Northern vs Southern Tanzania

Northern Tanzania Safaris: The Classic Circuit

Most first-time safari-goers begin in the north, where the country’s most famous national parks and landmarks are found. The north is popular, especially between July and October when the migration passes through the Serengeti and Maasai Mara. Some areas can feel busy, so staying in private conservancies or smaller lodges can help create a more exclusive experience.

Serengeti National Park

• Known worldwide for the Great Wildebeest Migration, when over a million wildebeest and zebra thunder across the plains in search of fresh grass.
• Year-round, the Serengeti delivers exceptional Big Five sightings – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo.
• The sheer scale of the park means you’ll encounter everything from cheetahs sprinting across the savannah to hippos wallowing in rivers.

Ngorongoro Crater

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
• This vast volcanic caldera has one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. It’s one of the best places to see black rhino and prides of lion within a relatively small area.

Southern Tanzania Safaris: Remote Wilderness

For travellers looking for something quieter and more adventurous, the southern parks provide an entirely different safari experience. The south requires longer internal flights from Dar es Salaam and generally comes at a higher cost due to smaller, more remote lodges. Wildlife is also more dispersed compared to the dense concentrations of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve)

• At over 30,000 square kilometres, Nyerere is one of Africa’s largest protected areas.
• It’s famous for boat safaris on the Rufiji River, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the banks.
• Walking safaris and fly-camping are possible here, offering a deeper connection with the wilderness.

Ruaha National Park

• Tanzania’s largest national park, with dramatic landscapes of rocky kopjes, river valleys, and open plains.
• Known for huge elephant populations, strong numbers of predators (including lion prides and wild dogs), and a wide diversity of birdlife.
• Because it is so vast and less visited, game drives feel wild and uncrowded.

North vs South: Which Safari is Right for You?

• Choose Northern Tanzania if you want the classic safari experience with the Great Migration, iconic parks, and a straightforward journey. This is the best choice for first-time travellers or families who want guaranteed wildlife and plenty of accommodation options.
• Choose Southern Tanzania if you want a remote and adventurous safari away from the crowds, with walking and boat safaris adding variety. This is the best choice for repeat safari-goers or travellers seeking privacy and exclusivity.

Combining Safari with Zanzibar or the Coast

Whether you choose north or south, it’s easy to finish your trip with a few days on the beach. Zanzibar is just a short flight from the Serengeti, Arusha, or Dar es Salaam, making it a natural extension. Mozambique’s islands or Mafia Island in southern Tanzania also offer outstanding diving and marine experiences for those looking for something more offbeat.