One of the most well-liked locations for an African safari is Tanzania. From first-time visitors to seasoned safari-goers, the region is a favorite among all kinds of tourists because to its varied terrain, abundant wildlife, plenty of upscale hotels and camps, and rich cultural heritage.

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

Most people choose to go on safari in Tanzania’s northern or southern circuits because so few individuals in the world have the time and resources to finance such a lengthy excursion. Here, we examine the distinctions between the two methods to help you determine which one is best for you. Be advised, though, that you will probably leave wanting to do both!

What Are the Northern and Southern Circuits in Tanzania?

You would think Tanzania was created with safari in mind if you didn’t know any different. It’s also practically impossible to see and do everything in the country unless you have a lot of free time and money.

The northern circuit and the southern circuit are Tanzania’s two main safari routes because of this. The geographic reach of the nation’s national parks is represented by these two circuits. You will undoubtedly have amazing wildlife sightings, genuine safari experiences, and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscapes no matter which circuit you decide to explore.

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

Both Tanzania’s northern and southern circuit safaris provide amazing wildlife vistas, gorgeous landscapes, opulent lodging, and life-changing experiences, therefore there aren’t any significant variations between them.

Accessibility

One path is easier to get to than the other, which is the main difference between the two. This is due to the fact that the southern circuit’s national parks are located in incredibly isolated regions of the nation. This implies that since the parks are hardly accessible by road, you might have to take light aircraft to get from one location to another. In contrast, the northern circuit offers convenient access to national parks. In addition, the proximity of the wildlife parks to one another saves time and eliminates lengthy travel.

NOTE: Even southern parks can be accessed by road ideally starting from Dar es salaam and we hae gotten 4×4 landcruiser waiting for you to explore. However, the roadside assistance is really challenging.

Cost

Northern parks are very expensive compared to those of the southern. Even accommodation in northern tend to be very expensive due to hi demand in the northern part when compared to western. Therefore, it is more expensive to do a safari in the northern Tanzania when compared to the southern except in event where you opt to go for flying safari in the south.

Crowds

Because it has well-known attractions like Serengeti and Ngorongoro, the northern circuit is far more popular than the other. Many other travelers will undoubtedly be vying for the same experiences and sights as you due to the circuit’s high level of popularity. You will not have this issue when racing on the southern circuit; in fact, you may occasionally feel as though you are the only person there.

Wildlife

Game concentrations are higher in Tanzania’s northern national parks, where the animals are accustomed to seeing safari vehicles on a daily basis and are therefore less likely to be frightened away. In the south, wildlife is more dispersed and more difficult to see on game drives. Additionally, because there aren’t many visitors to the area, the animals are wary and will flee when cars arrive. Nonetheless, both circuits provide amazing chances to see all of your favorite African wildlife, including big cats and the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). For those looking for wild dogs and chimpanzees, you will have to consider visiting the southern part as they are in pretty there.

What Destinations Are on the Northern Circuit in Tanzania?

Because it passes by some of Tanzania’s most well-known sights, the northern safari circuit is the more traveled of the two routes:

Arusha National Park

Tanzania’s northern safari circuit begins at Arusha, which boasts a temperate climate and picturesque rolling green farmlands. Before traveling further into the countryside, it’s likely that you’ll stay for one or two nights in one of the opulent lodgings located on a picturesque coffee plantation. You should take advantage of this opportunity to visit Arusha National Park, a Tanzanian park that is underappreciated yet 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 undeniable titan of the safari industry. There is no denying that one of the main draws for safari travelers to Tanzania is the Serengeti. The romance and beauty of the Serengeti are unparalleled, ranging from the yearly Great Wildebeest Migration and amazing year-round wildlife watching to breathtaking hot-air balloon excursions over the plains and cultural exchanges with the Maasai.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Crater, the biggest intact volcanic crater in the world, 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 continent’s greatest safari experiences. Thirty thousand animals, including the coveted Big 5, live on the floor of the old volcanic crater. There are also lots of other thrilling things to do when you’re not on all-day game drives. This includes, but is not limited to, mountain biking, cultural trips, hiking on trails through the woods, and strolling along the rim of the crater.

