Why South Tanzania Safaris are Some of the Best in Africa

Are South Tanzania Safaris really some of the best safaris in Africa? We say yes! From Ruaha to Nyerere and beyond, the less-visited south of Tanzania offers unique and truly wild African safari experiences. Below we unpack why we rate a southern Tanzania safari as one of the best in Africa.

Ruaha buffalos on Tanzania Safari

Before we dive in, here's a quick explanation of Tanzania's safari regions (known as circuits). This will give you a broad idea of where you can go on safari in Tanzania.

Tanzania Safari Circuits - North & South 

Tanzania's safari destinations are split into the Northern and Southern safari circuits. Both the northern and southern parks are incredible places to experience the African wilderness and its rich wildlife.

Two of East Africa's most famous safari destinations - the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater - form part of Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit. The Northern Safari Circuit is hugely popular and world-renowned for the Great Migration which takes place annually between Serengeti Park and Masai Mara, just across the border in southern Kenya. In addition to Serengeti Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Northern Safari Circuit includes Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Wildebeest migration in Serengeti

The Southern Safari Circuit of Tanzania, on the other hand, features more off-the-beaten-track safari destinations. These are the wilder, less-explored parks of Tanzania. Ruaha National Park and Nyerere Game Reserve (Selous) are two of the most sought-after gems in south Tanzania. The 'best-kept safari secrets' of Tanzania, these parks are on the bucket lists of many seasoned safari-goers. The Southern Tanzania Safari Circuit includes Mikumi National Park, Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Mahale National Park, and Katavi National Park, as well as Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve. And, we say, this region (south Tanzania) offers some of the best safaris in Africa.

Selous safari lion cub

7 Reasons Why South Tanzania Safaris are Among the Best in Africa

Here's why South Tanzania Safaris are among the best safaris in Africa. Especially for travellers in search of a truly wild African safari adventure.

1) South Tanzania is Uncrowded

Southern Tanzania is far less crowded than the Northern Safari Circuit. There are considerably fewer tourists than in the famous northern parks, especially Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. So, you won't encounter as many other vehicles and visitors out in the bush on your game drives and walks. Unlike more famous African safari destinations in Southern and East Africa, in Southern Tanzania, you get to escape the crowds.

Traffic jam in Serengeti

On South Tanzania Safaris, you won't be jostling for space at wildlife sightings or getting stuck in traffic jams.

Southern Tanzania Safari

In the south, you'll enjoy a more exclusive safari adventure. Not only are there fewer people and vehicles in the parks but also at the lodges and safari camps. The further west you go in south Tanzania the more isolated the wilderness areas become. You can look forward to undisturbed wild landscapes with a deserted feel in the more remote southern parks.

Ruaha scenery, South Tanzania Safari

2) South Tanzania is Wilder than the North

The parks in southern Tanzania are known for their undisturbed wilderness and raw beauty. This part of Tanzania is ideal for intrepid explorers and nature lovers wanting to experience pure, untamed Africa.

Ruaha National Park baobabs

Most of the camps are small and intimate offering a rustic getaway 'in the middle of nowhere'. If you're looking for a real African bush adventure in untrammelled lands then south Tanzania is perfect for you.

Ruaha safari camp in South Tanzania

3) HUGE Wildlife Areas in South Tanzania

South Tanzania features some of the largest protected areas in Africa. Selous, renamed Nyere National Park, is the largest game reserve on the continent - four times the size of Serengeti National Park and larger than Switzerland. Ruaha is another awe-inspiringly vast southern Tanzania park covering 20 226 km². It is not only the largest national park in Tanzania but the whole of East Africa. 

Ruaha elephants by Brian Harries

4) Cheaper Parks and Lodges in Southern Tanzania

Southern Tanzania's national parks have lower entry fees than the northern parks, except Mahale. Entry fees for the southern parks are currently half that of the northern parks.

At present, entry fees for the southern parks of Katavi, Mikumi, Ruaha, Kitulo, and Udzungwa are $30 per adult and $10 per child (per day) compared with the $60 per adult and $20 per child for Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Safari camp in South Tanzania

South Tanzania also boasts excellent value-for-money camps and lodges that offer a similar safari experience to northern Tanzania for less.

5) Diverse Wildlife on South Tanzania Safaris

Southern Tanzania's parks host an impressive variety of wildlife. This is where East African and Southern African eco-regions meet so there's an unusual and interesting mix of species. South Tanzania safaris also offer excellent predator sightings and some of the parks are primate hotspots.

