Safari Circuits in Tanzania : Northern Vs Southern Routes : Tanzania is one of the most popular destinations for an African safari. The country’s diverse country’s diverse landscape, wide variety of wildlife, multitudes of luxury lodges and camps, and rich culture have contributed to Tanzania being a bellowed region for all types of travelers, from first timers to seasoned safari-goers.
It is possible to spend your Tanzania safari enjoying the incredibly vast wilderness areas. With a total land area of 947,300 km² (365,754 mi²) and a coastline that stretches up to 1,424 km (884.8 mi), a comprehensive Tanzania safari that covers all of the country’s top national parks and cities could easily take up to four weeks to complete.
In this article, we look at the differences between the two routes o you can find out which one suites the best – be warned you are likely to walk away from this wanting to do both.
What Are The Northern And Southern Circuits In Tanzania?
If you didn’t know any better, you should swear that Tanzania was designed with safari in mind. And with so much to see and do around the country, it is nearly impossible to explore every inch of it unless you have an unlimited budget and time.
This is why Tanzania is generally divided into two safari routes –the northern circuit and southern circuit. These two circuits refer to the geographical coverage of the country’s national parks. Whichever circuit you choose to explore, you are sure to enjoy authentic safari experiences, exceptional wildlife encounters and incredible views of the natural landscapes.
What Is The Difference Between The Northern And Southern Safari Circuits In Tanzania?
There are no major differences between Tanzania’s northern and southern circuit safaris – both routes offer incredible game views, picturesque scenery, luxury accommodation and unforgettable experiences.
Accessibility
The biggest difference between the two Tanzania Safari Circuits is that one route is more easily accessible than the other. This is because national parks on the southern circuit are situated in extremely remote areas of the country, this means that you will need to travel by light aircraft to get from place to place as the parks are not accessible by road.
The northern circuit, on the other hand, provides easy access to national parks. Also, the wildlife parks are located closer to each other’s, which saves time and cuts out long journeys.
Cost
The southern circuit is so remote and because of this, it requires fly-in safaris, meaning that travelling on this route will cost more. Fewer flights to this region and longer distances to cover between parks making the price higher. The Northern circuit is easier to access and there are more flights to this part of the country, making it the cheaper option of the two.
Crowds
Between the two routes, the northern circuit is much more popular as it is cheaper and has well-known drawcards. The popularity of this circuit means that you are sure to see many other travelers vying to enjoy the same attractions and experiences as you. When on the southern circuit, you won’t have this problem-in fact, you might feel like you are the only one there at times.
Wildlife
Tanzania’s northern national parks have higher concentrations of game, and the animals in these regions are used to seeing safari vehicles daily so they are not scared off easily. In the South the wildlife is more spread out and are harder to spot on game drives, and because the region sees little visitors, the animals are skittish and will run off when vehicles show up.
However, both circuits offer incredible game viewing opportunities for all your favorite African wildlife, from the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) to big cats.
What Destinations Are On The Northern Circuit In Tanzania?
Tanzania’s northern safari circuit is the more popular of the two routes as it has some of the country’s world’s famous attractions.
Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is a gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit with idyllic rolling green farmlands and temperate climate, there is a good chance that you will spend a night or two in one of the luxury accommodations situated on a scenic coffee plantation before heading deeper into the country.
While in Arusha National Park, you will have the opportunity to explore this incredible underrated park in Tanzania that is home to a wide range of wildlife, from hippos to elephants to leopards – thanks to its diverse landscape.
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is undisputedly the most iconic destination in Tanzania and one of the highlights on the northern Tanzania route. It is not secret that Serengeti is one of the biggest reasons why people visit Tanzania for safari.
From the annual Great Wildebeest Migration and incredible year-round game viewing to breath taking hot air balloon rides over the plains and cultural interactions with the Maasai the romance and magic of the Serengeti is unmatched.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera – Ngorongoro Crater. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa but also offers some of the best safari experience in Africa.
The floor of the ancient volcanic caldera is home to 30,000 animals including the sough-after Big Five. In addition to day game drives, there are plenty of other exciting activities to do. This includes walking safari around the crater rim, hikes on paths through the wilderness, picturesque views of the lush greenery, cultural visit and mountain biking among others.
Mount Kilimanjaro & Mount Meru
Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru are two highlights on your northern Tanzania Safari, the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro is known the world over for being Africa’s highest mountain. It is also one of the most popular treks.
Travelers flock from all corners of the globe to summit Mount Kilimanjaro (a trek that ranges from 5 to 8 days. And if the thought of scaling Kilimanjaro is a bit too daunting, you can start off with Mount Meru. Lucky for you, both summits offer the most beautiful views.
