Tanzania's Northern Circuit: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Manyara

The northern circuit is Tanzania's most popular safari route, linking four famous parks around Arusha. Each offers something different, and together they give you a remarkable range of landscapes and wildlife.

Serengeti National Park

The headline act. Vast plains, granite kopjes, big cats all year and the Great Migration. Plan at least two nights, and ideally three or four if you want to follow the herds. Best for lion, leopard, cheetah and the migration.

Ngorongoro Crater

A volcanic caldera 600 metres deep with one of the densest wildlife concentrations in Africa and a good chance of black rhino. One morning on the crater floor is enough, and it fits neatly at the end of a safari. Best for rhino, lion, hippo and dramatic scenery.

Tarangire National Park

Elephant herds, giant baobabs and a quieter atmosphere. It is the ideal first stop, only two hours from Arusha. Best from June to October for elephants and large concentrations of animals.

Lake Manyara National Park

A compact park with a forest, hippo pools, a soda lake and the Rift Valley escarpment. It is a good half-day stop between Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Best for birdlife, baboons, and possibly tree-climbing lions.

How many days do you need?

• 4 days: Tarangire, Manyara and Ngorongoro, a perfect short introduction.
• 5 days: the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, with two nights on the plains.
• 6 to 7 days: all four parks at a relaxed pace, ideal for first-time visitors.
• 7 to 8 days: a longer stay in the Serengeti to follow the migration or reach the Mara River.

Driving or flying?

Driving lets you see the landscape and costs less. Flying from Arusha, or from Lake Manyara, to the Serengeti saves hours on the road and works well for shorter trips and luxury itineraries.

Our advice

• First-time visitors should combine at least three parks.
• Add a night in the Karatu highlands or on the crater rim to avoid long driving days.
• Choose camps for location, not only for price, especially in the Serengeti.

Tell us what you want to see and how long you have, and we will design the best route.