8 Best Northern Tanzania Safaris 2026/2027/2028
Northern Tanzania offers some of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles, including the Serengeti Great Migration, the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire’s elephant herds, and Lake Manyara’s tree-climbing lions. The 8 best Northern Tanzania safaris for 2026–2028 include migration tours, calving safaris, cultural expeditions, and classic Northern Circuit adventures.
Northern Tanzania has long been celebrated as Africa’s most iconic safari region—home to the legendary Serengeti National Park, the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, the ancient Great Rift Valley, and a network of lakes, forests, volcanoes, and wildlife-rich plains that attract millions of travellers each year. For those seeking a life-changing adventure in 2026, 2027, or 2028, the Northern Circuit remains unmatched in biodiversity, cultural immersion, accessibility, and year-round wildlife sightings.
This guide highlights the 8 Best Northern Tanzania Safaris 2026/2027/2028, carefully selected from the most trusted, high-performing tours at Paradise Africa Safari—a locally owned East African tour operator known for authentic experiences, custom itineraries, and highly rated guides. These curated safaris include the 5 Days Tanzania Great Migration Safari, the 6 Days Tanzania Wildlife Safari, the immersive 7 Days Tanzania Calving Safari, the indulgent 6 Days Tanzania Best Luxury Safari, and the adventure-rich 5 Days Tanzania Wildlife Safari (Natron–Serengeti–Ngorongoro).
Travellers seeking short, high-impact adventures will enjoy the 3 Days Ngorongoro Crater Safari, while culture lovers will find inspiration in the 7 Days Tanzania Culture & Wildlife Safari featuring Eyasi and Natron tribes. For a complete circuit, the 8 Days Northern Tanzania Safari offers an all-inclusive classic wildlife expedition.
Whether you’re a couple, family, group, photographer, migration enthusiast, or first-time safari traveller—this page helps you choose the perfect safari package.
Learn more about the Tanzania Wildlife Conservation effort from TANAPA
Why Northern Tanzania Outperforms All Other Safari Regions
Northern Tanzania dominates global safari rankings because it combines the continent’s most dramatic wildlife encounters with diverse landscapes and year-round accessibility. The Serengeti ecosystem, spanning more than 30,000 km², is home to the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, thousands of zebras, gazelles, and predators move in a circular annual pattern.
Meanwhile, the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shelters Africa’s highest concentration of large mammals, making it perfect for travellers wanting fast, high-density wildlife viewing. Tarangire National Park impresses with its giant baobabs, elephant herds, and lesser-crowded game drives, while Lake Manyara National Park is beloved for tree-climbing lions, birdlife, and its lush groundwater forests.
8 Best Northern Tanzania Safaris 2026/2027/2028
1) 5 Days Tanzania Great Migration Safari
Experience one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles—the Great Migration—on this epic 5-day safari that focuses on Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro. Depending on the season, travellers witness massive herds crossing the plains, thrilling predator activity, and breathtaking landscapes. This tour is ideal for adventure seekers, photographers, and guests visiting during peak migration months (June–October) or the calving season (December–March). With expertly selected accommodations and professional guides, the experience is immersive, educational, and unforgettable.
2) 6 Days Tanzania Wildlife Safari
This bestselling 6-day safari highlights Tarangire, Serengeti, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater—perfect for travellers seeking variety. You’ll encounter elephants, big cats, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, and hundreds of bird species. This tour balances adventure with comfort, offering excellent wildlife density and diverse landscapes. Its popularity stems from great value, perfect pacing, and high accommodation flexibility (budget to luxury). A top option for 2026–2028.
3) 7 Days Tanzania Calving Safari (Ndutu – Serengeti – Ngorongoro)
Designed for wildlife photographers and migration lovers, this 7-day safari specializes in Ndutu’s calving season (Dec–March), where more than 500,000 young wildebeest are born. This season attracts lions, cheetahs, and hyenas in high numbers. The itinerary includes extended time in Ndutu, central Serengeti, and Ngorongoro—making it one of the most powerful, dramatic safari experiences anywhere in Africa.
4) 6 Days Tanzania Best Luxury Safari
This ultra-luxury itinerary features premium lodges and exclusive experiences in Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Expect high-end tented camps, exceptional cuisine, private sundowners, hot air balloon options, and the finest guiding. Luxury travellers, honeymooners, and high-budget guests consistently rate this among the top Tanzania packages for 2026–2028.
