Follow Tanzania's big migration
I fell in love with Tanzania while visiting Dar es Salaam. It’s one of the easiest and most relaxed African cities I’ve ever traveled—friendly people, great food, and everything just worked out.
Later, I went on safari—and it completely blew me away. As soon as our jeep rolled onto those dusty plains, I knew it was something special. We saw elephants up close, lions lounging in the grass, and sunsets that didn’t look real. I still get goosebumps thinking about
If you want to feel that same spark, begin with the Northern Circuit. Four parks sit side by side like shiny beads:
- Tarangire – elephants and old baobab trees
- Lake Manyara – flamingos and tree-climbing lions
- Ngorongoro Crater – a green bowl packed with animals
- Serengeti – endless grass and the great migration
Tanzania’s Northern Circuit is a great place to start. This region offers several stunning national parks, including Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the famous Serengeti. Tour operators provide many possibilities, ranging from budget camping safaris to luxury lodging safaris. If you’re on a tight budget, consider visiting Tarangire National Park as a day trip from Arusha or Dar es Salaam. If you’re thinking of going on a safari, here are some tips to help make your safari unforgettable.
The Northern Curcuit
Are you planning a safari in Tanzania? You’ll most likely stumble upon Arusha. The mid-sized city is nestled right in the middle of the “Northern Circuit” between several stunning national parks such as Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the famous Serengeti. It is a fantastic starting point for safaris to discover African wildlife.
Safaris in the North
Tarangire National Park
Quick Facts
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Distance from Arusha: ~120 km / 75 mi (about 1.5 hrs by road)
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Size: 2,900 km²—small for Tanzania, big on variety
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Claim to fame: Tarangire River, giant baobabs, and the country’s densest dry-season wildlife
At 2,900 km² it’s smaller than its famous neighbours, yet its mix of baobab groves, open savanna, and seasonal marshes feels endless. The Tarangire River slices through the park and, in the dry months, becomes the only reliable water source for miles.
Our “private” safari surprise. No one else joined our jeep that morning, so the savanna felt like ours alone. We bumped past ancient baobabs and skyscraper-high termite mounds before the plains began to pulse with life: zebras and wildebeest first, then buffalo, impala, lanky giraffes, and a troop of curious vervet monkeys.
Wildlife highlights. Tarangire is elephant heaven—more than 300 family herds roam here, and standing beside them is pure magic. Lions and leopards lounge in the shade, rare gerenuk peer from the scrub, and over 550 bird species flicker through the sky. Because every creature funnels to the river in the dry season (June-October), game spotting can feel almost effortless.
Why visit Tarangire: Declared a reserve in 1970, Tarangire helped elephant numbers rebound and has stayed blissfully quieter than the Serengeti or Ngorongoro. It’s perfect for slow travel: unhurried game drives, guided bush walks, or simply soaking up the hush of the wild. Add it to your Northern Circuit plans—you won’t regret it.
Visiting Tarangire National Park
Best time to visit Tarangire National Park:
Dry season: The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to October, when the animals cluster around the Tarangire River.
High season: July and August are the top high season when most tourists visit.
Rainy season: March and April are the wettest months and have fewer visitors. During those months, the vegetation is full and lush, and the sky is supposed to be primarily dramatic at sunrises and sunsets.
Tarangire National Park entry fees and costs
For 180$, we went on a day trip to Tarangire National Park with the local provider African Travel Tour in Arusha. Our package included a comfortable safari jeep, lunch, and a guide.
The entry fees for Tarangire National Park are $ 53 incl. The VAT was already included, too.
Tarangire National Park offers some rather expensive lodges on the park’s grounds. However, there’s also a campsite. Therefore, we can only recommend a day trip from Arusha if you are traveling on a budget.
Places to stay around Tarangire
Asmorein Hotel
Located a bit off the beaten path Asmorein is a true home away from close to Lake Babati. The views are stunning.
Located right inside Tarangire National park, 10 cute tents are open for visitors. The service is amazing and the feeling to hear wildlife so close by is incredible!
Ngorongoro Crater
Quick Facts
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Distance from Arusha: ≈ 180 km / 110 mi (3.5–4 hrs by road)
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Size: 8,300 km² for the entire Ngorongoro Conservation Area; the crater floor itself covers around 260 km²
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Claim to fame: World’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera, home to the Big Five and rich Maasai culture
Tanzania’s Iconic Safari Destination
The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Africa’s most dramatic safari backdrops. Formed by a collapsed volcano, it’s the largest intact caldera on Earth, with steep crater walls enclosing a natural wildlife haven that feels like a world of its own.
Wildlife at Ngorongoro Crater
Around 30,000 animals live permanently inside the crater, including lions, elephants, zebras, buffalo, hippos, and the endangered black rhino. Because of the year-round water and grass, wildlife spotting is incredibly rewarding—even on a single-day drive.
