Tanzania Nothern Circuit Safari

Embark on the Tanzania Northern Circuit safari and immerse yourself in a world of unparalleled natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. This journey takes you through some of Tanzania’s most iconic national parks, each offering unique experiences and a wealth of wildlife and birdlife encounters.

Your adventure begins in Tarangire National Park, a gem of Tanzania’s northern circuit. This park is named after the Tarangire River, which is the lifeblood of the park, flowing throughout the year and providing a crucial water source during the dry season. The river’s presence creates a vital oasis in the arid landscape, attracting a wide variety of wildlife.

Tarangire is renowned for its large herds of elephants, which are often seen congregating around the river and the park’s seasonal swamps. The sight of these majestic giants moving through the landscape, with their impressive tusks and social interactions, is a highlight of any visit. In addition to elephants, Tarangire is home to a range of other wildlife, including lions, leopards, giraffes, and buffaloes.

The park’s diverse habitats, from open grasslands to dense woodlands and acacia-dotted savannahs, also make it a haven for birdwatchers. Over 550 bird species have been recorded here, including the strikingly beautiful lilac-breasted roller and the stately ostrich. The park’s birdlife is especially active around the river and the park’s other water sources, providing ample opportunities for birdwatching.

From Tarangire, your safari continues to the Serengeti National Park, one of Tanzania’s most renowned wildlife destinations. The Serengeti is synonymous with the Great Wildebeest Migration, an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon that draws visitors from around the world.

Every year, millions of wildebeests, along with thousands of zebras and gazelles, embark on a dramatic journey across the Serengeti’s vast plains in search of fresh grazing. This migration, which is driven by the cycle of rainfall and grass growth, creates a dynamic landscape where predators and prey engage in a high-stakes game of survival. Witnessing the migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with the vast herds moving in massive columns and the dramatic river crossings, where animals brave crocodile-infested waters, adding to the spectacle.

Beyond the migration, the Serengeti’s beauty lies in its expansive grasslands, dotted with kopjes (rocky outcrops) and acacia trees. The park is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, and buffaloes. The Serengeti is also renowned for its populations of cheetahs and hyenas, as well as an impressive variety of bird species.

The park’s rich history is also notable, particularly at Olduvai Gorge, often referred to as the “Cradle of Humanity.” This archaeological site, located within the Serengeti ecosystem, is where some of the earliest evidence of human evolution has been discovered. Exploring Olduvai Gorge provides a fascinating insight into the origins of humankind and the evolutionary journey that began in this region of East Africa.

The final stop on your safari is the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most extraordinary wildlife-viewing destinations in the world. The crater, which is the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera, forms a natural bowl that provides a unique and concentrated wildlife experience.

Inside the crater, which spans over 250 square kilometers, you’ll find a high density of wildlife. The fertile soil and abundant vegetation support a rich array of animals, including large populations of lions, elephants, wildebeests, zebras, and a rare population of black rhinos. The crater’s diverse habitats, ranging from grasslands and swamps to forests, offer varied environments for the wildlife that resides within its boundaries.

The Ngorongoro Crater’s stunning landscapes, with its lush floor and towering rim, create a dramatic backdrop for wildlife viewing. The sight of animals moving across the crater floor against this backdrop is a photographer’s dream and a highlight of any safari experience.