Southern Circuit Safaris
About
Selous, or Nyerere National Park. Ruaha and Mikumi National Park. Oh, and let’s not forget Udzungwa National Park. The southern safari parks of Tanzania are often overlooked in favour of their more famous northern counterparts. But the truth is the southern parks are preferred by safari purists. When you choose to take your safari here, you not only just enjoy the same range of amazing wildlife. Additionally, you get to taste the raw ‘frontier’ nature of the environments themselves. Ultimately, these parks are noticeably less busy than the ones in the north. So, you get to experience these beautiful habitats in a more untouched state. It’s an adventure made more special because of the sense of solitude.
Selous (Nyerere)
The Selous Game Reserve is Africa’s second largest wildlife sanctuary, stretching over an area the size of Belgium. Regarded as the jewel of the southern circuit, grassy plains and rolling woodland surround the magnificent Rufiji River, which acts as a vital life-giving vein that runs through the park. If it’s mammals you’re after, then you’re in the right place. The Selous Game Reserve is home to an estimated 750,000 large mammals, including the world’s largest population of elephants. You can also expect to find the African hunting dog, as well as leopards, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, antelopes, monkeys, baboons, Black Rhinos, crocodiles, buffaloes, hippos and 450 species of birds. Because of its diverse wildlife and untouched nature, Selous has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is often the first stop on the southern circuit. By Tanzanian standards (which are huge), Mikumi is relatively small. But it’s still large enough to contain a range of different habitats within it. These include grassy plains, woodlands, and a swampy water hole. It’s a pristine habitat, surrounded by three striking mountain ranges. The park hosts a wide range of animals within its borders, including lions, leopards, and hippos, to name but a few. It’s also a great place to see elephants, giraffe, impala, the rare African hunting dog and over 400 species of birds.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Boasting some of the most biodiverse terrain on earth, Udzungwa is an untouched habitat of rugged jungle plains and mountain slopes. It’s home to a wide selection of primates, including the recently discovered Kipunji monkey. Elephants also roam its lands, although the closest you’ll get to spotting one is finding its droppings. Don’t let this put you off, though! Udzungwa is a diverse and beautiful place overflowing with waterfalls and offering spectacular views of the plains beneath its mountain ranges.
