Southern Circuit Safaris
Take a walk on the wild side
Tanzania's southern parks - Selous (Nyerere), Ruaha, Mikumi, and Udzungwa - offer a more secluded and less crowded safari experience compared to the northern parks. Favoured by safari purists, these destinations provide the same amazing wildlife and breath-taking landscapes but with a serene sense of solitude. The untouched beauty and raw wilderness make the southern parks an ideal choice for those seeking an authentic and peaceful adventure off the beaten track.
Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)
Experience a vast untouched paradise
Selous (Nyerere) Game Reserve is Africa's second-largest wildlife sanctuary, stretching across an area the size of Belgium. Known for its diverse wildlife, including the world's largest elephant population, it offers sightings of African hunting dogs, leopards, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, antelopes, monkeys, baboons, black rhinos, crocodiles, buffaloes, hippos, 450 species of birds and countless other species. In fact, it is home to an estimated 750,000 large mammals alone. The Rufiji River, a vital life-giving vein, runs through the park and supports the rich ecosystem. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it provides a more serene, untouched safari experience.
Mikumi National Park
The gateway to the southern circuit on Morogoro’s doorstep
Mikumi, often the gateway to the southern circuit, may be smaller by Tanzania’s (huge) standards but boasts diverse habitats: grassy plains, miombo woodlands, and swamps, surrounded by three mountain ranges. The park supports a wide range of wildlife, including lions, leopards, hippos, elephants, and the rare African hunting dog. Additionally, birdwatchers can enjoy over 400 bird species within the park.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Experience one of the world’s most biodiverse rainforests
Udzungwa’s lush jungle terrain and mountain slopes make it one of the most biodiverse regions on earth. The park is home to an abundance of unique wildlife not found in “traditional” savannah biome safari parks, including the rare Kipunji monkey and roaming elephants (often only evidenced by their droppings). It’s diverse landscape features stunning waterfalls and offers sweeping views of the surrounding plains, including the Selous game reserve below.
