Tanzania Safaris: Why Northern Safaris Are the Best (and How to Combine Them with Zanzibar)?

If you dream of an unforgettable safari in Tanzania, one question comes up again and again: should you choose Northern or Southern Tanzania safaris? Both regions have their charm, but let’s be clear and honest: Northern Tanzania safaris are the most spectacular and the most complete, especially if wildlife viewing is your top priority.

In this article, we explain why the North stands above the rest, how to plan the perfect safari + Zanzibar itinerary, and most importantly, where to land to enjoy a truly exceptional experience.

Tanzania Safari: North or South – what’s the difference?

Tanzania is one of Africa’s most beautiful safari destinations. It is generally divided into two main safari regions:

• Northern safaris: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara
• Southern safaris: Nyerere (Selous), Ruaha, Mikumi

Southern safaris are stunning, more remote, and often slightly more budget-friendly. However, if your goal is to see the greatest variety of wildlife, iconic landscapes, and legendary scenes, the North is clearly superior.

Why Northern Tanzania safaris are the best

1. The Serengeti: one of Africa’s most beautiful national parks

Serengeti National Park is simply legendary. It is world-famous for:

• The Great Migration of wildebeest, one of the greatest natural spectacles on Earth
• Endless plains offering outstanding visibility
• An extraordinary concentration of predators

Here you can spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and thousands of wildebeest. Due to its vast size, a minimum of two days is essential to truly experience the Serengeti.

2. Ngorongoro Crater: a unique ecosystem in the world

The Ngorongoro Crater is absolutely unique in Africa:

• A massive enclosed volcanic caldera
• A self-contained ecosystem
• Exceptional wildlife density in a small area

It is one of the easiest places to spot lions, elephants, black rhinos, hippos, flamingos, zebras, and wildebeest. Few places in Africa offer so much wildlife in a single day.

3. Tarangire: elephants and baobab trees

Tarangire National Park is often a wonderful surprise for travelers. It is famous for:

• Huge herds of elephants
• Landscapes dotted with giant baobab trees
• A more wild and authentic atmosphere

Where to land for a Tanzania safari? A crucial choice

✈️ Kilimanjaro International Airport is the best option if you want to experience the finest safaris in Tanzania:

• Direct access to Northern safari parks
• Smoother and simpler logistics
• Fewer expensive domestic flights
• More time on safari, less time traveling

Safari + Zanzibar: the perfect combination

After the intensity of Northern safaris, Zanzibar is the perfect reward: white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, romantic hotels, snorkeling, and total relaxation.

Our expert tip: land at Kilimanjaro for your safari and fly home from Zanzibar. This itinerary offers the best balance between adventure and relaxation.