Southern Circuit Destinations
Southern Tanzania Safari
Southern Tanzania is a haven for travelers seeking authentic and uncrowded wildlife experiences. The region offers expansive parks, diverse ecosystems, and a strong sense of wilderness—ideal for safari enthusiasts, photographers, and conservation-focused travelers. These destinations are perfect for those wanting to explore Tanzania beyond the well-trodden northern circuit.
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park is one of Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuaries and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covering over 30,000 square kilometers, the park offers a rich and varied landscape of riverine forests, wetlands, open plains, and woodlands. It is one of the best places in Tanzania for boat safaris, offering close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds along the Rufiji River.
Game drives through Nyerere present excellent sightings of elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and the rare African wild dogs. Walking safaris with expert guides are also available, making it a prime location for a more immersive and educational wildlife experience. This park is ideal for eco-tourism, photographic safaris, and nature-based travel.
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest national park and one of the most scenic safari destinations in East Africa. Its dramatic landscapes include rolling hills, large granite outcrops, ancient baobab trees, and the Great Ruaha River—a magnet for wildlife, especially during the dry season.
The park boasts one of the highest populations of elephants in East Africa, as well as large prides of lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, sable and roan antelopes, and over 570 recorded bird species. Ruaha offers unmatched opportunities for big cat sightings, bird watching, and wilderness safaris in a less-commercialized setting.
Mikumi National Park
Located just a few hours’ drive from Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park is the most accessible safari destination in southern Tanzania. Often referred to as a “mini-Serengeti,” Mikumi features open floodplains where herds of zebras, wildebeest, and impalas graze, watched over by lions and hyenas.
The park is a great choice for short safaris or as part of a longer southern circuit itinerary. Mikumi is especially appealing to first-time safari-goers and weekend travelers from the coast. Visitors can also spot giraffes, elephants, warthogs, and hippos in its varied habitats.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Udzungwa offers a completely different kind of safari—focused on nature walks, hiking, and biodiversity exploration. Often called the “Galápagos of Africa,” the park is home to rare and endemic species, including the Udzungwa red colobus monkey and the Sanje mangabey.
Dense rainforests, mountain trails, and waterfalls make Udzungwa a paradise for hikers and conservation-minded travelers. The popular Sanje Waterfalls trail leads to panoramic views and a refreshing natural pool. It’s a key destination for nature tourism, conservation travel, and adventure hiking in Tanzania.
