Safaris in Tanzania – North or South ?

Anyone researching a safari holiday in Tanzania might come across the terms, ‘Northern Circuit’ and ‘Southern Circuit’. These refer to the National Parks which are grouped to the north close to Arusha and the border with Kenya and the reserves and parks that are grouped closer to Dar es Salaam.

Northern Circuit safaris

The northern parks are by far the most popular, and include the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater which form a UNESCO world heritage site. Also close by are the Lake Manyara National Park and the Tarangire National Park. A northern circuit safari will combine some or all of these parks, so visitors can experience the high lights of these reserves, such as the famous tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara; the vast migratory wildebeest herds of the Serengeti and the magical land that time forgot – the extinct volcano crater at Ngorongoro.

Visitors fly into the nearby Arusha or Kilimanjaro airports and then travel by road or light aircraft onto their first safari destination. Visions of Africa offer a number of guided safari tours that include some or all of these wildlife reserves, from intimate safari camps to lodges. Each day will include safari game drives and guests enjoy their stay on a full board basis, staying one or two nights at each lodge. Alternatively Visions of Africa can arrange private tours which also include the different reserves but can be tailored to suit guest’s preferences, time scale and budget.

It is possible to combine a safari in the northern reserves with a beach break on Zanzibar or the coast. Flights depart each day from Arusha direct to Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam.

Southern Circuit safaris

Best reached from Dar es Salaam, the southern reserves include the Selous, Africa’s largest reserve set aside for wildlife. Selous is shares a border with the Mikumi National Park and close by is the Udzungwa National Park. Slightly further afield is Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s second largest and home to over 100,000 elephants.

The southern reserves are game-rich and mush less visited than the northern reserves, giving a more wild and authentic bush experience. You are unlikely to see a vehicle from another lodge during your time in the reserves.

Being close to the coast, the southern circuit reserves are easy to combine with a stay on the beach, either on one of the tropical islands of Pemba and Zanzibar or the Swahili Coast, south of Dar es Salaam.

Visions of Africa recommend the southern reserves for honeymooners looking for a romantic safari location away from the crowds which can be easily combined with a few nights relaxing on the beach. There are no set tours to the southern reserves, but it is easy to arrange a 2 or 3 centre safari followed by a short flight to the coast and islands.

If you are thinking of visiting Tanzania for a safari holiday, speak to one of our Africa experts on 01444 225 640 or have a look at our Tanzania Safari Holidays section.