Northern Circuit Zone
The northern parts of Tanzania are the greatest and most popular safari destinations in the country!
Departing from Arusha and Moshi, Kili Footprints is ideally positioned to arrange your dream safari in this region. The northern circuit parks have long formed the heart of our business, and we have years of experience in planning and leading customised safari expeditions. Whether you are looking for a custom designed safari, a scheduled departure safari, or a private guided safari, we will give you an unforgettable experience! We offer a wide range of itineraries to suit anyone’s expectations. This includes luxury lodge safaris, private guides for small groups, camping safaris for the more adventurous, and migration safaris to the Serengeti and Masai Mara.
The northern circuit is home of the classic safari experience. With the endless short-grass plains of Serengeti, the dense river forest of Tarangire, and the blended ecosystem of Ngorongoro. The Northern Tanzania has an abundance of wildlife waiting for you!
Serengeti National Park
Covering an area of 14,763 square km and equal in size to Northern Ireland, the world famous Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s oldest park. It is bordering with Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve and its name comes from the Masai word Siringet, meaning ‘endless plains’. The Serengeti ecosystem supports the greatest remaining concentration of animals in Africa, including more than three million large mammals.
In total, it is the sanctuary of an estimated four million different animals and birds. The animals roam the park freely and in the spectacular wildlife migration, huge herds of animals move to other areas of the park in search of greener grazing grounds. This park is a must for anyone who visit Tanzania!
Ngorongoro Conservation Area / Crater
This vast protected area stretches from Lake Natron in the northeast, to Lake Enyasi in the south and Lake Manyara in the east. Eight million years ago, the Ngorongoro Crater was an active volcano. However, the cone collapsed and formed a crater 610 meters deep and 20 km in diameter, covering an area of 311 sq. km. Views from the rim of the crater are sensational. On the crater floor, grassland blends into swamps, lakes, rivers, woodland and mountains.
The crater is home to many species of wildlife and birds. With the exception of Impala, Topi and Giraffes, almost every species of African plain mammals spend their entire lives in the crater, including the endangered black rhino. Furthermore, Ngorongoro has the most dense population of predators in Africa. The birdlife is mainly seasonal. It is affected by the ratio of soda in the fresh water in Lake Magadi on the crater floor. Experiencing Ngorongoro is yet another must when visiting Tanzania!
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park boasts some of the highest animal densities and most stunning landscapes in Tanzania. Its proximity to Arusha makes it easily accessible, and it’s often combined with Serengeti and Ngorongoro, completing Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Tarangire is the sixth biggest park in Tanzania with 2,850 km². It takes its name – as well as its game wealth – from the Tarangire River which flows through the park, attracting elephants and many other animals.
Large populations of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, giraffe, eland, impala and warthog all go in search of water. Lions and hyenas are follow them accordingly. Perhaps most impressive are the large herds of elephant that congregate along the riverbanks — it is sometimes possible to see over 500 in a day.
Lake Manyara National Park
This relatively small park is divided into five distinct vegetation zones: ground-water forest, marshland and reed beds, open grasslands and acacia woodland. In a single day, a visitor may see elephant, buffalo, zebra, hippo and the curious lions which have a habit of resting in trees. Sheltering under the massive escarpment of the Great Rift Valley, and covering an area of 325 sq. km, this park is a flash of green amid an otherwise parched landscape. A line of springs support the lush vegetation of a groundwater forest, where blue monkeys, baboons and the curious-looking silvery-cheeked hornbill live, among the more than 350 bird species, the most profuse being the flamingo.
Arusha National Park
This park has three distinct zones: Ngurdoto Crater (often called the ‘mini-Ngorongoro’); the shallow alkaline Momella Lakes fed by underground streams (upon which rest thousands of flamingoes, and many migrant birds can be seen between May and October); and the densely forested slopes of Mount Meru (one of the rewarding mountains to climb in Africa and where, among other animal species, live blue monkeys and beautiful black and white colobus monkeys).
Other attractions in the park include elephants, giraffes, buffalos, zebras, hippos, various antelopes, leopards and hyenas. The park is 21 km from Arusha on the main Arusha to Moshi road. A network of gravel roads and tracks navigable by two wheel-drive vehicle link the park’s main features and viewing points. Nevertheless, a few roads require 4WD vehicles.
