Northern Circuit
The Great Migration and year-round Big Five
Overview
Tanzania's Northern Circuit is home to the planet's most famous wildlife spectacle — the wildebeest migration. Over 1.5 million wildebeest sweep across the Serengeti in a continuous cycle. The Ngorongoro Crater shelters one of Africa's highest wildlife densities. Tarangire is famous for its ancient baobabs and elephant herds of 300+.
Highlights
- Serengeti wildebeest migration — year-round, river crossings July–October
- Ngorongoro Crater — lions, elephants, rhinos in a natural amphitheatre
- Tarangire — Africa's highest elephant concentration per km²
- Lake Manyara — flamingos, tree-climbing lions, groundwater forest
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. Calving January–March (south Serengeti); crossings July–October (north).
Travel Tips
- • Combine with Zanzibar for the classic safari + beach
- • Book lodges 6–12 months ahead for peak migration
- • Fly into Kilimanjaro International (JRO)
