Northern Tanzania’s Parks & Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is a vast expanse of open plains, riverine woodland, rocky kopjes and seasonal wetlands. Its varied habitats support large herds of grazers and a strong predator population, and the park is the stage for the Great Migration, when vast numbers of wildebeest and zebra move through the ecosystem. The best region of the park to visit depends on the season and the length of your itinerary, and migration or river-crossing sightings are never guaranteed on any particular day.
Great Migration guide
4 Day Safaris
5 Day Safaris
6 Day Safaris
Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Crater
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a protected landscape of highland forest, grassland and Maasai pastoral land, within which the Ngorongoro Crater sits. The crater floor holds grassland, wetland, lake and woodland, supporting one of Africa’s densest concentrations of wildlife, with the chance of black-rhino sightings and views across Lake Magadi. The wider conservation area is distinct from the crater itself; a day excursion descends to the crater floor for game viewing. A day excursion involves substantial driving, especially from Moshi. We recommend an overnight itinerary for a more relaxed visit.
Ngorongoro one-day option
2 Day Safaris
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is defined by the Tarangire River, ancient baobab trees and acacia woodland. In the dry season the river and its swamps become a magnet for wildlife, drawing large elephant herds and seasonal concentrations of grazers and their predators. The park is a rewarding, quieter alternative to the busier Northern Circuit destinations.
Tarangire one-day option
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park lies beneath the Rift Valley escarpment, where a shallow alkaline lake meets groundwater forest, acacia woodland and open shoreline. These varied habitats support elephants, primates and abundant birdlife. Tree-climbing lions are a possible sighting here, and flamingo numbers vary with conditions. Guided walks and canoeing are not routinely available; where they are possible they require specific confirmation of arrangements and fees.
Lake Manyara one-day option
Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park combines forest, open grassland, the Momela Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater viewpoints beneath Mount Meru. It suits travellers interested in varied scenery, birdwatching and wildlife such as giraffes, buffalo, zebras and monkeys. This is a wildlife day safari on the lower slopes of Mount Meru, not a Mount Meru summit trek. Walking safaris are possible here but require separate confirmation of ranger arrangements and fees.
Arusha one-day safari
Mount Meru itineraries
Mkomazi National Park
Mkomazi offers dry woodland and open plains near the Pare and Usambara mountains. Game drives and birdwatching complement its important conservation work involving black rhinos and African wild dogs. Wildlife may include giraffes, zebras, eland, oryx, lesser kudu and gerenuk. Dedicated rhino-sanctuary or other conservation visits must be confirmed in advance, including access, availability and any additional charges. Rhino and wild-dog sightings are not guaranteed on a standard game drive. A Moshi day excursion can be arranged, with pickup and timing confirmed in the quotation.
Mkomazi one-day option
1 Day Safaris
Compare 3-Day Safari Options
Safari Accommodation Types
Safari Vehicles
Safari Packing List
Travel Insurance
Booking Terms & Conditions
— Park guide
Highlights
Destination
Main interests
Planning considerations
Northern Tanzania Parks & Ngorongoro Conservation Area | Exuberant Kilimanjaro Safaris
A guide to six Northern Tanzania wildlife destinations — Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Arusha and Mkomazi — what each offers and how to plan a route from Moshi or Arusha.
Safari Information
Explore six wildlife destinations we arrange safaris to: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Arusha and Mkomazi. Each offers different landscapes and experiences. We help you choose a combination that suits your interests, starting point and available time.
Mkomazi is an alternative excursion east of the usual Serengeti–Ngorongoro safari loop, rather than a destination that fits into every short circuit. We plan each route around your time and starting point rather than assuming all six sit on one compact loop.
On this page
At a glance
Compare the
six destinations.
Practical planning notes, not animal-sighting guarantees. Serengeti requires more travel time, and Ngorongoro is better paired with an overnight stay.
Driving time depends on your departure town, the park gate, your accommodation and road conditions. We do not publish fixed distances or travel times as universal figures; we confirm timings in your written quotation.
Getting there & timings
Planning your route
Driving time depends on your departure town (Moshi or Arusha), the park gate, your accommodation and road conditions. We do not publish fixed distances or travel times as universal figures, and we do not promise a fixed return time. Several commonly circulated park-size and distance figures are inconsistent or outdated, so we do not rely on them.
Your pickup and return arrangements, included services and any extras will be confirmed in your written quotation.
Keep exploring
Related
pages.
Plan your route
Which parks suit your trip?
Tell us your dates, interests and departure point. Our team in Moshi will help you plan a suitable route.