Last updated on June 29th, 2025 at 10:28 am
Thinking of an authentic Tanzania Safari but still feeling puzzled between visiting the northern or southern territories? This article will draw a point-to-point comparison of northern and southern Tanzania.
Tanzania has a prestige that is echoed through its rich and diverse wilderness. This prestige attracts tourists across the globe to dive into a life-changing experience. But covering the entire nation within a Tanzania Safari Package seems difficult for sure.
Understanding what northern and southern Tanzania offer in their bowl is better. So that you will choose the better option for yourself. This flora and fauna-rich country is undeniably unforgettable at each stage. However, choosing your destination for a well-planned trip is equally important.
Comparison Between Northern Tanzania and Southern Tanzania.
| Points | Northern Tanzania | Southern Tanzania | Our Suggestions |
| Wildlife | Very Good | Good | Northern Tanzania |
| Birdlife | Very good | Good | Northern Tanzania |
| Wildlife activities | Good | Very good | Southern Tanzania |
| Safari destinations | More Attractive | Attractive | Northern Tanzania |
| Safari cost | Less | High | accommodation |
| Accommodation facilities | Very good | Good | Northern Tanzania |
| Safari experiences | Very good | Good | Northern Tanzania |
| Cultural excursions | More | Less | |
| Visiting time | Best time (June-October) | Best time (June-October) | Both |
| Transportation | Very good | Good | Northern Tanzania |
| Scenic beauty | Very good | Good | Northern Tanzania |
| The day you can spend | As per your choice | As per your choice | Both |
| Safety | Safe | Safe | Both |
Wildlife in (Northern vs Southern) Tanzania Safari:
Tanzania’s northern region is excellent for wildlife viewing, while the southern region also offers a large number of wildlife experiences. The north circuit is popular for the African Big Five, including Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, and Leopard.
But at the same time, you can’t see any rhinos besides Ruaha and Selous Game Reserve. But you get the chance to see all the Big 5 in the northern circuit national parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
In addition, you will see the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania. But you can only see the wildebeests in southern Tanzania, not the migration.
Birdlife in (Northern vs Southern) Tanzania Safari:
More birdlife is seen in the northern safari circuit in Tanzania as compared to the southern region. The northern national parks like Tarangire and Arusha are home to a large number of bird species, around 500 each.
The Lake Manyara National Park also hosts around 450 bird species and is more famous for the pink flamingos. Serengeti National Park is also a perfect destination for over 500 bird species.
At the same time, southern Tanzania destinations are also considered heaven for different bird species. The Ruaha National Park is home to more than 550 resident and migratory bird species.
The Lake Manyara National Park in northern Tanzania is a popular destination for bird viewing. That’s why the northern region is more popular than the southern region in Tanzania for bird species.
Things To Do In (Northern vs Southern) Tanzania Safari:
The northern circuit offers a variety of wildlife activities to attract tourists.
- Game drives in various national parks.
- Walking safaris that allowed in some destinations like the Ngorongoro Crater
- Hot Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti National Park.
- Canoe ride in Tarangire National Park
In contrast, southern Tanzania offers more wildlife activities. Because the national parks and the private reserves are less restricted as compared to the northern circuit.
- Also can enjoy the game drives in every national park.
- Here you enjoy the guided walking safari for close views of wildlife as well as nature.
- Boat safari can be easily experienced here.
- Fly camping is also offered in Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park.
Here we see that both northern and southern regions offer amazing wildlife activities for tourists.
Scoring both regions based on the comparison table:
Our Recommendation:
Both Northern and Tanzania have the best wildlife and wilderness. Still, from the above table, it looks clear that the northern circuit of Tanzania got more points than the southern part. So, as a responsible Tanzania travel guide, our recommendation will be the northern circuit of Tanzania. To learn more about northern Tanzania destinations and other blogs, click the links below –
- https://africanscenicsafaris.com/serengeti-national-park
- https://africanscenicsafaris.com/ngorongoro-highlands
- https://africanscenicsafaris.com/big-5-explorer
But it doesn’t mean that we deny visiting southern Tanzania. If you want to visit Southern Tanzania as per your choice, then you are most welcome to our southern region!
Northern or Southern Tanzania safari is Awesome.
With this most discussed debate, we learn many amazing facts about Tanzania’s northern and southern safari regions. We’re clear that the Tanzania safari tour will leave you with unforgettable memories, no matter whether it is northern or southern.
To know more about Tanzania safari destinations and other travel guides, visit our website https://africanscenicsafaris.com/. Our Tanzania travel experts are there to help you 24/7. We offer our tourist guests wonderful Tanzania safari packages at affordable prices. For all bookings and inquiries, contact us – +255 (0) 784 413 801 | info@africanscenicsafaris.com.
