The Great Migration
2.5 million wildebeest and zebra thunder across the Serengeti plains in an annual cycle — with Mara River crossings from July to October that rank among the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth.
Tanzania's Northern Circuit
The Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and beyond — Tanzania's most iconic safari circuit, accessible year-round from Arusha and home to the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth.
6
National Parks
Big 5
Wildlife Territory
Year-Round
Accessibility
2 hrs
From Arusha
← All DestinationsCircuit Overview
The Home of the Great Migration
Tanzania's Northern Circuit is the world's most celebrated safari destination — and for good reason. Within a single journey you can witness the planet's greatest wildlife spectacle, descend into an ancient volcanic caldera teeming with the Big Five, and stand beneath thousand-year-old baobab trees while elephant herds drink at the river below.
Arusha serves as the gateway. From here, all six parks are reachable by road or a short charter flight. Whether you have three days or three weeks, the Northern Circuit delivers an Afrika that exceeds even the highest expectations.
Explore the Parks ↓Parks & Reserves
Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire,
Lake Manyara, Arusha NP, Mkomazi
Best Season
June – October (Dry Season)
Wildlife Highlights
Big Five • Great Migration • Tree-Climbing Lions
Safari Activities
Game Drives • Crater Descents • Hot Air Balloon
Gateway City
Arusha, Tanzania
Difficulty Level
All Levels — Ideal for First-Time Visitors
Parks in This Circuit
Six Parks, One Epic Journey
Each park in the Northern Circuit has its own character and its own wildlife specialties. Together they form one of the most complete safari experiences on earth.
Serengeti National Park
Tanzania's most iconic wildlife arena — 14,750 sq km of endless golden savannah and the stage for the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth.
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Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The world's largest intact volcanic caldera — a natural amphitheatre sheltering the highest density of Big Five animals in Afrika.
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Tarangire National Park
Famous for its ancient baobab trees and the largest elephant herds in northern Tanzania — up to 300 elephants visible in a single valley.
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Lake Manyara National Park
A compact jewel with extraordinary wildlife density — tree-climbing lions, flamingo-ringed alkaline shores, and lush ground water forest.
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Arusha National Park
The closest safari destination to Arusha — a compact park of dramatic contrasts, from the Momella Lakes to the forested slopes of Mount Meru.
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Mkomazi National Park
Tanzania's lesser-visited gem on the Kenyan border — a rugged arid wilderness sheltering a critically important black rhino sanctuary.
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Ngorongoro Conservation Area — Afrika's greatest natural amphitheatre
The Northern Circuit Experience
Wildlife, Wilderness & Wonder
No other area on earth concentrates so much iconic Afrikan wildlife into one accessible circuit. The Northern Circuit is the Afrika of the imagination — but better than imagination.
Plan Your Visit
When to Visit the Northern Circuit
The Northern Circuit is open year-round, with different months unlocking different wildlife spectacles. Here's how to match your travel dates to your dream experience.
Jan
Calving Season
Fab
Calving Peak
Mar
Rains Begin
Apr
Long Rains
May
Long Rains
Jun
Dry Season
Jul
River Crossings
Aug
River Crossings
Sep
Dry Season
Oct
Dry Season
Nov
Short Rains
Dec
Good Conditions
Peak Season
Jan – Feb • Jun – Oct
Calving season (Jan–Feb) brings the most intense predator action on the southern Serengeti plains. The dry season (Jun–Oct) delivers the Great Migration's dramatic Mara River crossings and optimal game-viewing across all parks.
Good Season
Mar • Nov – Dec
Transitional periods with fewer visitors and lower rates. The landscape is lush and green. Birdlife reaches its annual peak in November. Ngorongoro Crater remains excellent year-round regardless of the season.
Low Season
April – May
Tanzania's long rains. Some tracks become difficult. However, lodges offer their best rates, and the Serengeti is dramatically lush and green. The Ngorongoro Crater is always accessible and worthwhile even in the rains.
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Northern Circuit Packages
Our Northern Circuit packages are crafted around the very best this circuit has to offer. Tell us your dream and we'll make it happen.
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Tell us which parks excite you most — our guides will build a custom Northern Circuit itinerary within 24 hours. No obligation, completely free.