Tanzania Safari Routes: Northern, Southern, and Western Circuits Explained

Why Choose Tanzania’s Safari Circuits?

Tanzania is a premier safari destination, boasting diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and world-renowned national parks. The Northern, Southern, and Western Circuits each offer distinct experiences, from the bustling wildlife of the Serengeti to the untouched beauty of Katavi. With Capable Africa Tours, you’ll get expert guides, sustainable practices, and customized itineraries to match your adventure style. Below, we break down each circuit to help you choose the best safari route.

Overview of Tanzania’s Safari Circuits

• Northern Circuit: Famous for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, ideal for first-timers and Great Migration viewing.
• Southern Circuit: Remote parks like Selous and Ruaha, perfect for crowd-free safaris and rare species.
• Western Circuit: Off-the-grid parks like Katavi and Gombe, offering intimate wildlife encounters and chimpanzee trekking.
• Customizable Options: Combine circuits with Capable Africa Tours for a comprehensive Tanzania experience.

Northern Circuit: The Heart of Tanzania Safaris

The Northern Circuit is Tanzania’s most popular safari route, home to iconic parks like Serengeti , Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. It’s perfect for first-time safari-goers, offering easy access, abundant wildlife, and luxurious lodges. The Serengeti’s Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras migrate, is a highlight. Capable Africa Tours designs 5–10-day itineraries to maximize wildlife sightings and comfort.

Northern Circuit Highlights

• Serengeti National Park: 14,750 km² of savanna, home to the Big Five and the Great Migration (June–October).
• Ngorongoro Crater: A 260 km² caldera with dense wildlife, including rhinos and flamingos.
• Tarangire National Park: Known for elephant herds and ancient baobab trees.
• Lake Manyara: Famous for tree-climbing lions and pink flamingo flocks.

Southern Circuit: Remote Wilderness Adventure

The Southern Circuit , including Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park , offers a secluded safari experience with fewer crowds. Known for vast landscapes and rare species like wild dogs, it’s ideal for seasoned travelers seeking authenticity. Capable Africa Tours provides boat safaris, walking tours, and fly-in camps for an immersive adventure.

Southern Circuit Highlights

• Selous Game Reserve: 50,000 km², one of Africa’s largest, with boat safaris on the Rufiji River.
• Ruaha National Park: 20,226 km², home to 10% of the world’s lion population and rare antelopes.
• Mikumi National Park: Smaller but rich in wildlife, easily accessible from Dar es Salaam.

Western Circuit: Off-the-Beaten-Path Exploration

The Western Circuit , featuring Katavi and Gombe National Parks, is Tanzania’s least-visited route, perfect for adventurers seeking exclusivity. Katavi’s vast plains host massive buffalo herds, while Gombe offers chimpanzee trekking. Capable Africa Tours arranges fly-in safaris for this remote region.

Western Circuit Highlights

• Katavi National Park: 4,471 km², known for hippo pools and large predator populations.
• Gombe National Park: 35 km², famous for Jane Goodall’s chimpanzee research.
• Mahale Mountains: Remote park with chimpanzee trekking and Lake Tanganyika views.

Best Time for a Tanzania Safari

The dry season (June–October) is ideal for all circuits, offering clear skies and concentrated wildlife at waterholes. The wet season (March–May) brings lush greenery and fewer crowds, especially in the Southern Circuit. Capable Africa Tours helps you plan based on your preferences.

Seasonal Comparison

Costs and Inclusions with Capable Africa Tours

Safari costs depend on the circuit, duration, and accommodation type. Northern Circuit safaris start at $300/day, Southern at $400/day, and Western at $500/day. Capable Africa Tours offers all-inclusive packages with expert guides, park fees, meals, and transfers.

What’s Included

• National park fees ($50–$100/day per person)
• Professional guides and drivers
• Accommodation (lodges, camps, or tents)
• All meals and bottled water
• 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• Airport transfers

Additional Costs

• International flights ($800–$1,500)
• Travel insurance
• Tips for guides ($10–$20/day)
• Optional activities (hot air balloon, $500–$600)

Packing for Your Tanzania Safari

Packing smart ensures comfort and enjoyment. Opt for neutral-colored clothing to blend with nature, and bring binoculars for distant wildlife viewing. Capable Africa Tours provides a detailed packing guide.

Essential Packing List

• Clothing: Lightweight long-sleeve shirts, pants, fleece jacket, hat.
• Accessories: Binoculars (8x42 recommended), SPF 50 sunscreen, insect repellent.
• Footwear: Comfortable hiking shoes or boots.
• Other: Camera, power bank, reusable water bottle.