Serengeti
Serengeti National Park
Endless plains, big cats and the Great Migration all year round, from calving in Ndutu to the Mara River crossings.
03°22′S 36°41′E Arusha · Start point
Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Tarangire
Northern Circuit safari in Tanzania.
From $770 Per person · 3–15+ days
Plan My Northern Safari5-Star Rated · 20+ Years in Tanzania · Private Vehicle & Guide
What is the Northern Circuit in Tanzania?
The Northern Circuit is Tanzania's most famous safari route, starting from Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport. It links the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara, with Lake Natron, Lake Eyasi and Arusha National Park nearby. It is home to the Great Migration and the Big Five. Yera Journeys runs private Northern Circuit safaris of 3 to 15+ days, from $770 per person.
Why the Northern Circuit
Africa's Greatest Wildlife, a Short Drive From Arusha
No other safari route packs this much into so few days. Elephants under baobabs in Tarangire, the Big Five on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, and two million wildebeest moving across the Serengeti, all within reach of Arusha.
Every Yera Northern Circuit safari is private. Your route, your pace and your stays are planned around you, and timed to where the migration is in the month you travel.
The Northern Circuit
The migration. The crater. The Big Five. One route.
Parks of the Northern Circuit
Six Places to See on a Northern Tanzania Safari
Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro Crater
A vast volcanic crater with the Big Five on its floor, and one of the best places in Tanzania to see black rhino.
Tarangire
Tarangire National Park
Large elephant herds, ancient baobabs and the Tarangire River, at its best in the dry season.
Manyara
Lake Manyara National Park
Groundwater forest, flamingos on the lake and the famous tree-climbing lions, close to Ngorongoro.
Arusha NP
Arusha National Park
Walking safaris, canoeing and colobus monkeys under Mount Meru, perfect for your first or last day.
Natron & Eyasi
Lake Natron & Lake Eyasi
Flamingos under Ol Doinyo Lengai at Natron, and Hadzabe and Datoga cultural visits at Eyasi.
Things to do
Northern Circuit Safari Experiences
More than game drives. Mix these into any Northern Circuit safari.
On safari
- Private game drives
- Full-day drives with picnic lunch
- Ngorongoro Crater descent
- Great Migration and river crossings
- Big Five and black rhino
Special experiences
- Balloon safari over the Serengeti
- Walking safaris
- Canoeing in Arusha National Park
- Bush breakfasts and sundowners
- Night drives where permitted
Culture & history
- Maasai village visits
- Hadzabe hunting walk at Lake Eyasi
- Datoga blacksmiths
- Olduvai Gorge, the Cradle of Mankind
- Coffee farm tours in Karatu
On the road
- Private 4x4 with pop-up roof
- A/C, fridge or cooler
- Wi-Fi where the network allows
- Guides in 7 languages
- Fly-in to the Serengeti on request
Great Migration by month
Best Time for a Northern Circuit Safari
December to March
Calving season in Ndutu and the southern Serengeti. Thousands of newborn wildebeest and lots of predator action.
April to June
Herds move through the central and western Serengeti. Green landscapes, fewer visitors and lower prices.
July to October
Dry season and the Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti. The best time for Tarangire elephants.
November brings short rains as the herds head south again. Ngorongoro Crater is excellent all year round.
At a glance
Northern Circuit Tanzania Facts
| Start point | Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
|---|---|
| Main parks | Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara |
| Also nearby | Arusha National Park, Lake Natron, Lake Eyasi, Olduvai Gorge |
| Wildlife | Great Migration, Big Five, black rhino, large elephant herds |
| Length | 3 to 15+ days |
| Best time | All year; December to March for calving, July to October for river crossings |
| Styles | Classic, Signature or Bespoke, mixed as you like |
| Your investment | From $770 per person |
Northern Circuit journeys
Popular Northern Tanzania Safaris
Combine with another circuit
Explore the Rest of Tanzania
Southern Circuit
Nyerere, Ruaha and Mikumi. Wild, quiet parks with boat and walking safaris.
Western Circuit
Mahale, Gombe and Katavi. Chimpanzees and remote wilderness on Lake Tanganyika.
Eastern Circuit
Saadani, Pangani and the Usambara Mountains, where safari meets the coast.
Zanzibar & Coast
End your Northern Circuit safari on a white sand beach, a short flight from Arusha.
Our promise
Plan With Confidence
No cost to start
Your Northern Circuit proposal is free, with no obligation.
Revise until it's right
Change days, parks and stays before you confirm.
Clear price in writing
Every inclusion and exclusion stated before you pay.
Questions travellers ask
Northern Circuit Safari FAQs
Which parks are on Tanzania's Northern Circuit?
The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara, plus Arusha National Park, Lake Natron, Lake Eyasi and Olduvai Gorge.
How many days do I need for the Northern Circuit?
Three days covers Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater. Six to eight days adds the Serengeti and the Great Migration without rushing. With 10 to 15+ days you can add Lake Natron, Lake Eyasi, Arusha National Park or Zanzibar.
How much does a Northern Circuit safari cost?
From $770 per person for a 3-day Classic safari. Signature safaris start from $2,345 and Bespoke from $5,000 per person, depending on season, length and stays.
When is the best time to visit the Northern Circuit?
It is good all year. December to March for calving in Ndutu, July to October for the Mara River crossings and dry-season game viewing.
Where does a Northern Circuit safari start?
In Arusha or at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). You can also fly straight into the Serengeti from Arusha or Zanzibar.
Can I combine the Northern Circuit with Zanzibar?
Yes. Zanzibar is a short flight from Arusha or the Serengeti, so many guests end their safari with a few days on the beach.
Begin your journey
Let's Plan Your Northern Circuit Safari
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Read the Serengeti Migration Guide →