Beyond the Crater: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The surrounding Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) stretches far beyond the crater and offers some of the highest densities of big game in Africa. Rolling plains, forests, and volcanic hills support everything from giraffes and cheetahs to vast herds of wildebeest during their calving season.
A Glimpse of Maasai Life at Ngorongoro Crater
Many tours include a visit to a Maasai boma—a traditional family homestead made of mud, sticks, and thatch. Here, you’ll get a brief but eye-opening look at Maasai culture, where cattle are central to daily life and social status. It’s a chance to understand how these semi-nomadic people coexist with wildlife in this protected area.
Why Visit Ngorongoro
Though entrance fees are high and the crater can feel busy during peak months, the wildlife density, stunning scenery, and cultural insights make it more than worth it. Come early, descend at dawn, and you’ll be rewarded with that surreal moment when the morning mist clears and the crater floor comes alive. Whether you’re on a short Northern Circuit tour or a longer Tanzania safari, Ngorongoro is a must.
Visiting Ngorongoro
Best Time to Visit Ngorongoro Crater
Year-round appeal. Thanks to permanent springs and grasslands inside the caldera, Ngorongoro Crater delivers reliable wildlife viewing in every month.
Dry season (June – September). Short grass and shrinking waterholes draw animals into the open, making sightings easy. Mornings on the rim can feel wintry—pack a fleece or light jacket.
Short-rains “green” season (October – December). Brief afternoon showers turn the slopes emerald, birdlife explodes, and visitor numbers dip. Photographers love the fresh colors and softer light.
Calving season (January – February). Tens of thousands of wildebeest drop their young on the surrounding plains, and predators follow. Expect dramatic chases and plenty of action.
Long-rains shoulder (March – May). Heavier rains mean muddy tracks and occasional closures, but prices plunge and the crater looks its most vibrant. If you don’t mind showers, you’ll have the views almost to yourself.
Quick takeaway. For classic, crowd-pleasing game drives, choose June–September. If lush scenery, baby animals, or lower rates matter more, aim for the green or shoulder months—just come prepared for changing skies.
Ngorongoro Crater Entry Fees & Costs (2025 Update)
Park entry: USD 60–70 per person, per day
Crater service fee: USD 250–295 per vehicle (to descend into the crater)
Vehicle permit (conservation area only): Around USD 40–50 per vehicle
Guide fees: Typically USD 40–100 per day
Camping: Starts from USD 30–60 per person
Lodges: Begin around USD 150 per person, mid-range to luxury
Ngorongoro lies about 120 km from Arusha, so day trips are possible—but staying overnight allows for sunrise game drives and fewer crowds.
Quick tip: Fees can change, so always double-check with your lodge or tour operator when booking.
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Serengeti National Park
Quick Facts
- Distance from Arusha: ≈ 325 km / 200 mi (7–8 hrs by road, 1 hr by bush plane)
- Size: 14,750 km² (5,700 sq mi) — Tanzania’s largest national park
- Claim to fame: The Great Wildebeest Migration, huge predator densities, and “endless plains” that run into Kenya’s Maasai Mara
At nearly 15,000 km², the Serengeti dwarfs every other park on the Northern Circuit. Yet its open grasslands, riverine forests, and rocky kopjes feel surprisingly intimate once you’re bumping along a game track. The name comes from the Maasai word siringet, meaning “the place where the land runs on forever.” One look at that horizon and you’ll get it.
Wildlife Serengeti National Park
- Great Migration: ~ 1 million wildebeest plus zebra and gazelle circle the ecosystem year-round; river crossings peak June–September (Grumeti & Mara Rivers).
- Predators: Africa’s densest populations of lion, cheetah, and hyena; leopards drape across acacia limbs in Seronera.
- Birdlife: 500+ species, from lilac-breasted rollers to secretary birds strutting the short grass.
Why visit the Serengeti
Yes, it’s farther from Arusha and pricier than Tarangire or Ngorongoro (you will have to fly!), but the payoff is staggering: horizon-to-horizon game, cinematic river crossings, and predator action you won’t see anywhere else. Split your time among Central (Seronera) for year-round cats, the Western Corridor for Grumeti river drama, and the Northern Serengeti for Mara crossings and quieter camps. Slow down, stay a few nights, and let those endless plains work their spell—you’ll understand why “Serengeti” is the gold standard for every safari dreamer.
Visiting Serengeti National Park
Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park
Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park
Planning your visit around the Great Migration is key to experiencing the Serengeti at its best. Here’s a quick breakdown:
January – March: Calving season in the Southern Serengeti. Thousands of wildebeest give birth, attracting predators like lions and cheetahs. Great for action-packed sightings.
June – July: Dry season begins. Herds move northwest and cross the Grumeti River—expect dramatic encounters with crocodiles.
