Tanzania is by far one of the most popular destinations for an African migration safari. The diverse landscape, wide variety of wildlife, multitudes of luxury lodges and camps and rich culture have all contributed to it being a beloved region for all types of travelers from first-timers to seasoned safari-goers.

There are no major differences between Tanzania’s northern and southern circuit safaris both routes offer incredible game views, picturesque scenery, luxury accommodation and unforgettable experiences. Tanzania has main safari options divided into different circuits where by the Northern Circuit and the Southern Circuit are the major ones.

Northern Circuit. The northern circuit is the most popular among the most liked place for Tanzania tour -goers. It includes some of Tanzania’s most famous parks such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Game Park, Arusha National Game Park, Tarangire National Game Park and many others. This circuit is known for its vast Savannah, high concentration of wildlife and annual Wildebeest Migration.

Southern Circuit. The Southern Circuit is less crowded and offers a more exclusive safari experience. It includes parks such as Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Game Park and Mikumi National Game Park. This circuit is known for its rugged terrain, diverse landscapes and large elephant populations.

The Northern and Southern Tanzania Safaris each offer unique and diverse wildlife and scenic highlights. Though, the differences are only regarding wildlife diversity, scenic highlights, vegetation among others.

Wildlife Diversity. The Northern Circuit is known for its large population of big cats including lions, cheetahs, leopards and more others. The iconic wildlife sightings include the wildebeest migration of Serengeti and the “Big Five” in Ngorongoro Crater.  A diverse range of other wildlife including zebras, gazelles, giraffes and hyenas are among other wild animals that call Northern Tanzania their home.

However, the Southern Circuit is known for its large populations of elephants, lions and other big cats as well as giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles. The region is also home to several endemic species including the Udzungwa red colobus monkey and the Selous wildebeest.

Scenery diversity.  The Northern Circuit offers a diverse range of landscapes from the vast plains of the Serengeti to the volcanic Ngorongoro Crater and the forested slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro to the baobab-dotted plains of Tarangire National Game Park. This circuit has varied geography.

However, the Southern Circuit has a diverse range of landscapes including vast Savannah, rolling hills and forested mountains. The Selous Game Reserve in the Southern Circuit is also known for its waterways and wetlands including the Rufiji River which is home to large populations of hippos and crocodiles and it boosts boat cruise tours.

Vegetation. The Northern Circuit is characterized by open savannah plains with scattered acacia trees and occasional rock outcroppings. The Serengeti plains are dotted with Kopjes and large granite boulders hence providing shelter for predators and serves as a lookout point for prey animals.

However, the Southern Circuit is more varied with diverse terrain ranges from rugged hills and rocky outcrops to grassy plains and lush wetlands.

The circuit also includes miombo woodlands and riverine forests hence providing a diverse range of habitats for wildlife.

In terms of activities, Northern circuit offers the following;

Game drives are the most popular activity in this circuit. Visitors embark on early morning and late afternoon drives to spot a wide variety of wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, leopards and more others.

Walking safaris are offered in the Northern region which lets visitors get up close and personal with local flora and fauna.

Hot air balloon Safaris are another popular activity that offers a unique perspective of the Great Wildebeest Migration with champagne breakfast in the bush.

Bird watching is also another famed activity of the northern Tanzania Safari circuit.

Experiencing the Maasai culture and visiting the traditional villages are part of cultural visits during Safaris to Tanzania.

However, southern circuit also offers the following activities;

Boat Safaris are available for cruising along rivers and lakes to spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds.

Some parks offer fly camping safaris where visitors get to spend a night under the stars in a remote location.

Travelers on southern Tanzania Safari get to experience coastal Swahili culture and visit the local villages.

In terms of attractions, the northern circuit has the most popular national parks which commonly visited a large number of tourists. These attractions include such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park, Arusha National Park and many other attractions.

However, the southern circuit’s attractions include; Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park and Mikumi National Park.

Tanzania’s Southern and Northern Circuits each offer unique and compelling safari experiences. The Southern Circuit with its remote and less-visited parks provides an adventurous and tranquil safari experience. In contrast, the Northern Circuit features iconic parks and the Great Wildebeest Migration offers abundant wildlife and well-established safari infrastructure.

Whether you choose the rugged landscapes of the Southern Circuit or the renowned wildlife of the Northern Circuit, Tanzania promises an unforgettable safari adventure.