Other Destinations
Southern Destination
Overview
The Southern Destination Circuit of Tanzania is a sanctuary for those seeking vast, untouched wilderness and a more exclusive safari experience.
This region is home to some of the largest and most ecologically diverse national parks in Africa, featuring everything from expansive savannahs and dense forests to wetlands and mountains. The Southern Circuit offers a serene escape, perfect for travelers eager to explore remote areas with rich wildlife, fewer crowds, and an authentic connection to nature.
Wilderness of Southern Tanzania
The Southern Circuit boasts breathtaking landscapes, ranging from open savannahs to lush forests and rugged mountain ranges. Unlike the more trafficked Northern Circuit, the Southern parks offer an intimate, quieter safari experience. Expect to encounter large elephant herds, big cats, African wild dogs, and a wide variety of bird species. Activities such as game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris provide various ways to experience these pristine ecosystems. The remoteness of the region means that many parks are best accessed by small aircraft, adding an extra sense of adventure to your journey.
Destinations in Southern Tanzania
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest national park, covering over 20,000 square kilometers of rugged terrain. Famous for its baobab trees and the Great Ruaha River, which attracts a high concentration of wildlife, this park offers an exclusive safari experience.
Visitors can expect to see large prides of lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, and one of Africa’s largest populations of wild dogs. Ruaha’s remote location ensures a serene, uncrowded adventure for those seeking solitude in nature.
Mikumi National Park
Mikumi, often called the gateway to the Southern Circuit, is one of the most accessible parks in the region. The park’s vast Mkata floodplain, reminiscent of the Serengeti, is home to giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, elephants, and predators such as lions and leopards.
Mikumi is perfect for short safaris and is frequently visited by travelers combining it with trips to Ruaha or Nyerere National Park. Its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a great introduction to Tanzania’s Southern Circuit.
Nyerere National Park
Formerly part of the Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere is one of Africa’s largest protected areas. The Rufiji River winds through this vast park, offering a unique safari experience, especially for boat safaris, where visitors can spot hippos, crocodiles, and a wide array of birdlife.
The park is home to elephants, lions, leopards, and the rare African wild dog. Nyerere National Park is ideal for those seeking a mix of boat, walking, and traditional vehicle safaris, providing an immersive wilderness experience.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Udzungwa is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Unlike the typical savannah parks, this region features lush rainforests, waterfalls, and a high level of biodiversity, including the endemic Udzungwa red colobus monkey.
The park offers scenic trekking routes, with the Sanje Waterfalls being one of the most popular destinations. The stunning views and diverse wildlife make Udzungwa a unique and rewarding destination for those seeking adventure off the beaten path.
