Travel Idea

Northern Tanzania

The cradle of life

overview

Tanzania's Northern Parks, simply put, are iconic, especially the legendary and spectacular Serengeti National Park - home to The Great Migration. Here, you also can see the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara, with the option to combine with some time on Zanzibar.

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Tanzania's Northern Circuit is world-famous, and for a good reason. The landscape, wildlife, people, history and culture make it a strong contender for Africa's best safari circuit.

Ben Nelson
Founder

Serengeti National Park

It is hard to describe in words. Not only seeing, but also hearing the buzz of millions of wildebeest so thick in the air that it vibrates throughout the park. With vistas of endless sun-kissed plains and powerful sunsets so beautiful, it's worth the trip to witness the views alone. Meet the Maasai people, greeted by warm smiles rich in history. Or enjoy being amongst thousands of animals; your Serengeti visit will be magical and unforgettable.

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The Ngorongoro Crater 

The Ngorongoro Crater is a breathtaking and one of the best places in East Africa to see the Big Five - it is a great way to start your Tanzania adventure. However, as one of the world's most astonishing and renowned natural wonders, the Ngorongoro Crater does get busy and, at times, very busy. Due to the crowds, we suggest a two-night stay here at most, before moving on to the Serengeti for a quieter, more private safari experience.

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Home to The Great Migration

The Great Migration is one of the world’s most incredible natural occurrences. Every year, nearly 1.5 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebra make the long trek North from Tanzania’s Serengeti Plains to Kenya’s Maasai Mara.

Did you know

On 26th April back in 1964, Zanzibar joined Tanganyika to become the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar - and in October of the same year, the country was renamed 'Tanzania' to reflect both mainland and island.

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Tarangire National Park

Located slightly off the beaten path, is this lovely, quieter park. It is famous for its elephant migration and authentic safari atmosphere. It you want to keep away from the crowds and enjoy intimacy, then this is a worthy inclusion in your itinerary. We often debate whether time here or the Ngorongoro Crater is more worthwhile.

Lake Manyara

Located next to Tarangire you will find Lake Manyara. While the scenic beauty of this park certainly makes it worth a visit, the level of game viewing is much lower. Famous for tree-climbing lions, flamingos, breath-taking scenery and a soda-ash lake in the centre, Lake Manyara is worth a visit, but only a day trip in our view.

Zanzibar

A tropical paradise just a short scenic flight away from Tanzania's Northern parks. With stunning waters, sandy beaches and charm, these spice-running islands make the perfect beach finish to any safari. We would always opt for a beach finish here over moving countries, as the travel is so seamless that it becomes part of the fun!

Birders paradise

The variety of landscapes, from the open plains to running rivers mean there are hundreds of species to tick off during your time in Tanzania - there are more than 1,100 bird species.

Zanzibar's Stone Town

Check out the old town market, the National Museum, the House of Wonders, the Sultan’s Palace, Livingstone’s House, and the atmospheric Old Fort.

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