Tanzania’s Northern Circuit is often regarded as the greatest wildlife show on earth, captivating both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike. With over a quarter of its land protected, this region features some of the world’s most famous national parks and hidden gems of East African wilderness. At the heart of this circuit is the Serengeti, where vast plains and rocky outcrops come alive with elephants, giraffes, and lounging lion prides. The Great Migration unfolds here as two million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras traverse the landscape, facing the challenges of river crossings and predators along the way.
Adjacent lies the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife, where you can spot the Big Five in an extraordinary setting. Don’t miss Tarangire National Park, known as the "elephant capital" of Tanzania, famous for its large herds and iconic baobab trees. This park offers intimate wildlife encounters, especially during the dry season when animals gather around the Tarangire River.
The tropical beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs of Zanzibar Island offer a refreshing contrast to safari life. With short and affordable internal flights, it's easy to extend your safari adventure and indulge in some well-deserved rest and relaxation on the beach.
January marks the start of the 'short dry season' in Tanzania's northern parks, although the timings can be unpredictable. This is a greener, warmer time of year to be on safari post 'the short rains' with higher temperatures and sporadic passing rain. The migrating herds can be found in southern Serengeti for calving season and high temperatures make it a great time to visit the Zanzibar.
February is one of the optimal months for trekking Kilimanjaro, going on safari and visiting Zanzibar. February sees temperatures peak on Zanzibar and the Great Migration is still on the Ndutu Plains in the Serengeti.
The Great Migration starts heading north, and temperatures are still high. As the month progresses, there is a higher chance of rain as Tanzania enters the long wet season.
Heavy rain. Travelling in this period is not advised.
The rains calm as the month progresses. A good time for low season rates.
The dry season begins, the tracks dry up and The Great Migration can be found crossing the Grumeti River.
Perfect safari conditions with long sunny days and little to no rain. The Great Migration moves north to the Mara River.
Optimal safari conditions with long sunny days and little to no rain. The Great Migration moves further north and the big Mara River crossings are in full flow.
It starts to get warmer as The Great Migration splits between Kenya and Tanzania.
The Great Migration starts to aim south into a hotter, drier, yellow-grassed Serengeti.
An unpredictable period labelled 'the short rains' where you can expect rain and good weather rolled into one with great savings to be had up until the Christmas period. Any rain tends to be light and passing with good sunny intervals.
Rain and good weather all rolled into one, with the weather generally improving as December goes on into the Christmas period—this period is Tanzania's peak season and needs to be booked well in advance. The Great Migration is largely in the central and eastern Serengeti, moving south.