WILDLIFE TO SEE IN NORTHERN TANZANIA THAT I MIGHT NOT SEE IN THE SOUTH?
Tanzania is famous for its amazing wildlife, and both the Northern and Southern Safari Circuits offer visitors a chance to see many wild animals in their natural homes. However, because these two areas have different landscapes and ecosystems, the types of animals you can see in each are not always the same. The Northern Circuit includes some of the most famous parks in Africa, such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire. These parks are home to large populations of certain animals and special wildlife events that you might not find in the Southern Circuit.
For example, the Northern Circuit is known for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other animals move across the plains. It also has a higher chance of spotting the Big Five animals lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos — in well-known spots. Some rare animals and bird species are easier to find here too. This introduction will help you understand why the northern parks offer unique wildlife experiences that are often different from what you might see in southern Tanzania.
- The Great Migration – Wildebeest and Zebra
The Serengeti is world-famous for the Great Migration. Over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles move across the plains each year. This happens in a circular route through the Serengeti and into Kenya’s Masai Mara. You can see the migration all year round in different parts of the Serengeti. In the South (Ndutu area), the wildebeest give birth in January and February. In the West, they cross rivers in May and June. In the North, you can see dramatic river crossings at the Mara River from July to October.
Not Common in the South: This kind of large, moving herd migration doesn’t happen in Southern Tanzania. You may see wildebeest and zebra in parks like Ruaha, but not in such huge numbers or as a moving spectacle.
- Black Rhinos
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places in Tanzania to see the endangered black rhino. The crater is a natural enclosure, and rhinos are often seen in the open grasslands during a game drive.
Hard to Find in the South: Rhinos are extremely rare in the South. Even in large parks like Ruaha and Nyerere, you are unlikely to spot one. Poaching in the past has greatly reduced rhino numbers in these areas.
- Cheetahs
Cheetahs are often seen in the Serengeti, especially in the open plains of Central and Eastern Serengeti. These flat areas are perfect for the cheetah’s style of fast hunting.
Less Common in the South: You might still see a cheetah in Ruaha or Nyerere, but they are harder to find. The thicker vegetation in Southern parks makes it more difficult for cheetahs to thrive and for visitors to spot them.
- Flamingos
Lake Manyara and nearby Lake Natron in Northern Tanzania attract thousands of flamingos. They come to these soda lakes to feed on algae and to breed.
Fewer in the South: Southern Tanzania has lakes and wetlands, but they don’t support large flamingo populations like those in the North.
- Thomson’s and Grant’s Gazelles
In Northern Tanzania, especially in the Serengeti, you’ll find large herds of Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles. They are small antelope species and are very common in open plains.
Not Found in the South: These species are not present in Southern Tanzania. The antelope in the South are different, such as roan antelope and sable antelope.
- Ostriches
The world’s largest bird, the ostrich, is easy to spot in the open plains of the Serengeti. They are often seen walking across the grasslands alone or in small groups.
Rare in the South: Ostriches can be seen in some southern parks like Mikumi, but they are less common and harder to spot than in the Serengeti.
- Hyenas and Jackals
Hyenas are very common in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. You may also see black-backed jackals and golden jackals. These scavengers follow the Great Migration and are part of the balance of predators and prey.
Also, in the South but Harder to See: You can find hyenas in Ruaha and Nyerere, but because the terrain is bushier, they are harder to spot. Jackals are not seen as frequently in the South.
- Masai Giraffes
The Masai giraffe, which has jagged and star-like spots, is the tallest land animal. You can see them in all Northern parks. They are especially numerous in Tarangire and Serengeti.
Also in the South: You can still see Masai giraffes in Southern parks. However, the large numbers and ease of sightings in the North make it a better place for giraffe photography.
- Birds of Prey and Vultures
Open plains in Northern Tanzania make it easy to see eagles, buzzards, and vultures. The presence of the Great Migration also brings many carcasses, which attract scavenger birds.
More Hidden in the South: Southern Tanzania also has many bird species, but thick bush and forests make viewing more difficult. You’ll need a trained guide to help find them.
- Hippos in Ngorongoro and Serengeti Pools
The Serengeti has famous hippo pools like the one near the Seronera River. The Ngorongoro Crater also has hippos in a few crater lakes. These are easy to access and fun to watch from safe viewing points.
More Spread Out in the South: Southern Tanzania has many rivers with hippos, especially in Nyerere National Park, but you may need to take boat safaris or explore larger areas to find them.
Conclusion
Northern Tanzania is home to some of the most famous wildlife experiences in Africa. While both the north and south of Tanzania offer incredible safari adventures, the Northern Circuit gives you a better chance to see certain animals and wildlife events that are rare or missing in the south. You may also spot large numbers of wildebeests, zebras, and special bird species in this region. If you are hoping to see the Big Five or witness large-scale animal movements, the north is the best place to go. It’s especially great for first-time visitors who want to enjoy classic safari sights. While the south offers peace and fewer crowds, northern Tanzania remains the top choice for the widest range of wildlife sightings.
