Northern Circuit
Northern Part of Tanzania
Arusha National Park
Arusha national park is a Tanzania wildlife gem with varied ecosystems and magnificent spectacular views of Mount Meru, the park is a popular destination for tourists on a day safari in Tanzania and on longer northern circuit safaris.This beautiful national park is small in size however it is very rewarding to visit, Arusha national park comprises of lopes, summit and ash cone of Mt. Meru, the Momela Lakes, Ngurdoto crater and the lush highland forests that blanket its lower slopes. Arusha national park is situated close to Arusha town in the northern Tanzania’s safari capital.
Wildlife of Arusha National Park
The park has great wildlife densities and is a home to the world’s largest population of giraffe. Other animals found in the park include leopards, elephants, zebras, hippos, cape buffaloes among others.
Birdlife
The most common birds found in this national park are the Greater Pink Flamingo, Narina Trogon, Spur-Winged Goose, Red-Fronted Parrot, African Fish Eagle, Shaggy Waterbucks, and many more. The best way for birdwatching in Arusha is during game drives, climbing Mount Meru, canoeing in the lake, or taking a nature walk.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire exemplifies a traditional reserve during the dry season: when the rains arrive, the wildlife scatters across the Maasai Steppe, yet as the terrain gradually dries, the fauna is enticed back to the vicinity of the Tarangire River. Tarangire is an ideal place to stay for a couple of nights at the beginning or end of a ‘northern circuit’ safari.
Wildlife of Tarangire National Park
Significant populations of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, giraffe, eland, impala, and warthog embark on a quest for water. Consequently, lion and hyena trail behind. However, the most awe-inspiring sight lies in the vast assemblages of elephant that gather along the riverbanks — on certain occasions, one may witness the presence of over 500 elephants in a single day.
Birdlife
The yellow-billed and saddle-billed storks are frequently sighted in the river, while the orange-bellied parrots and red-and-yellow barbets inhabit the acacia woodland.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara is a picturesque shallow alkaline lake situated at the foothills of the western expanse of the Rift Valley Escarpment. Its surface glistens under the radiant sun, frequently adorned by numerous flocks of pink lesser flamingos. Within the deeper sections of the lake, one can observe small groups of hippopotamuses leisurely basking, their ears flickering, while egrets find respite on their backs. Enveloping the lake is an exceptionally beautiful park, boasting a diverse range of habitats. These include verdant grassy floodplains, lush groundwater forests, thriving acacia woodlands, and the rugged foundations of the escarpment.
Wildlife of Manyara National Park
The park boasts exceptional game densities and is renowned for its tree-climbing lion, frequently observed lounging on the boughs of sausage trees. Large troops of olive baboon and blue monkeys, abundant elephant, buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe, and zebra, as well as a plethora of smaller fauna, can be found within its boundaries.
Birdlife
The avian diversity within the park is exceptional, boasting a recorded count of nearly 400 species. Among them are the resplendent bee-eaters, the silvery-cheeked hornbills, and the white pelicans that frequently grace the lake, alongside flocks of flamingos.
Serengeti National Park
The expansive grasslands of the Serengeti encompass an area of 1.5 million hectares, predominantly characterized by savannah vegetation. This region is witness to an awe-inspiring phenomenon, known as the annual migration, wherein immense herds of herbivores, including wildebeest, gazelles, and zebras, embark on a journey towards permanent water sources. Accompanying these herbivores are their predators, creating a remarkable spectacle that is widely regarded as one of the most extraordinary natural occurrences on our planet.
Wildlife of Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is renowned for its yearly wildebeest migration, with approximately 8 million hooves traversing the vast plains. Over 1,500,000 wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelles partake in this journey in search of fresh grazing. The migration attracts predators, and witnessing the hunting activities of large felines is especially thrilling. Additionally, spotted hyenas, golden jackals, and black-backed jackals are frequently present in close proximity.
Birdlife
There are hundreds of unique birds found in the Serengeti National Park and the best part is that bird watching activities are available pretty much throughout the year. The Bird found in serengeti is like Ostriches, Ducks, Guinea Fowl, Francolins, Flamingos, Grebes, Pigeons, Doves and Kori Bustard etc
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is often referred to as ‘the Garden of Eden’ because it is a true paradise for animals. The crater is important for global biodiversity because it contains threatened species and high concentration of animals. It is the largest unfilled volcanic caldera in the world.The Ngorongoro Crater is often referred to as ‘the Garden of Eden’ because it is a true paradise for animals. The crater is important for global biodiversity because it contains threatened species and high concentration of animals. It is the largest unfilled volcanic caldera in the world. The crater was formed about 3 million years ago when a large volcano (about 19,000 feet) exploded and collapsed on itself. The massive explosion left behind a floor covering an area of 260 square kilometers and 2,000 feet deep. The crater consists of water bodies like Lake Magadi and the Ngoitokitok Spring. The water bodies provide water for wildlife throughout the year but the Maasai herdsmen also use them to supply water for their animals – especially during the dry months of the year.
Wildlife of Ngorongoro Crater
Home to a variety of mammals, including the “big five” (black rhinoceros, elephants, buffaloes, lions, and leopards), large carnivores (hyenas, wild dogs, and cheetahs), herbivores (wildebeest, which are migratory animals found in the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem; Elands, Zebras, Antelopes, and Giraffes), Primates (Velvet monkeys and baboons), Hippopotamus, among others. With the exception of giraffes, the majority of animal species can be found on the crater floor and in other locations nearby.
Birdlife
Over 500 species of avian species (both migratory and resident) which are found in distinguished vegetation terrains. Most of the water birds are found in Lake Magadi which is located in the Ngorongoro crater floor. Flamingos, pelicans, heroes, ibises, ostriches, crown cranes, kori bustards, secretary birds, hammer kops, and European strain vultures are also found in Ngorongoro.
