Discover the Southern Circuit of Tanzania – A Wild and Untamed Safari Experience
The Southern Circuit of Tanzania is a true hidden treasure for safari enthusiasts, offering remote, wild, and crowd-free adventures across vast landscapes teeming with wildlife. Compared to the busier Northern Circuit (home to Serengeti and Ngorongoro), the Southern Circuit provides a more intimate and off-the-beaten-path safari—ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and seasoned travelers.
Here’s a breakdown of the main parks and what makes each unique:
1. Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve)
- Size: Over 30,000 km² (one of Africa’s largest protected areas)
- Highlights: Rufiji River boat safaris, walking safaris, fishing trips, and fly camping
- Wildlife: Lions, elephants, wild dogs, crocodiles, hippos, giraffes, and over 440 bird species
- Unique Feature: It’s the only park in Tanzania offering boat-based wildlife viewing, giving visitors a different perspective.
2. Ruaha National Park
- Size: About 20,000 km² (Tanzania’s largest national park)
- Highlights: Dramatic landscapes, baobab-filled plains, predator-rich game drives
- Wildlife: Huge elephant herds, prides of lions, leopards, cheetahs, kudu, sable antelope, and African wild dogs
- Birdlife: Over 570 species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise
3. Mikumi National Park
- Size: Around 3,230 km²
- Location: Easily accessible via road from Dar es Salaam (about 4-5 hours)
- Wildlife: Lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants, elands, wildebeests
- Best For: First-time visitors, short safaris, and those on tighter schedules
4. Udzungwa Mountains National Park
- Size: Approximately 1,990 km²
- Highlights: Hiking trails, waterfalls (like the Sanje Falls), endemic primates, rainforest experiences
- Best For: Eco-tourism, hiking enthusiasts, and researchers
- Wildlife: Rare monkeys like the Iringa red colobus and Sanje mangabey
Why Choose the Southern Tanzania Safari Circuit?
- Less crowded: Enjoy a more private and serene safari experience
- Diverse activities: Game drives, walking safaris, river safaris, birding, hiking
- Rich biodiversity: Unique mix of savannah, woodland, wetlands, and mountains
- Authentic experience: Untouched wilderness and local cultural interactions
Best Time to Visit Southern Tanzania
- Dry Season (June to October): Ideal for game viewing and river safaris
- Green Season (November to May): Best for birdwatching, photography, and fewer tourists
Getting There
Most Southern Circuit safaris begin in Dar es Salaam, with scheduled or charter flights connecting to Nyerere, Ruaha, and Mikumi National Parks. Road transfers are also available for some parks.
Explore Southern Tanzania for a truly wild, diverse, and unforgettable safari experience—perfect for travelers looking to go beyond the ordinary and into the heart of Africa’s raw beauty.