Nothern Circuit Destinations

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

Endless Plains and the Great Wildebeest Migration

The Serengeti National Park is a Tanzanian national park in the Serengeti ecosystem in the Mara and Simiyu regions. It is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a world biosphere reserve. The park is famous for its annual wildebeest migration.

Over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with 200,000 plains zebras, 300,000 Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, and tens of thousands of topi and Coke’s hartebeest, traverse the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem every year. Masai giraffes, waterbucks, impalas, common warthogs, and hippopotamuses are also abundant, making the park a wildlife paradise.

 

Ngorongoro Crater

A Natural Wonder and Wildlife Sanctuary

Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its unique ecosystem supports a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, black rhinos, zebras, and flamingos. The Crater’s breathtaking landscapes, with steep walls and a fertile floor, make it one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Africa’s Roof and Majestic Mountain Treks

Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, attracts adventurers and trekkers from around the world. The mountain offers multiple trekking routes through diverse landscapes, from tropical forests to alpine deserts, leading to the iconic snow-capped summit. Even day hikes around the base provide incredible views and photo opportunities.

Senecio plant in Machame route to Kilimanjaro peak, Tanzania

Lake Manyara National Park

A Scenic Haven of Wildlife, Forests, and Flamingo-Filled Shores

Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s most diverse and picturesque wildlife sanctuaries, stretching from the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment to the sparkling alkaline lake. This compact park is renowned for its lush groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, open floodplains, and the tranquil lake that attracts thousands of flamingos.

The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior that makes Manyara unique. Elephants thrive in the thick forests, while large troops of baboons are commonly seen along the roadside. Hippos gather in the lake’s pools, and birdlife is exceptional with over 400 recorded species. Giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, and impalas roam the plains, creating a rich and dynamic wildlife experience within a relatively small area.

Close-up of exotic Hartlaub's turaco against heavily blurred green vegetation. It is native to Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.

Arusha National Park

A Stunning Blend of Forests, Craters, and Mount Meru's Majestic Slopes

Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s most beautifully diverse parks, offering a mix of lush montane forests, sparkling lakes, volcanic craters, and sweeping views of Mount Meru. Despite its small size, the park packs an impressive variety of landscapes and wildlife, making it perfect for half-day or full-day adventures.

The park is home to giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, waterbucks, and colobus monkeys, which thrive in the dense forests. The Momella Lakes attract thousands of flamingos and a rich diversity of waterbirds. The Ngurdoto Crater, often referred to as the “Little Ngorongoro,” provides stunning panoramic views of wildlife grazing on its marshy floor.
Arusha National Park is also one of the few places in Tanzania where you can enjoy walking safaris and canoeing, offering a peaceful and immersive experience surrounded by nature.

A waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) in Arusha National Park. This national park is located in northern Tanzania.

Tarangire National Park

The Land of Giants – Elephants, Ancient Baobabs & Untouched Wilderness

Tarangire National Park is famous for its massive elephant herds, towering baobab trees, and sweeping golden savannahs. It is one of Tanzania’s most underrated wildlife gems, offering quiet, authentic game viewing away from the crowds. The Tarangire River attracts animals throughout the year, making the park a prime spot for predators, herbivores, and spectacular birdlife.

Visitors can expect to encounter elephants up close, spot prides of lions resting under acacia trees, observe graceful giraffes, and follow seasonal migrations of wildebeest and zebras. With its dramatic landscapes, unique vegetation, and rich wildlife, Tarangire promises an unforgettable safari experience.

African elephants in Tarangire National Park Tanzania on green grass savanna, Tanzania.