Tanzania
Serengeti, Ngorongoro and the northern circuit
Northern Tanzania's great parks in one loop from Arusha: Tarangire's baobabs and elephants, Lake Manyara beneath the Rift Valley wall, the Serengeti plains and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Why Tanzania
The northern circuit links some of Africa's best-known parks within a few hours' drive of Arusha. Our eight-day itinerary visits five of them: Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Combining Tanzania
Tanzania combines easily with Kenya by road through the Namanga border, as on our 12-day Kenya and Tanzania safari.
Parks and places
- Arusha National ParkA small, varied park near Arusha with forest, the Momela Lakes and Mount Meru. Walking safaris with an armed ranger are possible here. Close to Arusha town, it takes in Mount Meru, Ngurdoto Crater and the Momella Lakes, and suits a first day on safari in northern Tanzania.
- Kilimanjaro National ParkAfrica's highest mountain. Climbs usually take a week or more depending on the route, and the mountain is the backdrop to Amboseli and the plains around Arusha.
- Lake Manyara National ParkA compact park beneath the Rift Valley escarpment, with groundwater forest, a soda lake that draws flamingos and more than 400 recorded bird species. The park lies beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment, around an alkaline lake where flamingos gather in season, and is known for its elephants.
- Ngorongoro CraterA huge volcanic caldera with wildlife living on its floor all year, including black rhino. Game drives descend from the rim for the day.
- Serengeti National ParkTanzania's oldest and best-known park: wide plains with large numbers of predators and grazing animals. The central Seronera area has wildlife all year, and the Great Migration moves through the wider ecosystem over the seasons.
- Tarangire National ParkA park of baobab trees, acacia woodland and the Tarangire River, with some of the largest elephant herds in northern Tanzania, especially in the dry season.
Tanzania safaris
Practical information
- Visas
Visa rules depend on your passport. Apply through the official Tanzania immigration e-visa portal and check current requirements before you travel.
Source: Tanzania Immigration e-Visa
- Time zone
East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3.
- Getting there
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is closest to Arusha and the northern parks.
- Health
Vaccination and malaria advice depends on your health and itinerary. Check the CDC's current guidance for Tanzania and talk to a travel clinic at least six weeks before you go.
Source: CDC Travelers' Health: Tanzania
- Travel advice
Read your government's current travel advice for Tanzania before you book and again before you travel.
Source: U.S. State Department: Tanzania
Tanzania questions
Can I add a hot-air balloon flight over the Serengeti?
Yes, as an optional extra on a full Serengeti day. Tell us when you request a quote and we will check availability for your dates.