August – September: Peak migration in the Northern Serengeti. Iconic Mara River crossings offer unforgettable safari scenes.
October – November: Short rains begin. Herds head south again through Lobo and Seronera. Fewer tourists, great game viewing.
December: Wildebeest return to the Southern Plains. Lush landscapes and active predators set the stage for calving.
Tip: For river crossings, go June–September. For fewer crowds and rich scenery, aim for the shoulder months.
Serengeti Entry Fees & Costs
Park fees: International visitors pay USD 70 per person, per day to enter Serengeti National Park.
Vehicle & guide: Count on USD 40–100 for a professional guide plus USD 30–50 for the vehicle permit and fuel.
Inside-park lodges: Mid-range camps start around USD 200–250 per person, per night; luxury tented suites can soar past USD 1,000.
Total daily budget: A classic, mid-range safari inside the park runs USD 400–600+ per person (park fee + guide + vehicle + lodge).
Places to stay around Serengeti
Africa Safari Maasai Boma Camping
As the name suggests, the accommodation is inspired by a traditional Maasai boma. Look around and you will understand why; you are in their midst. The round mud houses with thatched roofs are simple and solid, yet comfortable.
Lake Manyara
Quick Facts
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Distance from Arusha: ≈ 125 km / 78 mi (about 2–2.5 hrs by road)
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Size: 330 km² (nearly 200 km² of it is the lake itself)
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Claim to fame: Rift Valley escarpment views, tree-climbing lions, alkaline lake packed with flamingos, and Africa’s largest baboon troops
At just 330 km², Lake Manyara is the smallest park on Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, yet its scenery changes by the minute. One moment you’re in cool groundwater forest, the next you’re skimming open savanna or skirting the glittering rim of the lake. That lake—shallow, alkaline, and famous for flamingos—expands in the rains and can vanish almost completely in the dry months, leaving pools teeming with algae and pink birds.
Wildlife highlights
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Tree-climbing lions lounging above the heat
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Huge baboon troops swaggering along the roadside
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Elephants emerging from thick forest for a mud bath
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Seasonal flamingo clouds plus more than 400 bird species year-round
Why visit Lake Manyara
Two hours from Arusha and en route to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, Manyara makes the perfect “warm-up” safari. It’s budget-friendly, rarely crowded, and its mix of forest, lake, and savanna means you tick off a surprising amount of wildlife in a single game drive. Add it to the front of your Northern Circuit itinerary and ease into the safari rhythm—pink horizons, acacia silhouettes, and maybe a lion in the treetops.
Visiting Lake Manyara Park
Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara is a year-round safari destination, but the experience varies by season depending on what you’re hoping to see.
Dry Season (June to September):
This is the best time for general wildlife viewing. With less vegetation, animals are easier to spot, especially elephants, baboons, and the park’s famous tree-climbing lions. Roads are also in better condition for game drives.
Rainy Season (November to May):
The landscape turns lush and green, offering stunning scenery and fewer crowds. It’s the best time for bird watching, as thousands of flamingos and migratory birds arrive at the lake. Calving season also brings new life and increased predator activity.
Quick tip: Visit during the shoulder months (October or May) to enjoy a balance of good wildlife viewing, beautiful landscapes, and lower visitor numbers.
Lake Manyara Entry Fees & Safari Costs (2024-25)Your Title Goes Here
Park entry fee: USD 50 in high season, USD 45 in low season (plus 18% VAT, usually quoted as around USD 59 per person)
Vehicle and guide: USD 50–120 per day, depending on group size and experience
Tips: Budget around USD 10–25 per day for your guide and lodge staff
Estimated daily costs:
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Shared day trip from Arusha: Around USD 180–220 per person, including transport, guide, park fees, and lunch
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Mid-range overnight safari inside the park: Starts around USD 325+ per person, including accommodation
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Budget option: Stay in nearby villages like Mto wa Mbu (lodges from USD 80–150) and enter the park for day drives—total cost from around USD 250 per person
Tip: For the best value, visit in shoulder months (October or May), join small group tours, or base yourself just outside the park gates.
Places to stay around Lake Manyara
Foresight Eco-Lodge
As a guest you can experience wild animals on safari, the bushmen at Lake Eyasi or the happy children in a school. You can come to relax, to experience, or to get involved with helping hands in the society. Foresight Eco Lodge offers a variety of opportunities for open-minded people.
Arusha National Park
Quick Facts – Arusha National Park
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Distance from Arusha: ≈ 30 km / 40 min by paved road
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Size: 552 km²
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Claim to fame: dramatic Mount Meru backdrop, Tanzania’s largest giraffe population, and easy day-trip access from the safari hub of Arusha
Why Visit Arusha National Park?