5) 5 Days Tanzania Wildlife Safari (Lake Natron – Serengeti – Ngorongoro)
This unique program blends culture, adventure, and scenery. Starting at Lake Natron, guests witness flamingos, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and Maasai communities before continuing to Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Perfect for active travellers seeking beautiful landscapes and intimacy with local culture—an itinerary that differentiates you from major competitors.
6) 3 Days Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Ideal for travellers with limited time, this 3-day safari offers a condensed yet powerful adventure into the Ngorongoro Crater. With incredible wildlife density—lions, elephants, black rhinos, hyenas, hippos—this tour is one of the most rewarding short safaris in Tanzania. Excellent for weekend travellers, business visitors, or those combining beach holidays.
7) 7 Days Tanzania Culture & Wildlife Safari (Eyasi, Natron, Serengeti, Ngorongoro)
A cultural masterpiece that includes the Hadzabe Bushmen, Datoga tribe, Lake Eyasi, Lake Natron, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro. This tour appeals to travellers who want authentic interactions with local tribes. Extremely strong ranking potential for long-tail keywords such as “Tanzania cultural safari,” “Lake Eyasi tours,” and “Natron cultural visits.”
8) 8 Days Northern Tanzania Safari (Full Classic Circuit)
The ultimate Northern Circuit safari covering Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro. With balanced game drives, excellent lodges, and perfectly paced days, this itinerary is ideal for families, honeymooners, and group travellers seeking the richest wildlife experience across all top parks.
Price comparison table
| # | Tour | Duration | Price Range (USD pp) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 Days Tanzania Great Migration Safari |
5 Days | $1,900 – $3,800 | Accommodation, park fees, game drives, pro-guide |
| 2 | 6 Days Tanzania Wildlife Safari |
6 Days | $2,300 – $4,200 | Tarangire, Serengeti, Manyara, Ngorongoro |
| 3 | 7 Days Tanzania Calving Safari (Ndutu – Serengeti – Ngorongoro) |
7 Days | $2,800 – $5,000 | Calving season focus, Ndutu zone, wildlife-rich areas |
| 4 | 6 Days Tanzania Best Luxury Safari |
6 Days | $4,500 – $8,000+ | Luxury camps, premium lodges, exclusive service |
| 5 | 5 Days Tanzania Wildlife Safari (Natron – Serengeti – Ngorongoro) |
5 Days | $2,000 – $3,500 | Lake Natron, Serengeti, Ngorongoro |
| 6 | 3 Days Ngorongoro Crater Safari |
3 Days | $1,200 – $2,200 | Ngorongoro game drives, crater floor exploration |
| 7 | 7 Days Tanzania Culture & Wildlife Safari |
7 Days | $2,500 – $4,500 | Lake Eyasi, Natron, Serengeti, tribal visits |
| 8 | 8 Days Northern Tanzania Safari |
8 Days | $3,200 – $5,500 | Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro |
Estimates based on industry norms for different tour lengths and accommodation tiers in Northern Tanzania. Also depends on the number of participants and the season.
BUDGET vs MID-RANGE vs LUXURY SAFARI COMPARISON TABLE
| Safari Tier | Price Range (USD pp) | Accommodation | Vehicles | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $150 – $280 per day | Standard lodges / Basic tented camps | Shared safari Land Cruiser or Van | Affordable, great value, essential comfort only |
| Mid-Range | $250 – $420 per day | Comfortable lodges / Good tented camps | Shared or private Land Cruiser | Balanced comfort, great guides, excellent value |
| Luxury | $450 – $900+ per day | Luxury lodges, premium tented suites | Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with expert guide | Exclusive, personalized, high-end safari experience |
What Paradise Africa Safari does better
✔ Local expertise with real on-ground guides
✔ More authentic itineraries
✔ Greater transparency
✔ More detailed day-by-day information
✔ Flexible departures
✔ Budget, mid-range, luxury & group options
✔ Personalized WhatsApp support
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — Northern Tanzania Safaris 2026/2027/2028
1. What is the best time to visit Northern Tanzania for safari?
The best time for Northern Tanzania safaris is June to October during the dry season when wildlife is concentrated near water sources and the Great Migration is in the Serengeti. For the calving season in Ndutu, the best months are December to March — ideal for photographers and big cat sightings.
2. How many days do I need for a Northern Tanzania safari?
You need 5–8 days to explore Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara comfortably. Shorter safaris like 2–3 days are perfect for Ngorongoro Crater or Manyara, while longer trips (7–10 days) offer more in-depth wildlife encounters.
