Self Drive Safari Circuit in Tanzania – Northern vs Southern Routes- Self Drive East Africa

Self drive holidays are more possible in East Africa, Tanzania is one of the best safari destinations for road trip itinerary vacations as well as Uganda Self drive itinerary for unique Experience as Tanzania. Tanzania Self Drive itinerary offers two main circuits for wildlife viewing the Northern Circuit and the Southern Circuit unlike Uganda Road Trip itinerary that encompasses the visit to the Mountain Gorillas , Chimpanzee for Primate trekking experience with a reliable local operator.

The Northern Tanzania circuit is more popular and they use the Arusha International Airport yet the southern Tanzania uses Dar es salaam ( Nyerere international Airport ). The Northern Circuit includes famous parks like Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National park , and Lake Manyara National Park. It is popular for its stunning landscapes, large animal populations, and the Great Migration.

The Southern Circuit, which includes parks like Selous (now Nyerere National Park), Ruaha National Park, Mikumi National Park , Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Kitulo National Park, Mpanga-Kipengere Game Reserve and Mount Rungwe Nature Forest Reserve which are less crowded and offers a more remote and wild Self Drive safari experience in better roads than the Serengeti roads.

Why is hard to Choose between the two circuits.

The Northern Circuit is perfect for first-time visitors and those who want to see the most iconic wildlife moments. The Southern Circuit, on the other hand, is ideal for those seeking adventure, solitude, and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Combining both the Northern and Southern Circuits in one trip is possible and can give you a more complete picture of Tanzania’s incredible wildlife and landscapes.

In this article, we’ll explore how you can plan a trip that includes both circuits, what to expect in each, the best travel routes, and tips for making the most of your time and budget.

Tanzania Road Trip Itinerary

Explore Self Drive Tanzania Holiday

Book 30 Days Self drive holiday Tanzania to visit 22 national parks including Island parks ( Big Five, walking Safaris & Chimpanzees watching) and 5 Game reserves with relaxation on the beaches of Zanzibar islands on Self drive holiday with Self drive East Africa. Get around Tanzania.

Southern Self Drive Itinerary

Southern Tanzania Safari Circuit

14 Days Great adventures to southern Tanzania National Parks for self drive holidays start from Dar es salaam with the rewarding of watching the big five in the less expensive national parks in the northern Tanzania where the trips are expensive. Explore Tanzania on self drive holiday

Tanzania Road trip itinerary 7 Days

Tanzania Adventure Holiday ( Northern Circuit)

Explore Northern Tanzania parks for 7 days Tanzania Self Drive safari itinerary in the wilderness of Serengeti , lake Manyara, Tarangire, Ngorongoro crater for classic adventure of Tanzania on Self Drive Safari with Self Drive East Africa.

What Are the Northern and Southern Circuits?

If your planning a Tanzania Self Drive tour to explore Wildlife , you have to decide where to go or to combine the best itinerary to see the southern Tanzania and Northern Tanzania with Self Drive East Africa as it operates Self drive Safaris to both destinations.

The Northern Circuit:

The Northern Circuit is the most popular safari route in Tanzania. It includes:

1. Serengeti National Park: famous for the Great Migration and big cats.
2. Mount Kilimanjaro :Nature walks to the water falls and  Kilimanjaro Trekking
3. Ngorongoro Crater: a unique place where you can see many animals in a small area.
4. Lake Manyara National Park: known for tree-climbing lions and birdlife.
5. Tarangire National Park: famous for elephants and baobab trees.
6. Arusha National Park: Close to Arusha town, good for a short safari.

The Southern Circuit: The Southern Circuit is less visited but offers wild and remote safaris. It includes:

• Ruaha National Park: a large park with many predators and elephants.
• Nyerere National Park (Selous): Tanzania’s largest national park with rivers and boat safaris.
• Mikumi National Park: a smaller park often used as a stopover.
• Udzungwa Mountains National Park: great for hiking and seeing monkeys.
• Kitulo National Park: Known as the “Serengeti of Flowers,” Kitulo is famous for its vibrant wildflowers and unique montane grassland and hikers.
• Mpanga-Kipengere Game Reserve: This remote reserve offers a rugged landscape rich in birdlife, waterfalls, and rare species, making it perfect for adventurous eco-tourism.
• Mount Rungwe Nature Forest Reserve: Is great for forest hiking and primate viewing, especially the rare Rungwe galago.

Why Combine the Northern and Southern Circuits?

