Explore the Northern Safari Circuit
Explore the Northern Safari Circuit
Tanzania is divided into several tourism blocks or simply circuits including the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western circuits, which are exceptional when visited. However, the Northern Circuit is famous among the circuits as it is endowed with mysterious attractions that attract thousands of tourists from every corner of the world. The Northern circuit comprises eight big National Parks, which are Kilimanjaro Mountain National Park, Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro National Park, Mkomazi National Park, and the great Serengeti National Park. We can quickly go through some of these great Tanzanian wildlife safari destinations found on the northern safari circuit.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
In the Northern Circuit particularly in Moshi, stands the highest mountain in Africa. It is among the Seven Wonders of Africa and its highest peak is Uhuru peak which is at 5895 meters above the sea level. If you are a mountain climber either an amateur or a pro, Mountain is a fair challenge for you. Reaching the peak depends on the route you are taking among the seven routes. These seven routes are Marangu, Machame, Rongai, Lemosho, Umbwe, Shira, and the Northern Circuit Route.
Arusha National Park
Arusha is a superb destination for those interested in getting used to high altitudes. You can climb Mount Meru before attempting a hike to the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. This park is also an incredible destination for wild animal viewers since it hosts various animals including zebras, warthogs, elephants, buffalos, impalas, eland, giraffes, and colobus monkeys. Arusha National Park is also blessed with many other attractions, which include the Great Ngurdoto Crater alongside its famous Ngurdoto Museum, the 7 Momella Lakes, Uwanja wa Mbogo, and finally the Mini Serengeti. A combination of all these attractions offers a visitor flexibility of opting for several activities, including birding safaris, canoeing, game drives, walking safaris, cultural visits, and so many more.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is home to the tree-climbing lions. These unique carnivores make Lake Manyara a superb destination for learning more about the tree-climbing lions. They can usually be spotted resting on tree branches. What a perfect picture! On the shallow shores of Lake Manyara, are the stunning pink flamingos which can be spotted from far away. Thus making this soda lake appear pink. About 400 species of birds with unique colors, behaviors, and sounds reside in this park making a superb bird-watching site after Tarangire.
Other animals such as giraffes, elephants, monkeys, zebra, and ground species like snakes and insects.
Outside this park, you will meet the Mto wa Mbu village, a Maasai local village found close to the entrance gate of this park. In this park, you will enjoy canoeing, boat safaris, game drives, bird watching hiking the escarpment, biking safari, and camping.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
This is a stunning tourist destination, which is located between Lake Manyara and Serengeti National Park. It is home to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, the largest unbroken caldera in the world. The caldera itself covers an area of 300 square kilometers with a depth of 600 meters and a length of 20 kilometers across.
The crater hosts plenty of wild animals residing on its crater floor including all the Big Five animals. The crater serves everything that is required by animals from water to pasture throughout the season. A lot of activities can be done in Ngorongoro including game viewing, birding, visiting Olduvai Museum, and witnessing sunrise and sunset.
Tarangire National Park
Located in the Northern Circuit, Tarangire is one of the wonderful destinations. This is known for being the home to the biggest population of African elephants and the oldest giant baobab trees. Tarangire is also home to the largest population of birds, thus making it a superb destination for birders.
Game Drives in Tarangire
Other attractive animals found in this park include cheetahs, colobus monkeys, warthogs, wild dogs, warthogs, eland, zebras, impalas, leopards, lions, buffaloes, and giraffes. You will meet the mighty Tarangire River, which acts as the lifeline of this park, especially during the dry season. A large herd of animals, including elephants gather close to this river. Various activities can be done in Tarangire including guided nature walks. Also, game drives, hiking, camping safari, birding, and visiting other nearby destinations.
Serengeti National Park
This is like the heart of the Northern Circuit. It is home to the world’s greatest mammal migration, yes the Great Migration. This is a breathtaking event that happens annually. The large herds of nearly 2 million wildebeests alongside 500,000 zebras and 250,000 gazelles migrate from the south of Serengeti to the north crossing two giant rivers, Grumeti and Mara Rivers. Serengeti is also the home of the Big Five animals including lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and black rhino. This can be viewed on a game drive.
Central Serengeti is home to various predators including the Big Cats and many others. Other enchanting things to do in Serengeti include hot-air balloon safari, birding, bush dining, camping, and guided nature walks.
