Tanzania is world-renowned for its wilderness, wildlife and culture – and the crux of these elements lies within the northern safari circuit, encompassing the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and the Tarangire River. Here, visitors observe the Big 5 within the prehistoric landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater, learn from Masai warriors on the backdrop of wildebeest migrating across the Serengeti, and get out of the truck for a more intimate encounter on foot!

The Serengeti is the crown jewel within this circuit. Spectacular at any time of year, visitors often flock to the park to witness roughly two million wildebeest migrate across the northern plains and woodlands in search of greener pastures. The park’s dense predator population often stalks this migration, making for remarkable game viewing over postcard worthy backdrops.

The dramatic landscape of the Ngorongoro Crater is then the perfect complement to the Serengeti’s savannahs. A sundowner on top of the 600-meter deep crater at sunset, while wildlife wanders across the crater floor, is a stunning and unforgettable sight. A walk through around the crater floor offers a more intimate encounter, and a strong sense that the wildlife is watching you right back, hidden amongst the rainforests that line the crater slopes.

Lake Manyara mixes forest with floodplain at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment, and is noteworthy for the extensive bird populations, including a spectacular number of flamingos. During the dry season, thirsty animals flock to what remains of the Tarangire River for relief from the scorching African sun. Do not forget to look to the trees, as this park hosts a rare population of tree-climbing lions, in addition to significant elephant populations.

This circuit is best visited over 5 – 7 days. Be sure to opt into an evening drive throughout one of the parks, and an early morning hot-air balloon ride over the Serengeti. And, when exhausted from time in the bush, fly to Zanzibar to explore the magic of the Indian Ocean and Swahili culture.