Mount Kilimanjaro & Mount Meru

Viewing Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru are undoubtedly two highlights of your safari in northern Tanzania. Known worldwide as Africa’s highest mountain, the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro is also one of the most visited trekking destinations. The five to eight-day trip to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro draws tourists from all over the world. Mount Meru is a good place to start if the idea of climbing Kilimanjaro seems a little too intimidating. Luckily, the best views are from both summits.

Tarangire National Park

Few safari visitors are aware that Tarangire National Park offers one of the most fulfilling safaris in the nation, as it is frequently overshadowed by its more well-known equivalents, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. However, this is to your benefit because there aren’t any crowds, so you’ll have excellent seats for some of the best game viewing. Watch out for the most well-known inhabitants of Tarangire: the massive 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 located at the base of the Great Rift Vally escarpment, contains a variety of habitats, including acacia woodland, marsh, forest, and floodplain. Together with the enormous Lake Manyara, which serves as its namesake, you have a nature paradise. Although the park is home to many of Africa’s most well-known creatures, Lake Manyara is particularly wonderful for avian enthusiasts, since numerous raptors and sizable flamingo flocks may frequently be seen.

What Destinations Are on the Southern Circuit in Tanzania?

Though slightly less well-traveled than the northern route, safaris in southern Tanzania provide an equal number of exhilarating experiences. You should anticipate going to:

Dar es Salaam

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

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 oasis experience in a setting that hasn’t seen much tourist. Additionally, you can be sure of total privacy and seclusion in an untouched, wildlife-rich paradise because there is only one lodging option in the entire area: Rubondo Island Camp. Finally, one of the greatest places to go chimpanzee trekking is the tropical jungles of Rubondo Island. You will trek through dense foliage under the guidance of a qualified ranger to find these amazing primates.

Nyerere National Park

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

Ruaha National Park

Only around 1% of tourists visit Ruaha National Park, one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets. However, this area offers secluded, pristine scenery for leisurely, uncrowded game viewing. You will be treated to luxurious accommodations and first-rate hospitality in riverfront lodges and tented camps, in addition to witnessing the largest herds of elephants in East Africa and all the other big cats.

Mahale Mountains National Park

A mystical hidden treasure on Tanzania’s southern circuit, Mahale Mountains National Park is well-known for its verdant forests, lakeshore beaches, and chimpanzee hikes. The park was created in order to safeguard the thousands of chimps that live in the area. It is now one of the best places in Africa to see primates in their natural environment. Additionally, you may anticipate the most breathtaking sunset views as the last rays of light fade from the water’s surface because Lake Tanganyika, the second-largest lake in the world, is its neighbor.

Katavi National Park

Secluded and remote, Katavi National Park is teeming with Tanzania’s most opulent safari lodges and camps, stunning scenery, and amazing chances to see wildlife. Although most people may not be familiar with this Tanzanian hidden treasure, prides of lions frequently prey on gullible buffalo in this little-visited area. Katavi is best visited during the dry season. It may be difficult to get to, but once you’re there, you won’t want to leave.

Zanzibar

Although it is not officially included in safaris in southern Tanzania, Zanzibar is a simple logistical addition to your schedule. After spending a week in the wilderness, it’s also the ideal way to unwind. Spending time on the immaculate beaches of Zanzibar is all about rest and relaxation. During your visit, take advantage of spice tours, mouthwatering regional food, vibrant marketplaces lining cobblestone streets, breathtaking beaches, opulent resorts, and an extensive array of water-based activities.

Which is Better For Safari: Northern or Southern Tanzania?

What you hope to gain from your Tanzanian safari trip will determine the response to this question. The northern circuit, which encompasses Tanzania’s top attractions including the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro, is ideal for first-timers seeking the classic Tanzanian safari.

However, the southern circuit is a fantastic choice for the experienced safari traveler or tourist who wants a less crowded experience. You’ll have a genuine yet exclusive safari experience in some of the most breathtaking, untouched locations, including Ruaha and Nyerere, which are teeming with hidden treasures.

Nonetheless, it is strongly advised that you combine the northern and southern circuits into a single, spectacular luxury safari in Tanzania if you have the financial resources to do so.