Often skipped for the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, Arusha National Park is a hidden gem—perfect when time or budget is tight. Within minutes of leaving downtown Arusha you’re scanning lush forest for black-and-white colobus monkeys or watching giraffes stride across open grassland. Fewer crowds mean you can linger at viewpoints, listen to bird calls around the Momella Lakes, and soak up Mount Meru’s volcanic silhouette without a convoy of safari vehicles.
Wildlife Highlights
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Giraffes: more than 700—Tanzania’s densest concentration
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Black-and-white colobus monkeys: easy to spot in the montane forest canopy
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Other residents: buffalo, bushbuck, waterbuck, blue monkeys, plus flamingos that tint the alkaline lakes pink during the rains
Bottom Line
If you want a crowd-free safari packed with giraffes, colobus monkeys, and postcard views of Mount Meru—without the long haul to the Serengeti—add Arusha National Park to your itinerary. It’s the easiest way to jump-start your Tanzanian wildlife adventure.
Visiting Arusha National Park
Best time to visit Arusha National Park
Game-watching is pleasant throughout the year.
Dry season: From July-October. It’s easier to see wildlife gathering around waterholes.
Rainy season: From March to May. The park is home to various migratory bird species.
Arusha National Park Fees & Costs (2025)
- Park entry: USD 45 (low season) – USD 50 (high season) per adult, plus 18 % VAT
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Vehicle + driver-guide: roughly USD 50–120 per day, depending on group size
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Basic huts (Meru trek): about USD 30 per person, per night
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Walking-safari ranger fee: typically USD 15–20 per person; full-day walking packages run from USD 200 pp, including park fees, guide, and vehicle
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Tips: budget USD 10–25 per day for your guide and camp crew
What a Day Trip Costs
A shared 1-day safari from Arusha—including park entry, vehicle, guide, lunch, and VAT—usually lands between USD 180 and 220 per person.
Places to stay around Arusha National Park
GREEN GARDEN GUEST HOUSE
Set among the woodland slopes of Mount Meru at the edge of Lake Duluti, there’s no better destination for soaking in the beauty and magnificence of the Tanzanian “Northern Safari Circuit.”
Kipilili Homestay
Very cute homestay right in the Center of Arusha. Great location to explore Arusha and its surroundings, especially great for those of you who stay longer.
Practical travel tips for your safari in Tanzania
When is the best time to to go on Safari in Tanzania?
The best time to embark on a safari adventure in Tanzania largely depends on your preferences and what you hope to experience during your trip. However, one of the most popular times to visit is during the dry season, which typically spans from late June to October. This period offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities as animals tend to gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. The Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Serengeti, is a highlight during July and August. On the other hand, the short rains from November to December can provide lush landscapes and fewer crowds. Alternatively, if you're interested in birdwatching and don't mind some afternoon showers, the green season from January to March is a fantastic choice. Ultimately, the best time for your Tanzanian safari depends on your preferences for weather, wildlife, and crowd levels.
Yet, Chefchaouen is an all-year-round travel destination. If you plan extensive hiking in the mountains, check the weather.
The weather is a lot more extreme in the Rif Mountains. Keep in mind that kif (marijuana) is harvested from August to October, and it may be harder to find transportation.
Do I tip when going on safari?
Yes! Load up on cash before going on safari. It is common practice to tip drivers and staff (guide, tracker, camp staff, and aids).
Expect to tip at least $15 -$20 for guides and trackers and $10 to camp staff and aids per day.
Tips are not included in the safari price.
Can I drink tap water in Tanzania?
You can not drink tap water in Tanzania without risking becoming sick. Bring your water filter or purifier and enjoy cool drinks while avoiding plastic pollution.
What should I pack for a safari in Tanzania?
When packing for your safari adventure in Tanzania, comfort and functionality should be your top priorities. I can't stress enough the importance of lightweight, breathable clothing. Opt for neutral colors like khaki, tan, and olive to blend in with the natural surroundings and avoid attracting unnecessary attention from wildlife. Long-sleeved shirts and pants help protect against the sun and potential insect bites. A wide-brimmed hat and a good pair of sunglasses are essential for shielding your eyes from the African sun. Don't forget a sturdy pair of walking boots or comfortable closed-toe shoes for those game drives and bush walks. And, of course, a lightweight rain jacket or poncho for the occasional unexpected shower. Lastly, remember to pack binoculars and a camera to capture the incredible moments you'll undoubtedly encounter on your Tanzanian safari.
Packing List Safari
In Tanzania you can come eye to eye big game while safari and see some of the most incredible wildlife on earth. Yet, packing for a safari is quite the challange. Check. out our packing list to come fully prepared for your trip!
You’ll find anything from clothing to travel gadgets and eco-friendly toiletries.
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With its diverse cultures, beautiful nature and rich history Tanzania is a country not to be forgotten.
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Tarangire National Park
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