Selous Game Reserve lions by George

6) The Exciting Variety of Activities

South Tanzania Safaris offers a wider range of activities than safaris to the north. The national parks of the south are not as regulated and the private game reserves can offer safari activities that national parks are unable to. Hence, in Southern Tanzania you can do night game drives, walking safaris, and game-viewing boat trips.

Walking safari in South Tanzania

You can also embark on game drives and hot air balloon trips as in the northern parks. Plus, in the south of Tanzania, you'll be able to sleep out under the stars on bush camping trips. 

7) South Tanzania's Primates & Forest Habitats

In the mountainous Mahale and Udzungwa parks of southern Tanzania, you'll find primates (including endemics) and all kinds of forest species. You can even go chimpanzee trekking in the Mahale Mountains.

Udzungwa primate, South Tanzania

Now that you have the pros let's cover the cons of heading south on safari in Tanzania.

5 Drawbacks of South Tanzania Safaris

1. The main drawback of South Tanzania Safaris is the lower concentrations of wildlife you'll encounter. Although there are huge wildlife populations in the southern parks of Tanzania, these areas are so vast that you will see fewer animals on safari.

Selous wildlife safari by istolethetv

2. A second major downside of South Tanzania Safaris is that some of the parks are very remote. Visiting the secluded southern safari destinations will entail either long drives on often bumpy roads or bush flights in light aircraft which add to the cost of your safari. The western parks are not accessible by road, like Mahale National Park which can only be reached by boat or small plane.

3. Seasonality is an issue. During the wet season, many of the safari lodges and camps shut shop. Many roads become inaccessible and conditions wet and unpleasant.

4. The south of Tanzania is not Big 5 animal country. You are likely to see buffalos, lions, elephants, and even leopards on a safari but not rhinos. 

5. Poaching is a serious problem in southern Tanzania, especially in Selous which is also under major threat by the large-scale hydroelectric dam project currently being implemented in the heart of the reserve. 

South Tanzania's Best Safari Destinations

If you're thinking of doing a South Tanzania Safari there are several incredible national parks and game reserves to choose from: 

1. Nyerere Game Reserve
2. Ruaha National Park
3. Mikumi National Park
4. Udzungwa Mountains National Park
5. Mahale National Park 
6. Katavi National Park

1) Selous Game Reserve now Nyerere National Park

The largest game reserve in Africa, Nyerere National Park covers over 51 000 km². That makes Nyerere more than three times the size of the Serengeti National Park and larger than Switzerland which has an area of 41 285 km². Most of the reserve is unfortunately set aside for trophy hunting, but the northern section which is open to the public is purely used for photographic and wildlife viewing safaris. (Please note that African Budget Safaris only offers game viewing safaris to the northern area of Nyerere as we do not endorse or support hunting).

Selous forests, South Tanzania

Nyerere National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1982 for its outstanding diversity and vast unspoiled wilderness. UNESCO recognizes the outstanding value of Nyerere as "one of the largest remaining wilderness areas in Africa, with relatively undisturbed ecological and biological processes, including a diverse range of wildlife with significant predator/prey relationships". 

Selous safari hippo, South Tanzania

The Rufiji River and the lakes of Selous/Nyerere are the focal points of life in the reserve, supporting a diversity of animals, birds, and plants. Commonly sighted animals include crocodiles and large mammals such as elephants, buffalos, hippos, and Masai giraffes.

Selous safari giraffes, Tanzania by George

You may also see lions, packs of African wild dogs, cheetahs, and even leopards on Selous/Nyerere safaris. The reserve also hosts various antelopes, including bushbuck, duikers, eland, hartebeest, klipspringer, oryx, and impalas.

Selous wildlife, Southern Tanzania

Selous Game Reserve / Nyerere National Park offers diverse activities, allowing you to experience the bush and wildlife in exciting ways. Walking safaris are permitted in Nyerere National Park, lending itself to a unique safari experience. You can also take boat trips and stay at mobile bush camps in Selous due to its status as a game reserve.  

Selous Game Reserve scenery, Tanzania by Marco Zanferrari

African Budget Safaris has some great Fly-in safaris, private departure safaris, and scheduled group safaris.

