Tanzania is one of Africa’s top destinations for safari enthusiasts, offering rich wildlife, stunning landscapes, and world-renowned national parks. When planning your safari, you will come across two main regions: the Northern Circuit and the Southern Circuit. Each offers unique experiences, and choosing between them depends on your preferences, budget, and the kind of wildlife encounters you are looking for.
This guide compares the Southern and Northern circuits to help you decide which is the best choice for your Tanzania safari.
1. Overview of the Northern Circuit
The Northern Circuit is Tanzania’s most popular safari region, attracting thousands of visitors each year. It’s home to iconic parks such as the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, making it a top choice for those seeking to see the Big Five and the Great Migration.
Key Highlights of the Northern Circuit
- Serengeti National Park: Known for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains, pursued by predators like lions and cheetahs. This park offers some of the best game viewing in Africa.
- Ngorongoro Crater: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ngorongoro Crater is a natural wonder with diverse ecosystems, making it one of the best places to see wildlife, including rare black rhinos.
- Lake Manyara: Famous for tree-climbing lions and a variety of bird species, including flamingos.
- Tarangire National Park: Known for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees.
Read more about Tanzania’s Northern Circuit parks.
2. Overview of the Southern Circuit
The Southern Circuit offers a more remote, less crowded safari experience. It’s ideal for those looking for a quieter, off-the-beaten-path adventure with diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. The parks in this region are larger and less developed than those in the Northern Circuit.
Key Highlights of the Southern Circuit
- Selous Game Reserve: Africa’s largest game reserve, offering boat safaris, walking safaris, and a wide variety of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, lions, and wild dogs.
- Ruaha National Park: Known for its rugged terrain and large predator populations, Ruaha is one of the best places in Africa to see lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
- Mikumi National Park: Sometimes called the “little Serengeti,” this park is known for its open plains, where giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest are commonly seen.
- Udzungwa Mountains: A biodiversity hotspot, perfect for those interested in hiking and birdwatching.
Learn more about Tanzania’s Southern Circuit parks.
3. Wildlife Viewing: Southern vs. Northern Circuit
The Northern Circuit is famous for the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos) and the Great Migration. This makes it a top destination for those focused on seeing large concentrations of animals, especially during the migration season from July to October.
In contrast, the Southern Circuit offers more exclusive, intimate wildlife experiences. The animal densities may be lower compared to the Northern Circuit, but the Southern parks, such as Selous and Ruaha, are known for their large predators, especially lions and wild dogs. You’ll also find excellent birdwatching opportunities in these less-traveled areas.
If you’re looking for iconic African wildlife in large numbers, the Northern Circuit is ideal. But if you prefer quieter parks with unique wildlife experiences, the Southern Circuit is the better option.
Discover more about Tanzania’s wildlife and the Big Five.
4. Accommodation Options
In the Northern Circuit, there are plenty of accommodation options ranging from budget campsites to luxury lodges. Since the region is more developed for tourism, you’ll find accommodations that cater to various budgets and preferences. The popular parks, like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, have well-established safari lodges, making it easier to plan your stay.
The Southern Circuit, on the other hand, has fewer lodges, but this adds to the appeal for travelers seeking a more exclusive experience. While the Southern parks offer a range of options from budget-friendly camps to high-end lodges, the choices are more limited compared to the Northern Circuit. However, the remoteness and tranquility of these lodges make them an attractive choice for those wanting a more private experience.
For personalized safari packages and accommodations, consider Eddy Tours & Safaris. They offer a range of options tailored to your preferences and budget.
5. Safari Activities: What to Expect
The Northern Circuit primarily focuses on game drives. These drives give you the chance to see animals up close, especially in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, where wildlife viewing is world-class.
The Southern Circuit, in contrast, offers more diverse safari activities, such as walking safaris, boat safaris, and fly camping. For example, the Selous Game Reserve is one of the few places in Tanzania where you can take a boat safari, allowing you to view hippos, crocodiles, and birds along the Rufiji River.
If you’re looking for a more traditional safari experience, the Northern Circuit is the way to go. But if you prefer variety and adventure, the Southern Circuit’s range of activities might be more appealing.
Explore the best safari activities in Tanzania.
6. Accessibility and Travel Logistics
The Northern Circuit is easily accessible from Arusha, the main hub for safaris in northern Tanzania. Most visitors fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport and can reach parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro by road or through short domestic flights. The infrastructure in the north is well-developed, making travel between parks efficient.
The Southern Circuit is more remote and requires more planning. Most visitors fly into Dar es Salaam and take domestic flights to parks like Selous or Ruaha. While this increases the cost slightly, the reward is fewer crowds and a more authentic safari experience.
If convenience and ease of travel are priorities, the Northern Circuit is ideal. However, for those willing to take domestic flights, the Southern Circuit offers a peaceful, uncrowded adventure.
Read about travel logistics for Tanzania safaris.
7. Cost Comparison: Southern vs. Northern Circuit
In general, the Northern Circuit tends to be more expensive, especially during peak season, due to the popularity of the parks and the higher demand for accommodations. Lodges and camps in places like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro are in high demand, which can drive up prices, especially for luxury accommodations.
The Southern Circuit, though less developed, offers more affordable options and tends to be less expensive overall. With fewer tourists and less competition for lodges and guides, you can often find better deals on accommodations and tours.
For those looking to save on safari costs, the Southern Circuit can be a better option, while the Northern Circuit offers a premium experience for travelers who want to see world-famous parks.
Discover budget safari tips for Tanzania.
8. Best Time to Visit Each Circuit
The best time to visit the Northern Circuit is during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife congregates around water sources and the Great Migration is at its peak. These months offer excellent weather conditions for game viewing, though this is also the busiest time for tourists.
The Southern Circuit is also best visited during the dry season, but it is more flexible because it receives fewer visitors. You can visit parks like Selous and Ruaha from June to October, enjoying pleasant weather and wildlife sightings without the crowds. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, visiting the Southern Circuit during the shoulder months of April and May can also provide good wildlife viewing at a lower cost.
Learn more about the best times to visit Tanzania.
Conclusion: Which Circuit Is Best for You?
Choosing between Tanzania’s Southern Circuit and Northern Circuit depends on what kind of safari experience you want. If you’re seeking iconic wildlife, the Big Five, and world-renowned parks, the Northern Circuit is perfect for you. However, if you prefer a quieter, more intimate safari with fewer tourists and unique activities like boat safaris and walking tours, the Southern Circuit is an excellent choice.
Whichever you choose, Tanzania offers one of the best safari experiences in Africa. To plan your perfect trip, visit Kilimanjaro Climb Specialist or Eddy Tours & Safaris for tailored safari packages that match your preferences and budget.