Tarangire National Park
Home to the largest concentration of elephants, Tarangire National Park offers one of the most rewarding safaris in the country. though not as famous as her counterparts the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, Tarangire is a perfect destination to visit for travelers who love less crowd meaning that you will get prime seats to some of the best game viewing.
Tarangire National Park’s most famous residents are the large elephant herds and tree-climbing lions.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park rounds off the string of destinations in Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, lying at the foot of the Great Rift Valley Escarpment. This park encompasses a diverse range of habitats such as forest, wetland, floodplain and acacia woodland. And the massive Lake Manyara from which the park gets its name.
Lake Manyara National Park is a wonderland for impressive populations of wildlife, you will find many Africa’s most popular animals roaming the park. Lake Manyara is an incredible destination with for the avid birder, there is large flocks of flamingoes and many birds prey regularly spotted.
Rubondo Island
This hidden gem is situated along the northern circuit of Tanzania, located in southwest Lake Victoria. Rubondo Island is Africa’s largest island national park offering an exclusive private oasis experience in a sanctuary relatively untouched by tourism.
With only one accommodation in the entire region, Rubondo Island camp, you are all but guaranteed complete seclusion and privacy in an unspoilt, wildlife – rich paradise.
Rubondo Island’s tropical rainforests are one of the best destinations for chimpanzee trekking, guided by a professional ranger, you will hike through lush vegetation in search of these fascinating primates.
What Destinations Are On The Southern Circuit In Tanzania?
Southern Tanzania Safari destinations are a little less popular than the northern route, but it has just as many thrilling experience.
Dar Es Salaam
Dar Es Salaam is the largest city and logistics hub in Tanzania and also a doorway to both the southern circuit and the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar. Just like Arusha on the northern circuit, you will most likely have an overnight in this historic town at the start or end of your safari trip.
Dar es Salaam is a vibrant city with bustling streets, but all the attractions that pull in the travelers lie outside the confines of the urban area.
Nyerere National Park
Formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere National Park is the largest national park in Africa and a real highlight on the southern circuit. The lifeblood of the remote, raw and wildlife – rich region is the great Rufiji River – a reliable water source that attracts a wide variety of animals. From the Big 5 to the largest populations of endangered wild dogs.
Nyerere offers some of the best game viewing on the continent in an off-the-beaten path destination.
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is one of Tanzania’s best kept secrets, due to its remotes it receives about 1% of visitors to the country. Yet this region promises unhurried, uncrowded game viewing in a remote, unspoilt landscape. In addition to seeing the largest elephant herds in East Africa and all the big cats, you will be privy to luxury experiences ad excellent hospitality at riverside lodges and tented camps.
Mahale Mountains National Park
Known for its lush forests, lakeside beaches and chimpanzee treks. Mahale Mountains National Park a magical hidden gem on Tanzania’s southern circuit. The park was created to protect the thousands of chimps that call the region home.
Today, it is one of Africa’s premier destinations for primate encounter in their natural habitat. And with Lake Tanganyika – the second – largest lake in the world as its neighbor, you can also expect the most incredible sunset views as the last bits of light disappear on the water’s surface.
Katavi National Park
The remote and secluded Katavi National Park is brimming with some of Tanzania’s luxury safari lodges and camps, picturesque landscapes and incredible game viewing opportunities. This Tanzania hidden gem is less known to travelers, but is a hotspot for prides of lions preying on unsuspecting buffalo.
Best visited in the dry season, Katavi might not be easy to access, but once there, you will never want to leave.
Zanzibar
Technically Zanzibar is not part of the typical southern Tanzania safari but is an easy logistical add-on to your itinerary. It also makes for the perfect reward after a safari in the bush. Rest and relaxation are what you will enjoy on Zanzibar’s pristine shores.
Enjoy spice tours, delicious local cuisine, colorful markets that line cobbled streets, stunning beaches, luxury resorts and a wide variety of water-based activities during your stay.
Which Is Better For Safari: Northern Or Southern Tanzania?
The answer to this question depends on what you want out of your Tanzania Safari experience. THE Northern Circuit is perfect for first timers who want the quintessential Tanzania safari and includes the country’s heavy hitter destinations like Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro.
But for the seasoned safari-goer or traveler who prefers a more off the-beaten track experience, the southern circuit is a great option. The circuit is filled with hidden gems in remote, unspoilt regions like Ruaha and Nyerere, you will have an authentic yet exclusive safari experience in some of the most magical, uncrowded destinations.
However, if you have means to do so, it is highly suggested that you combine both the northern and southern circuits into one Tanzania Safari.