Nyerere Fly-in Safaris 

• 8-Day Private Fly-in Tanzania Safari to Nyerere & Ruaha National Park

Scheduled Departure Group Nyerere Safari 

• 6-Day Tanzania Safari to Mikumi & Nyerere National Park

• 9-Day Tanzania Safari to Nyerere, Mikumi & Ruaha National Park

Private Departure Nyerere Safari

• 3-Day Private Tanzania Safari in Nyerere National Park

• 9-Day Tanzania Private Safari to Southern National Parks

• 10-Day Tanzania Private Safari to Nyerere, Mikumi, Ruaha National Parks

You can view all our Budget Tanzania Safaris to Nyerere / Selous here.

2) Ruaha National Park

Ruaha Park is renowned for its predator populations. It's also a stronghold for elephants and the largest national park in Tanzania. The national park hosts a high diversity of animals and birds which gather along the Ruaha River after which the park is named.

Ruaha lion, South Tanzania Safari by Pius Mahimbi

Ruaha is home to more than 10% of the African lions remaining in the wild. Its cheetah population is one of only four sizeable populations, with over 200 adults, left in East Africa. The world's third-largest population of endangered African wild dogs is also found in Ruaha, making it one of the best places on the continent to see these rare carnivores. Leopards are regularly spotted in Ruaha which hosts healthy populations of this shy big cat. The national park also hosts large populations of spotted and striped hyenas.

Ruaha leopard, South Tanzania by Colin Watts on Unsplash

Ruaha National Park is also home to Tanzania's largest elephant population estimated at about 12 000 elephants. Despite a massive decline in elephant populations due to poaching, the Rungwa-Ruaha ecosystem still hosts the largest elephant population in East Africa. Ruaha is also known for its large buffalo herds.

Ruaha buffalo herd

Ruaha is located in a transitional zone where southern and east African biomes meet. It features open savannahs dotted with baobabs, palms, and acacias along with the Miombo woodlands typical of southern Africa. Due to its unique position, there are an unusually high variety of plant, bird, and animal species found here. Ruaha incorporates the southernmost range of Grant's gazelles and lesser kudus, as well as greater kudu and both sable and roan antelopes.

Ruaha National Park Fly-in Safaris 

• 8-Day Private Fly-in Tanzania Safari to Nyerere & Ruaha National Park

Scheduled Departure Group Ruaha Safari 

• 9-Day Tanzania Safari to Nyerere, Mikumi & Ruaha National Park

Private Departure Ruaha Safari

• 7-Day Tanzania Private Safari to Mikumi & Ruaha National

• 9-Day Tanzania Private Safari to Southern National Parks

• 10-Day Tanzania Private Safari to Nyerere, Mikumi, Ruaha National Parks

See our Budget Tanzania Safaris to Ruaha

3) Mikumi National Park

One of the most accessible parks on Tanzania's Southern Safari Circuit. Mikumi is about a six-and-a-half hour's drive from Dar es Salaam and is open year-round. The park is a popular stopover en route to Ruaha from Dar es Salaam and many of the longer Africa overland tours passing through Tanzania visit Mikumi National Park.

Tanzania’s fourth-largest national park, Mikumi borders Selous Game Reserve to the south forming part of the massive Selous Ecosystem. Mikumi is home to an abundance of wildlife with the Mkata Floodplains attracting a variety of herbivores and predators. The Mkata Plains are often likened to the Serengeti Plains with their acacia and baobab-studded savannah grasslands.

Mikumi safari elephants by Marc Veraart

On safaris in Mikumi elephants, buffalos, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and various antelopes are commonly sighted. Mikumi's predators include lions, African wild dogs, jackals, hyenas, and leopards. Mikumi Park is also an important birding area, with over 400 bird species recorded. In Mikumi, walking safaris are allowed, along with game drives in open-sided vehicles.

Mikumi lions on Tanzania Safari by Marc Veraart

Scheduled Departure Mikumi Group Safari 

• 9-Day Tanzania Safari to Nyerere, Mikumi & Ruaha National Park

Private Departure Mikumi Safari

• 3-Day Private Tanzania Safari in Mikumi National Park

• 4-Day Private Tanzania Safari to Mikumi & Udzungwas

• 7-Day Tanzania Private Safari to Mikumi & Ruaha National

• 9-Day Tanzania Private Safari to Southern National Parks

• 10-Day Tanzania Private Safari to Nyerere, Mikumi, Ruaha National Parks

View our Southern Tanzania Safaris for tours that visit Mikumi.

