Tanzania’s safari adventures unfold along two distinct routes. The northern circuit and the southern circuit, each delineated by the geographical spread of national parks. Regardless of your choice, authentic migration safari experiences, close wildlife encounters, and breathtaking landscapes are guaranteed.
It is in the northern circuit that the most visited and known parks are including the likes of Serengeti National Game Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Arusha National Game Park, Lake Manyara National Game Park and Tarangire National Game Park. Within this region, you are assured of the great migration safari in Tanzania which occurs year in year out depending on your time of travel to the Republic of Tanzania.
Serengeti National Game Park offers diverse landscapes and vast open plains that serve as the stage for the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration, an annual journey featuring over 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras. East of Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater hosts exceptional game viewing opportunities, making it a reliable sanctuary for rhino sightings in Tanzania.
The southern circuit as well offers a wide diverse of wild game for those seeking off-the-beaten-path encounters, the Selous, known as Nyerere National Game Park and Ruaha National Game Parks take a lead. This southern route offers a unique opportunity to embrace the wild in a more intimate, remote setting, ideal for travelers with a thirst for genuine, unspoiled Tanzania safari experiences.
Tanzania’s southern parks offers a profoundly different safari experience than the northern counterparts. The scarcity of visitors, diverse safari activities, and the overall landscape characterize the difference of the southern parks. The vast Selous Game Reserve stands as the largest reserve in the Africa more than even the renown Serengeti three times.
The Selous/Nyerere National Game Park captivates with its diverse terrain, featuring lakes, expansive plains, lush vegetation, and streams fringed with palms. Central to the reserve’s charm is the mighty Rufiji River, around which most safari activities revolve. Your safari experience here involves exhilarating game drives along the riverbanks, tranquil boat safaris offering scenic lunch spots and sun downers and even the option of engaging in catch-and-release fishing in the Rufiji’s abundant waters.
Ruaha National Game Park is very dry. Parts of the Great Ruaha River dry up in the dry season (July to October) and the earth exposes its red soil. Often the safari camps will use the dry riverbeds to set up dinners or sun downers in the evening. The activities here are varied where by you can do walking safaris, game drives and even fly camping. As a park, Ruaha is known for its buffalo herds, its native huge baobab trees and its lion population taking 40% of Tanzania’s lions.
Katavi National Game Park is another hidden gem in the southern circuit. Because of its remoteness and limited accommodation options, Katavi is probably one of the least visited national parks in Tanzania. That said, if you are looking for a complete wilderness, fairly basic accommodation and an authentic experience with very few other travelers, this is a good option for you. You can fly to Katavi National Game Park from Ruaha National Game Park.
In the northern circuit, you will find a simpler journey as national parks are easily reachable by road. This means less hassle and more time to spend with the wonders of the wild. On the southern circuit, the parks are tucked away in remote corners, demanding travel by light aircraft. While the parks offer a unique charm, it does come at a cost of time and convenience.
The northern parks also work well for families or multi-generational families heading on safari. This is because they have a range of accommodations including larger lodges which have family requirements like a swimming pool, air conditioning rooms as well as family-oriented rooms.
In the southern circuit, due to its remote nature, involves pricier fly-in safaris, making it a more exclusive but expensive choice. The remoteness of the southern circuit translates to higher costs, as fly-in safaris become a necessity due to limited road access. The longer flights and considerable distances between parks make the expenses high.
On the other hand, the northern circuit, being more accessible, proves more budget-friendly, with a number of flight options, making it the economical choice. Along with a well – traveled road network, the northern safari circuit has an abundance of accommodation options, from comfortable lodges to mobile safari camps to stunning Tanzania safari lodges. There is more choice in the north to suit more budgets.
If you prefer a more intimate safari experience, the southern circuit might be your haven. With fewer visitors, you can enjoy the serene atmosphere, often feeling like you have the whole place to yourself. The northern circuit, being more popular, buzzes with fellow travelers eager to witness the wonders of Tanzania. Depending on your preference, you can make your choice wisely to suit your tastes and preferences.
In the north, national parks teem with game, offering remarkable sightings of the Big5 and other majestic creatures. The animals here are accustomed to safari vehicles, allowing for close encounters and breathtaking moments. In this sector, you are sure of the big 5 and thousands of wildebeests making the area a sure deal safari gem.
In the south, wildlife roams freely, making it more elusive. While sightings might require patience and a keen eye, the thrill of spotting these creatures in their natural habitat remains unparalleled. Huge herds of elephants and buffalo are common in both Ruaha and Selous, but you won’t see Rhinos down there.
All in all, both circuits provide awe-inspiring experiences, but your choice boils down to accessibility, budget, crowd preference, and your thirst for wildlife encounters. Consider these factors wisely, and you’re sure to embark on a Tanzania safaris tailored perfectly for discerning travelers. And you can always come back for a second safari and do the other circuit for you to have both experiences making it an all-safari package for everyone who would wish to visit Tanzania.
When it comes to the cost part of it, it will depend on some one’s budget to determine if the safari in the southern circuit is high or low. So, these factors can not fail a traveler who affords it.