The Difference Between the Northern and Southern Safari Circuits in Tanzania

Remote vs Popular Safaris, Tanzania is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, renowned for its vast wilderness areas, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. The country is divided into two main safari circuits: the Northern Circuit and the Southern Circuit. While both offer incredible wildlife experiences, they differ significantly in terms of accessibility, wildlife density, tourist traffic, landscape, and overall safari experience.

This article explores the key differences between these two circuits, helping travelers decide which one best suits their preferences.

1. Overview of the Northern Safari Circuit in Remote vs Popular Safaris

The Northern Safari Circuit is Tanzania’s most popular and heavily visited safari region. It includes world-famous parks such as:

• Serengeti National Park

• Ngorongoro Conservation Area (including the Ngorongoro Crater)

• Tarangire National Park

• Lake Manyara National Park

• Arusha National Park

Key Features of the Northern Circuit

A. Accessibility

• The Northern Circuit is easily accessible, with most parks located within a few hours’ drive from Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

• Well-maintained roads and frequent domestic flights make travel convenient.

B. Wildlife Viewing

• The Serengeti is home to the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in search of fresh grass.

• The Ngorongoro Crater offers some of the highest wildlife densities in Africa, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino).

• Tarangire National Park is famous for its large elephant herds and baobab trees.

• Lake Manyara is known for tree-climbing lions and diverse birdlife.

C. Tourist Traffic

• Due to its popularity, the Northern Circuit can get crowded, especially during peak seasons (June-October and December-February).

• Lodges and camps often book up quickly, requiring advance reservations.

D. Landscape Diversity

• The Northern Circuit offers varied landscapes, from the Serengeti’s endless plains to the Ngorongoro Crater’s volcanic caldera and Tarangire’s riverine forests.

E. Accommodation Options

• Luxury lodges, tented camps, and mid-range options are plentiful.

• High-end accommodations like Singita Grumeti and Four Seasons Safari Lodge cater to luxury travelers.

F. Best Time to Visit

• June-October (Dry season – best for the Great Migration and general game viewing).

• January-February (Calving season in the Southern Serengeti).

2. Overview of the Southern Safari Circuit of Remote vs Popular Safaris

The Southern Safari Circuit is more remote and less visited, offering a wilder, off-the-beaten-path experience. Key parks include:

• Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere National Park)

• Ruaha National Park

• Mikumi National Park

• Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Key Features of the Southern Circuit

A. Accessibility

• The Southern Circuit is more remote, requiring longer travel times.

• Most visitors fly into Dar es Salaam or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) before taking a domestic flight to airstrips near the parks.

• Road travel is possible but involves long drives on rough roads.

B. Wildlife Viewing

• Nyerere National Park (Selous) is one of Africa’s largest game reserves, known for boat safaris along the Rufiji River and large populations of wild dogs, elephants, and hippos.

• Ruaha National Park has some of Tanzania’s highest lion densities and rare species like sable antelopes.

• Mikumi National Park is often called “Little Serengeti” due to its open plains and abundant wildlife.

• Udzungwa Mountains is a primate paradise, home to rare species like the Sanje crested mangabey.

C. Tourist Traffic

• Far fewer tourists visit the Southern Circuit, making it ideal for those seeking solitude.

• Private concessions and walking safaris are common, offering an exclusive experience.

D. Landscape Diversity

• The Southern Circuit features miombo woodlands, river systems, and rugged mountains.

• Nyerere’s wetlands contrast with Ruaha’s dry savannahs, providing varied scenery.

E. Accommodation Options

• Fewer lodges, but many are high-end and exclusive (e.g., Beho Beho Camp, Jabali Ridge).

• More rustic and intimate bush camps compared to the Northern Circuit’s luxury lodges.

F. Best Time to Visit

• June-October (Dry season – best for game viewing).

• November-April (Green season – lush landscapes, birdwatching, but some areas may be inaccessible).

3. Key Differences Between the Remote vs Popular Safaris Circuits

4. Which Circuit Should You Choose Remote vs Popular Safaris?

Choose the Northern Circuit If:

✅ You want to witness the Great Migration.
✅ You prefer easy accessibility and well-developed tourism infrastructure.
✅ You don’t mind higher tourist numbers in exchange for guaranteed wildlife sightings.
✅ You want a mix of luxury lodges and budget options.

Choose the Southern Circuit If:

✅ You seek a more remote and exclusive safari experience.
✅ You love boat safaris and walking safaris in addition to game drives.
✅ You want to see rare species like wild dogs and sable antelopes.
✅ You prefer uncrowded parks with fewer vehicles.

Both Tanzania’s Northern and Southern Safari Circuits offer unforgettable wildlife experiences but cater to different types of travelers.

• The Northern Circuit is ideal for first-time safari-goers, those wanting to see the Great Migration, and travelers who prefer convenience and a wide range of lodging options.

• The Southern Circuit is perfect for adventurous souls looking for seclusion, unique activities (boat safaris, walking safaris), and rare wildlife encounters.

For the ultimate Tanzanian safari experience, some travelers even combine both circuits, starting with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro before heading south to Ruaha and Nyerere for a more off-the-grid adventure.