Three extraordinary safari circuits through East Africa's greatest wilderness — from the dust-gold plains of the Serengeti to the coral shores of Zanzibar. Expertly guided. Deeply personal.
No two safaris are the same. We craft each journey around you — your pace, your passions, your wildlife wishes. Whether you dream of the Great Migration, trackless southern wilderness, or sun-drenched island sands, Haven Trails puts you exactly where you need to be.
Each circuit is a complete world. Choose the one that calls to you — or let us help you combine them.
Tanzania's crown jewel circuit — the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara in one seamless adventure. Home to the world-famous Great Migration, the densest predator population on earth, and a caldera teeming with wildlife found nowhere else. This is the safari that defines all others.
Tanzania's best-kept secret. The south is raw, vast, and beautifully uncrowded — vast walking safaris through Ruaha, river boat safaris along the Rufiji in Nyerere (Selous), and some of Africa's finest wild dog sightings. If you want authentic wilderness without the crowds, the south is calling your name.
The perfect ending to any Tanzania safari — combine your northern or southern circuit with the legendary Zanzibar Archipelago. Picture mornings tracking lions across golden plains, then warm Indian Ocean evenings on white sand. Explore the UNESCO-listed Stone Town, take a spice tour, and dive into crystalline coral reefs. Safari and sea, perfected.
From the world's most famous plains to secretive southern reserves — each park is a distinct universe of life.
Every circuit has its character. Here's an honest side-by-side to help you decide.
| Northern Circuit | Southern Circuit | Safari + Zanzibar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration Range | 1 – 14 days | 1 – 14 days | 1 – 18 days |
| Crowd Level | Moderate – Busy | Very Low | Varies |
| Great Migration | ✔ Yes | — | ✔ Optional |
| Walking Safaris | Limited | ✔ Excellent | ✔ Optional |
| Boat Safari | — | ✔ Rufiji River | ✔ Optional |
| Beach Extension | Not included | Not included | ✔ Zanzibar |
| Wild Dogs | Rare | ✔ Excellent | Varies |
| Ideal For | First-timers, families | Adventurers, return visitors | Couples, honeymooners |
Not sure which circuit fits you best? Here's a quick guide based on what matters most to you.
Common questions from guests planning their Tanzania safari for the first time.
The Northern Circuit is our top recommendation for first-timers. It covers the most iconic parks — Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara — and offers the best chance of seeing all of the Big Five. The infrastructure is excellent, lodges are varied across budgets, and the wildlife density is extraordinary year-round.
Tanzania offers year-round safari, but June to October (dry season) is considered peak wildlife viewing — vegetation is sparse, animals gather around water sources, and the great river crossings of the Migration occur. January to February is excellent for calving season in the Serengeti. The green season (November–May) brings fewer tourists, lush landscapes, and exceptional bird life.
We recommend a minimum of 5–7 days for a meaningful Northern Circuit safari, though 10–14 days allows you to explore at a relaxed pace and add a second park or the Zanzibar extension. Southern Circuit trips benefit from at least 7–10 days given the travel distances between parks.
Absolutely — and many guests do. We specialise in combining Kilimanjaro climbs with safari circuits, allowing you to summit Africa's highest peak and then unwind with game drives or on Zanzibar's beaches. We coordinate the full logistics so both experiences feel seamless and unhurried.
Yes — Tanzania is a wonderful family safari destination. The Northern Circuit works beautifully for families, and most camps welcome children aged 5 and over. We tailor pacing, activities, and accommodation choices to make the experience exciting and comfortable for younger travellers. Let us know your children's ages when planning.
Our packages typically include all park entrance fees, accommodation, meals, game drives, a dedicated private guide, and airport transfers. International flights are not included but we can advise on optimal routing. We provide a detailed inclusions list when we build your bespoke itinerary — nothing is hidden.