3. Which parks are included in Northern Tanzania safaris?
The main parks include Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and sometimes Lake Natron or Lake Eyasi for cultural visits. These parks form part of the Northern Safari Circuit, the most popular route in East Africa.
4. What wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect to see lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, wildebeest, zebras, rhinos, hyenas, jackals, flamingos, and more than 500 bird species. The Serengeti alone hosts over 1.5 million wildebeest during the migration.
5. Is Northern Tanzania good for family safaris?
Yes, Northern Tanzania is excellent for family safaris thanks to its safe parks, child-friendly lodges, shorter drive times, and activities ideal for kids. Private safaris offer even more flexibility for families with young children.
6. Are the safaris customizable?
Yes, all itineraries can be fully customized to budget, travel dates, accommodation preference (budget, mid-range, luxury), and interests such as photography, culture, honeymoon trips, or Great Migration tracking.
7. What types of accommodations are available?
Northern Tanzania offers budget tented camps, mid-range lodges, luxury tented suites, and ultra-luxury camps. Guests can choose accommodations that match their style — from rustic adventure to high-end opulence with private butler service.
8. Are Northern Tanzania safaris safe?
Yes. Safaris are guided by trained professionals, and the national parks are secure for travellers. The safari vehicles are designed for wildlife viewing, and lodges have 24/7 security. Your guide will provide safety instructions upon arrival.
9. What is included in the safari cost?
Most Northern Tanzania safaris include accommodation, all meals, park entry fees, game drives, 4×4 Land Cruiser transport, an English-speaking guide, drinking water, and government taxes. Some itineraries include airport transfers and cultural activities.
10. Do you offer private and group safari options?
Yes. Paradise Africa Safari offers private safaris, group-joining tours, family packages, and luxury private experiences depending on your preference and budget.
Ready to Plan Your Northern Tanzania Safari?
Our safari experts are here to help you create a customised journey across Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara.
Previous Travellers’ Reviews
1. Maria & Daniel – USA – 7 Days Tanzania Calving Safari
“Our Northern Tanzania safari was beyond anything we imagined. We visited Ndutu during the calving season and watched hundreds of wildebeest calves take their first steps with lions and cheetahs never far away. The organisation from Paradise Africa Safari was flawless, from airport pick-up to the final drop-off. Our guide had an incredible eye for wildlife and made sure we were always in the best positions for photos.”
2. Sophie – France – 6 Days Tanzania Wildlife Safari
“I chose the 6 Days Tanzania Wildlife Safari and it was perfect from start to finish. We saw the Big Five within the first few days between Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Tarangire was a beautiful surprise with its elephants and baobab trees. The accommodations were comfortable, the food was excellent, and I felt completely safe as a solo female traveller.”
3. Rahul & Priya – India – 8 Days Northern Tanzania Safari
“Our 8-day Northern Tanzania safari with Paradise Africa Safari was the trip of a lifetime. The itinerary was well-balanced between game drives, relaxation, and cultural experiences. We particularly loved the views in Ngorongoro and the endless plains of Serengeti. John Peter was very responsive on WhatsApp and customised the trip around our anniversary, including a special private dinner at the lodge.”
4. Emma & Lucas – Australia – 6 Days Tanzania Best Luxury Safari
“We were looking for a high-end, once-in-a-lifetime safari and Paradise Africa Safari delivered exactly that. The luxury camps were stunning, with amazing food, attentive staff, and beautiful views right from our deck. Our private guide was knowledgeable and patient, making sure we never felt rushed. The hot air balloon over the Serengeti at sunrise was worth every cent.”
5. Hans & Petra – Germany – 5 Days Tanzania Great Migration Safari
“Seeing the Great Migration in person was a dream come true. We watched thousands of wildebeest and zebra crossing the plains with predators lurking in the distance. Our vehicle was comfortable, the guide was funny and informative, and everything ran on time. We really appreciated the flexibility to adjust game drives depending on where the migration herds were moving.”
6. The Johnson Family – UK – 7 Days Culture & Wildlife Safari
“We travelled with two children (9 and 12 years old) and were worried a safari might be too intense, but it turned out to be the perfect family holiday. The kids loved learning about the Maasai and Hadzabe tribes as much as they enjoyed spotting lions and giraffes. The lodges were family-friendly, with spacious rooms and great food. We always felt safe and well looked after.”