4) Udzungwa Mountains National Park

A World Biodiversity Hotspot dubbed as the 'Galapagos of Africa'. Udzungwa Park is very different from the classical safari destinations of Tanzania, with their archetypal African savannahs and wildlife. In Udzungwa you'll experience lush forests and mountains as well as arid savannahs. As a top hiking destination, you'll get to see the diverse plants, animals, and birds up close on forest hikes.

Udzungwa Forest in South Tanzania

The Udzungwas Mountains, part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, serve as an important haven for primate species. There are about 10 primate species found in Udzungwa, three of which are endemic to these mountains - the Iringa red colobus, the Matunda galago, and the Sanje crested mangabey. 

Udzungwa Mountains primate

The Udzungwa Mountains National Park is only 1990 km² in size, yet incorporates incredibly diverse habitats and outstanding biodiversity. Over 2,500 plant species have also been recorded here, a quarter of which are endemic. Some 400 bird species including several endemics are found in Udzungwa which is one of Africa's Important Bird Areas (IBA). Baboons, monkeys, butterflies, other insects, amphibians, small mammals, and reptiles inhabit this exceptional park. Hikes to Sanje Waterfalls, the highest waterfall in the Udzungwa Mountains, are a popular activity.

Private Departure Udzungwas Safari

• 4-Day Private Tanzania Safari to Mikumi & Udzungwas

• 9-Day Tanzania Private Safari to Southern National Parks

5) Mahale National Park 

Mahale is the best place in Africa to go chimpanzee trekking. It also happens to be incredibly scenic. Forest-covered mountains line the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Mahale National Park with Mount Nkungwe rising up in the distance.

Mahale chimpanzee, Tanzania by Richard Toller

Home to 1700 habituated chimpanzees Mahale is the ultimate place to get up close to these primates in the wild. In addition to chimpanzees, the tropical forests of the Mahale Mountains host the densest population of primates in Tanzania including baboons and various monkeys. Other animals found here range from often-spotted warthogs and antelopes such as roan and sable, to rarely-seen elephants and lions.

Mahale warthog, South Tanzania Safari by Richard Toller

Activities include kayaking and sunset boat cruises on Lake Tanganyika, as well as hiking and camping with armed rangers. Mahale can only be accessed by small plane or boat which makes getting to the park expensive. There are only a small handful of lodges in this very remote part of western Tanzania.

6) Katavi National Park

Katavi is a truly remote and untouched wilderness area. Only a small handful of intrepid travellers make it to this wild southern Tanzanian park. Due to its inaccessible location flights to Katavi Park are expensive and accommodation options are not cheap. The third-largest national park in Tanzania, Katavi covers 4471km² yet only features a few small safari camps.

Out on the expansive plains of Katavi, you are likely to see plenty of game, including three of the Big Five (lions, buffalos, and elephants) and possibly the fourth (leopards).

Katavi leopard, South Tanzania

Large hippo pods and giant crocodiles are other wildlife highlights in Katavi. What really makes Katavi special is how secluded and unspoiled its wilderness remains.

Katavi crocodiles, Tanzania

Best Africa Budget Safari Tours to Southern Tanzania

• Private Tanzania Safari to Southern Game Parks
• South Tanzania Safari to Nyerere, Ruaha, Mikumi & Udzungwas
• Southern Tanzania Fly-in Safari to Selous and Ruaha
• Southern Tanzania Private Safari to Mikumi & Ruaha Parks
• Southern Tanzania Safari to Mikumi & Udzungwas

South Tanzania Safari

North vs. South Tanzania Safaris

+ On Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit, you'll see more animals, but you'll also see a lot more people. In the south, you'll encounter far fewer other vehicles on your game drives and enjoy a more exclusive African safari experience at intimate safari camps with fewer guests.

Nyerere (Selous) safari picnic

- The downside is that you won't see the high concentrations of wildlife that you would in the northern Tanzanian parks. You may see herds of wildebeest but you won't witness the Great Migration on safari in southern Tanzania.

Mikumi wildebeest, Tanzania by Marc Veraart

+ On South Tanzania Safaris open-sided safari vehicles are used, whereas closed vehicles are used for safaris in the northern parks. Game drives in open-sided vehicles offer a more immersive bush experience with unobstructed views for wildlife photography. 

Open-sided safari vehicle in south Tanzania

- The south of Tanzania is not a Big Five hotspot whilst the north is a Big Five haven. You won't see rhinos in southern Tanzania as none are remaining in Ruaha or the part of Selous that is open to photographic safaris. If you have your heart set on seeing all five of Africa's most iconic animals then a safari to Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti in the north is best.

