pros of the Southern Circuit Tanzania
- Remote and uncrowded providing you with a real jungle experience.
- More economical than the Tanzania northern circuit.
- Unique safari activities like boat safaris and walking safaris.
- Excellent for seeing predators such as lions and wild dogs.
Cons of the Southern Circuit
- A less dense wildlife population than the northern circuit
- Some areas are harder to access needing longer drives or domestic flights.
- Limited accommodation options as compared to the Northern circuit.
Which Safari Circuit is Right for You?
| Feature | Northern Circuit | Southern Circuit |
| Best for | First-time visitors, families, photographers | Experienced travellers, adventure seekers, budget-conscious visitors |
| Wildlife Density | Very high | Moderate to high |
| Crowds | High | Low |
| Accessibility | Easy, well-connected by road and air | More remote, requires flights or long drives |
| Main Attractions | Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire | Nyerere, Ruaha, Mikumi |
| Budget | Higher costs due to popularity | Usually more economical |
| Best Time to Visit | Throughout the year, Great Migration (July–October) | Dry season (June–October) for best wildlife viewing |
Conclusion
Both the northern and southern circuits in Tanzania provide you with amazing wildlife experiences, but they provide different kinds of travellers. Your choice between both these circuits depends on your preferences, budget, and the kind of adventure you want.
