Northern Destinations
Tanzania Northern Destination
The Northern Circuit of Tanzania is one of the most spectacular and diverse travel regions in all of Africa. Home to world-renowned wildlife parks, towering mountains, cultural treasures, and unique geological wonders, this area offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler—from luxury tourists to adventure seekers.
Northern Tanzania is a land where the raw beauty of Africa unfolds in every direction. It’s a place where ancient landscapes meet vibrant cultures, where wildlife roams freely across golden plains, and where towering mountains touch the sky. From world-famous national parks to cultural gems and geological wonders, this region offers some of the most awe-inspiring travel experiences on the planet.
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
The Serengeti is the most iconic safari destination in Africa—perhaps in the world. Spanning over 14,000 square kilometers, its name means “Endless Plains” in the Maasai language, and rightly so. The vast savannah stretches beyond the horizon, dotted with acacia trees and inhabited by over 70 species of large mammals.
But it’s not just the landscape that makes the Serengeti legendary—it’s the Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the greatest natural events on Earth. Over 1.5 million wildebeests, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, migrate in search of greener pastures, crossing crocodile-infested rivers and predator-laden plains. It’s a front-row seat to nature’s most dramatic survival story.
Activities
Game drives (morning, full-day, or evening)
Witness the Great Migration (best from June to October)
Hot air balloon safaris at sunrise
Birdwatching (over 500 species)
Photography safaris
Visit the Maasai villages on the park outskirts
Top Attractions
- Great Wildebeest Migration
- Ndutu Area
- Grumeti River
- Western Corridor
- Hot Air Balloon Safari
Location
Northern Tanzania
Area Size
14,763 km²
Ngorongoro Crater
Often described as a “Garden of Eden,” the Ngorongoro Crater is a natural wonder—a massive volcanic caldera formed over two million years ago. It spans 260 square kilometers and is home to over 25,000 animals, including lions, elephants, buffalo, and endangered black rhinos.
The steep walls of the crater form a natural enclosure, creating one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. The scenery is absolutely surreal—misty mornings, golden grasslands, freshwater lakes, and lush forests create a paradise for both animals and travelers.
Activities
Crater floor game drives
Visit Olduvai Gorge (fossil site known as the “Cradle of Mankind”)
Cultural visits to Maasai villages
Guided nature walks on the crater rim
Birdwatching around Lake Magadi (within the crater)
Top Attractions
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Maasai Bomas
- Empakaai and Olmoti Craters
- Olduvai Gorge
- Lerai Forest
Location
Arusha Region
Area Size
260 km²
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire is often overlooked—but it’s one of Tanzania’s hidden gems. Famous for its ancient baobab trees and huge herds of elephants (especially during the dry season), the park offers a quieter, more intimate safari experience compared to its larger neighbors.
The Tarangire River, the park’s lifeline, attracts all kinds of animals—lions, leopards, giraffes, wildebeests, and an incredible variety of birds. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 550 recorded species.
Activities
Game drives with chances to see lions, leopards, elephants, and more
Walking safaris (with armed rangers)
Birdwatching (over 550 species)
Night game drives (in select camps)
Visit Maasai and Barabaig communities nearby
Top Attractions
- Tarangire River
- Giant Baobab Trees
- Elephant Migration
- Tree-climbing Pythons
- Silale Swamp
Location
Manyara region
Area Size
2,850 km²
Lake Manyara National Park
Nestled at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara is small but incredibly diverse. From dense forests and open grasslands to the alkaline lake itself, this park offers scenic variety and rich wildlife in a compact area.
It’s most famous for its tree-climbing lions—a rare behavior seen in only a few places on Earth. The lake shimmers with thousands of flamingos during certain seasons, and baboons are commonly seen in large troops.
Lake Manyara offers a lush and scenic environment with forests, grasslands, and the lake itself. It is famous for tree-climbing lions and thousands of flamingos. Though smaller than other parks, it packs a diverse wildlife punch.
Activities
Game drives (best early morning or evening)
Canoeing on Lake Manyara (seasonal)
Forest walks and birdwatching
Picnic by the hot springs (Maji Moto)
Village visits and cycling tours in Mto wa Mbu
Top Attractions
- Tree-Climbing Lions
- Lake Manyara (Soda Lake)
- Maji Moto (Hot Springs)
- Groundwater Forest
- Birdwatching Paradise
Location
Manyara region
Area Size
330 km²
ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
Located at the foot of Mount Meru, Arusha is the starting point for most Northern Tanzania safaris and treks. But it’s more than a transit hub—it’s a lively, culturally rich city with bustling markets, museums, and local flavor.
Travelers can visit local coffee plantations, enjoy Tanzanian cuisine, or take part in cultural tourism programs with the Maasai and Meru communities. Nearby Arusha National Park is great for day trips, offering scenic walking safaris and canoeing.
Located just a short drive from Arusha city, this park offers great diversity in a small area, from Ngurdoto Crater to Mount Meru, forests, waterfalls, and alkaline lakes. It’s ideal for half- or full-day trips.
Activities
Walking safaris with armed rangers (very popular)
Canoeing on Momella Lakes
Game drives (zebras, giraffes, buffalo, monkeys, leopards)
Hike Mount Meru (2nd highest in Tanzania, 3–4 day trek)
Birdwatching (flamingos, hornbills, turacos)
Top Attractions
- Mount Meru
- Ngurdoto Crater
- Momella Lakes
- Tululusia Waterfall
- Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys
Location
Arusha Region
Area Size
552 km²
