Tanzania is home to many fascinating attractions – from towering mountains like the Kilimanjaro to world-famous parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Yet, the Selous Game Reserve, Gombe National Park, and Zanzibar are appealing before you name the country’s 120 tribes.

To get at least a glance at its natural beauty, we break into four circuits: the northern circuit, southern circuit, western circuit, and coastal circuit. And each of them will amaze you with its unique appeal. In this article, we talk about the main safari circuits in Tanzania and what each one’s unique charm is. Let’s get into it.

Northern Safari Circuit

As per our own experience, this circuit is the favorite for most first-timers. This is because the most well-known destinations lie in this region. Therefore, many guests come here for lifetime experiences because this circuit never disappoints.

Top attractions in the northern circuit

The circuit is home to Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Arusha National Park, Lake Eyasi, and Lake Natron. And each of these wonderful places has much to offer. Here are some of them and what they offer.

Serengeti National Park – the home of the Great Migration, Big Five, and the world’s largest population of predators. Known for its vast, expansive plains that the Maasai describe as “plains that run forever,” and diverse wildlife. It’s a true gem for an adventurer.

Mount Kilimanjaro – the ‘roof of Africa’ Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest peak. Known for its non-technical climb, it favors both beginners and avid hikers. It’s a must-visit for hikers and non-hikers.

Ngorongoro Crater – Nestled within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this unique, giant, unbroken caldera is a wonder by itself. Known for the highest density of wildlife and as the most promising place to tick off the Big Five.

Tarangire National Park – Here, you can witness massive elephant herds, baobabs, and wildlife around the Tarangire River during the dry season.

Lake Manyara National Park – Often overlooked, but hosts the tree-climbing lion, a one-of-a-kind lion species only existing there in Tanzania. The pink flamingos on its shore are a feature you won’t find in the Serengeti. There’s a canopy walkway, an airwalk in the canopy 15 meters off the ground.

Lake Natron – This lake turns animals into stone. Really? Sorry, not all animals: the lesser flamingos survive and breed on the shores. This extremely alkaline lake is not for swimming, but for watching its reddish coloration.

Arusha National Park – here you combine hiking and wildlife viewing. Mount Meru, the country’s second, is no doubt the real taste before attempting Kilimanjaro. Also, there’s a diverse wildlife species here, including buffalo, giraffes, and monkeys.

Lake Eyasi – One tribe in Tanzania is still hunting and gathering for a living. That’s the Hadzabe. They inhabit the forests on the shores of this lake.

How to get to the northern safari circuit

The other reason visitors prefer this circuit is accessibility. The main gateway to this region is Arusha. This bustling, beautiful city receives regional and international flights at the flagship Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). From Arusha, it’s easier to access the parks because:

• The road conditions are better.
• You can fly directly from Arusha Airport (ARK) to Serengeti.
• Many tour operators (including us) have headquarters in this city.

Southern Safari Circuit

If you want to avoid the crowded northern parks, head to the south. Here, you’ll find virgin southern parks with wildlife in its raw nature.

Top destinations in the southern circuit

This circuit is home to stunning parks, including Nyerere, Ruaha, Mikumi, Kitulo, and Udzungwa Mountains National Parks. Let’s what’s unique in these parks:

Nyerere National Park (previously Selous Game Reserve) – Here’s where wildlife teems with unexplored forests in the country’s largest park. African wild dogs, which are very rare in the north, are abundant in this park. In addition, you enjoy night safaris, boat safaris, and fly camping, which the northern parks rarely offer.

Ruaha National Park – Next to Nyerere, is Ruaha, the second largest park. Famous for its large elephant herds and baobabs, this park offers secluded safaris as compared to Tarangire in the north (which also has many elephants and baobabs).

Mikumi National Park – Home to the Mkata floodplains, Mikumi hosts many plains animals. Here, you enjoy wildlife without the crowd.

Kitulo National Park – Dubbed as the ‘Serengeti of Flowers,’ Kitulo hosts over 350 plant species. And about 35 of these species are orchids. Between November and May, the park turns into a “Garden of God,” creating a scenic view for photo lovers.

Udzungwa Mountains National Park – Here, you combine hiking experience with wildlife viewing, with many endangered species finding their home on the slopes of this stunning park.

How to get to the southern safari circuit

The main gateway to the southern safari circuit is Dar es Salaam, the business capital of Tanzania. Fly into the Julius Kambarage International Airport (Dar) in Dar es Salaam, then catch a domestic flight to your destination. A pro tip here is that driving can be challenging since these parks are remote. We recommend flying or railway (longer, but adventurous).

Western Safari Circuit

In the far, remote western side of Tanzania, is the Western Safari Circuit. If you want to see chimpanzees or swim in Lake Tanganyika, you’ve come to the right place.

Top destinations in the Western Safari Circuit

This region is home to Gombe National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park, and Katavi National Park. Here’s what they have to offer:

Gombe National Park – Famous for Jane Goodall’s research on wild chimpanzees, Gombe harbors this endangered primate species. Here, you can trek in their footsteps through dense forests, then spend an hour looking at them.

Mahale Mountain National Park offers chimpanzee trekking and unique beach experiences on Lake Tanganyika. You can also trek this stunning mountain range.

Katavi National Park offers unique, remote, secluded game drives. It’s famous for its high concentration of buffalo and hippo. You can see giraffes, lions, leopards, etc., plus the availability of luxury lodges year-round.

How to get to the western circuit.

The best way is to catch a flight from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to Kigoma Airport, then take a boat to Gombe or Mahale. Scheduled and charter flights are also available to Katavi National Park.

The Coastal Circuit

If you’re dreaming of an amazing beachside relaxation, you’re in the right place. Tanzania’s mainland coast plus Zanzibar’s exquisite beaches will excite. However, there’s a surprise! Yes, it’s the Saadani National Park, where bush meets ocean.

Top destinations in the coastal circuit

This circuit is home to Zanzibar (Unguja), Pemba, Mafia, and Saadani.

Zanzibar – a perfect place for relaxing and exploring culture, history, and marine life. Enjoy vibrant beaches like Nungwi, Kendwa, Jambiani, and more. Embark on a street walk through the Stone Town or enjoy diving and snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll.

Pemba – a quiet, pristine island, where you can enjoy uninterrupted beach relaxation. You can swim, snorkel, or sleep in the Manta Resort’s Underwater Room.

Mafia Island – a remote, unexplored island famous for humpback migration and dolphins. You can enjoy a lot, all on yourself.

Saadani National Park – this park gives you the experience of wildlife like elephants and marine life like sea turtles. How does it feel to have an elephant guest as you chill on the beach?

How to get to the Coastal Circuit

The best way is to fly into the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. To get to Pemba, take a domestic flight from this airport or a boat ride. Mafia is just a boat ride away from Zanzibar. And for the Saadani, you can drive from Dar es Salaam or Tanga town.

Final word

Now you know where to be based on your preference. Whether you want to see the Big Five, fly camp in the south, say hello to chimps, or lie on sun-kissed beaches of Zanzibar, we can promise your trip will be one of a kind. If you can’t figure out where to go, we are ready to help you. Drop us a call, and your once-in-a-lifetime safari plan will be ready in just seconds.