Here are some good reasons to combine both Tanzania circuits in one trip if your going on Long term Self drive holiday for unique experiences:

1. You Get the Best of Both Worlds

The Northern Circuit is popular and well-developed. It includes famous places like Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire. These parks are home to big animals like lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras. You can also see the Great Migration in the Serengeti, which is one of the most amazing wildlife events in the world.

The Southern Circuit is quieter and wilder. It includes parks like Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous), Ruaha National Park, and Mikumi. These parks are less crowded, and you can explore large areas without seeing many other people. It feels more remote and natural. By visiting both circuits, you can enjoy the popular highlights and also the peaceful, untouched areas of Tanzania.

2. More Wildlife, More Landscapes

Animals in the Northern and Southern Circuits are similar, but there are differences. The Northern Circuit has many of the big animals, people come to see: the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo), along with cheetahs, wildebeests, zebras, and more.

The Southern Circuit also has lions, elephants, and leopards, but it also offers rare animals like wild dogs (also called African painted wolves). You may also see big crocodiles and many kinds of birds. In some southern parks, you can go on boat safaris and see animals near the water. The landscapes are also different. The Northern Circuit has open plains, volcanic craters, and woodlands. The Southern Circuit has thick forests, rivers, swamps, and rocky hills. Seeing both gives you a better understanding of Tanzania’s natural beauty.

3. Mix Adventure with Comfort

The Northern Circuit has more tourists, better roads, and more luxury lodges. It’s easier for first-time safari travellers or families. The experience is smooth, and there are many guided tours and group safaris. The Southern Circuit is more adventurous. The roads can be rough, and the camps are often in wild, remote places. This is great for people who like off-the-beaten-path travel and don’t mind a bit of roughness for a more private and wild experience. By combining both, you can start with the comfort and famous sights of the north, then move to the adventure and peaceful nature of the south.

4. Avoid Safari Crowds

In the high season (June to October), the Northern Circuit can get very busy, especially in Serengeti and Ngorongoro. There can be many safari vehicles around one animal sighting. In the Southern Circuit, you can enjoy animal sightings with no crowds. Sometimes you might not see another vehicle for hours. This makes the experience feel more personal and special. Combining both lets you enjoy famous spots and also escape the crowds when you want peace and quiet.

5. Different Safari Activities

In the Northern Circuit, safaris are usually done in vehicles. You drive through the parks and watch animals from the car. In Ngorongoro, you can also see animals from the edge of the crater. In the Southern Circuit, you can do more than just game drives. In Nyerere National Park (Selous), you can go on boat safaris and walking safaris with armed rangers. This gives you a new way to see animals and understand the environment.  These activities make your trip more exciting and different from a normal safari.

6. Learn More About Tanzania’s Culture and Nature

By traveling to both circuits, you pass through different parts of Tanzania. You will see how landscapes, people, and cultures change as you move from one region to another. For example: In the north, you might visit a Maasai village near Ngorongoro. While in the south, you might meet people from the Hehe or Bena tribes near Ruaha.

You can also visit nature reserves like Kitulo National Park, Mount Rungwe Forest Reserve, or Mpanga-Kipengere Game Reserve if you pass through southern highlands. These areas are great for flowers, birds, and hiking. They’re not typical safari parks but are worth seeing if you love nature.

7. Make the Most of Your Time in Tanzania

If you are coming from far away and this is your only chance to visit Tanzania, combining both circuits helps you get the most value from your trip. Instead of choosing one style of safari, you get to see both sides of the country.

You’ll have a richer, deeper safari experience. You will return home with more stories, more photos, and more memories. You’ll also have a better understanding of how big and diverse Tanzania really is.

8. Customize Your Safari- Self Drive tour

When you combine both circuits, you can build a trip that fits your travel style. For example:

• If you love photography, you can focus on the Great Migration in the north and birdlife in the south.
• If you love quiet places, you can keep your time in the north short and spend more time in the peaceful parks of the south.
• If you are traveling with kids or older travelers, you can enjoy easy drives in the north and take short scenic flights to the south.

There are many tour operators and safari planners who can help you create a custom trip that includes both areas.

Final Remarks from Rachael Alex

Combining the Northern and Southern Circuits in Tanzania is a great choice if you want a complete safari adventure. You get to enjoy the famous parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro, but also explore the quiet, wild places like Ruaha and Nyerere. You see more animals, more landscapes, and meet more local people. You also get to enjoy different safari styles driving, walking, and boating. With good planning and the right schedule, it’s very possible to do both circuits in one trip. It’s a great way to make your visit to Tanzania truly unforgettable.