Tanzania: the north versus the south

In Tanzania you quickly realize that your travel plans are bigger than the time you have. Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, Ruaha, jungle, savannah, beaches, mountains… yes, it simply does not all fit into one single trip. And so sooner or later that question comes up: do you go for the classic northern route, or do you choose the untouched south of Tanzania? Chances are you have seen images of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro a hundred times already. And do not get me wrong, the north is incredible. Truly. But the south brings a completely different experience of the country. Both are incredible and unmistakably Tanzania. And yet… completely different. In this blog we explore the similarities and the differences, so you can feel which part of Tanzania best matches your way of traveling.  

Two regions, both 100% Tanzania

Let’s start with what North and South Tanzania have in common. Here you will find impressive nature, welcoming people and an astonishing variety of wildlife. Whether you are driving through a local village where children greet you with a laughing “Jambo!” or sitting by a campfire at the end of the day with the sounds of the bush around you, that Tanzania feeling is everywhere. And then. Then the differences begin.  

Safari: iconic versus intimate

Northern Tanzania is world famous. And rightly so. The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire are among the absolute safari highlights of Africa. This is where the Great Migration unfolds, where you see enormous concentrations of wildlife and drive through landscapes you recognize from documentaries. That fame also has a downside. In high season you share the experience with many other travelers. It gets busy, very busy, in the parks and lodges, and you may find yourself in a traffic jam of safari jeeps the moment a lion is spotted. Southern Tanzania tells a different story. Here you will find parks such as Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park. Bigger, wilder and far quieter. You hardly encounter other travelers. Safaris feel more adventurous, and at times it almost seems as if you have the entire park to yourself. Together with your guide you scan the wilderness, and when you finally spot wildlife, it feels even more rewarding. With fewer tourists around, Southern Tanzania is generally also more friendly on the budget.  

Landscape and atmosphere

Northern Tanzania is grand and dramatic. This is where it all happens. The classic that always delivers. Volcanoes, craters, baobabs and vast savannahs follow one another in quick succession. The landscape is open, photogenic and spectacular. And yes, you are not alone. You share that magic with other travelers, safari vehicles and countless cameras. For a first introduction to Tanzania, you get the full safari feeling all at once. The south is greener, warmer and more intimate. Think wide rivers lined with winding palm trees, dense bush and rolling green hills that gradually flow into the Southern Highlands. And for that safari feeling, you can truly feel alone in the world, which is wonderful. Even outside the parks, Southern Tanzania feels different. Places like Morogoro and Iringa, where you wander across the market in the morning and look out over the mountains in the afternoon. The Mufindi Highlands, where you wake up surrounded by tea fields, in a landscape that feels as though you have stumbled onto an English estate. And then Kilwa, with its mangroves, deserted islands, centuries old Swahili ruins and fishermen waving back at you from their wooden boats.

Beach and coast

Northern Tanzania often combines safari with Zanzibar. A tropical island with white beaches, turquoise waters and a rich Swahili culture. Popular, well developed and loved by travelers from all over the world. Busy, yes, but wonderful. In the south, the focus is less on island hype and more on peace and authenticity. Think of Kilwa and its surrounding islands. Mangroves, deserted beaches and fishing villages in their purest form. No beach clubs or large resorts, but simplicity, calm and local charm. Lake Malawi near Matema even feels like a beach town, only without salt water and without masses of tourists around you.

Off the beaten track: where do you truly feel isolated?

Southern Tanzania, without any doubt. Northern Tanzania is stunning, but also extremely well known. Southern Tanzania is still at the forefront of tourism development. Here you can travel for days without seeing another tourist. You sleep in small scale yet characterful lodges, eat fresh meals from the region and share experiences with locals rather than other travelers. More peace, more space and more time to truly feel where you are.  

Activity and adventure

Hiking is possible in both regions, but with a completely different vibe. In the north it is often about the big names. Mount Kilimanjaro is iconic, well organized and attracts adventurers from all over the world. The focus is often more on the achievement and the altitude you gain. In the south, hikes feel much more like exploration. You venture into the Uluguru Mountains, through dense tropical forest, past villages and farmland, with local people waving as you pass. During an overnight hike near Bondwa you sleep under an endless star filled sky and wake up overlooking the valley. In the Mufindi Highlands you walk through green tea plantations and across estates. Less famous, but at least as impressive. In a nutshell:

• Safari with iconic highlights: North
• Safari with peace and space: South
• Beach with liveliness: North
• Beach with silence and local life: South
• Adventure and off the beaten track: South
• Traveling more on a budget: South
• First time Tanzania: North and South

 

In one breath

Which one is better? No idea. It completely depends on you. Do you want to see it all, grand and iconic, for your first time in Tanzania? Head north. Absolutely do it. But do you want space, silence and adventure without 100 other tourists? That feeling of, how did I even end up here? Then Southern Tanzania is truly a no brainer. In general, the south is also more affordable than the north. If you ask us where you experience Tanzania in its most raw, pure and untouched form, we find ourselves drawn to the south more and more. Because it is quieter. Because safari feels like an adventure again. And yes, combining both is always an option. Want to puzzle together what suits you best? We know exactly where to start.