+ On South Tanzania Safaris you can enjoy a wider range of activities than in the northern parks. In the south options include guided walking safaris which enable you to get up close to the bush and its wild inhabitants. In the north, walking safaris are less common and only permitted in certain parts of Serengeti and Tarangire.

Ruaha safari walk, South Tanzania

On Tanzania's Southern Safari Circuit, you can also embark on night game drives and wildlife-viewing boat trips on the lakes and rivers of the parks. In Ruaha and Selous bush camping (fly camping) is also allowed at mobile tented campsites inside the reserves.

Ruaha tented camp, Southern Tanzania

North vs. South Tanzania Safari Costs

How do southern Tanzania safari prices compare with northern Tanzania safari prices? 

In the past, northern Tanzania safari packages typically cost less than Southern Tanzania Safaris given the greater travel distances involved in flying to the less accessible southern parks. However, several of the southern parks can be reached by road and there are more and more guided overland (driving) safaris available at competitive prices. Also, the entry fees for the southern parks are lower and several lodges in the south offer similar levels of comfort at lower prices than the northern options. 

Southern Tanzania Safari

More Tanzania budget safari operators are now offering well-priced, private small-group safaris in southern Tanzania. These budget South Tanzania Safaris make the south an affordable option. To find out more about the cost of Tanzania Safaris see: How much does it cost to go on safari in Tanzania? 

Or, talk to an African Budget Safaris pro to find the best value-for-money safaris in Tanzania.

Best Time to Safari in Tanzania

The best time for wildlife safaris in Tanzania (both north and south) is from June to October.

Most visitors flock to the Great Wildebeest Migration to catch the herds of wildebeest, gazelles, zebras and other herbivores taking their annual journey in search of greener pastures. The most popular time to see the Great Migration in northern Tanzania is in June and July, especially for the Grumeti and Mara River crossings. You can, however, view the Great Migration at other times in different parts of the Serengeti because the herds migrate in a large circular route from November to July.

• Browse our budget Tanzania Safaris to the Northern Safari Circuit to compare prices and options.

Travel Tip: Aim for the shoulder seasons to avoid the crowds up north or head south during the high season.

Best Time for South Tanzania Safaris

For the best wildlife viewing go between June and October. To dodge the crowds: any time except April and May when it's too wet. 

The best time to go on safari in southern Tanzania is during the winter months. This is the dry season when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is minimal. This is the best time to visit southern Tanzania's parks because wildlife viewing is at its best. In the dry season, the animals congregate along the rivers and the bush thins out which makes it easier to see the animals.

Mikumi elephant herd, Tanzania safari by Marc Veraart

The dry season is also the peak tourist season in Tanzania and in the high season, the safari and lodge prices go up and the famous parks get very crowded. Thus the real reward of traveling to southern Tanzania in the dry season is escaping the crowds of people visiting the northern parks at this time. 

Note: During the wet season, many of the roads become muddy and impassable in southern Tanzania. As a result, many of the safari camps and lodges close during the wet months of the low season, especially during the long rains (March to May). If you decide to travel during the low season be prepared for wet conditions. Although it's hot and humid, January to March is a great time for bird-watching down south.

Selous birdlife, Tanzania by Marco Zanferrari

Getting to Southern Tanzania's Parks

The best place to start a Southern Tanzania Safari is to fly to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), servicing Dar es Salaam. From there you can either drive or fly to the Southern Safari Circuit.

The easiest way to get to Selous and Ruaha is to fly from Dar es Salaam. There are daily flights to both parks from Dar es Salaam and other travel hubs like Arusha in northern Tanzania. Most safari packages include flights to the southern parks and/or in between wildlife destinations.

Selous is the easiest southern park to drive to from Dar es Salaam with the completion of the new road between the reserve and the city. The drive from Dar to Selous now only takes four hours. 

Mikumi Park is a full day's drive from Dar es Salaam, taking about six-and-a-half hours. Although Mikumi is one of the closest parks to the city the drive takes a long time because the road is a busy single lane (not a dual carriage-way) for most of the way. The road also passes through numerous villages with strict speeding limits which adds to your travel time. Mikumi is often visited en route to Ruaha as a mid-way stopover to break the long journey. From Mikumi, Ruaha is about another five-hour drive.

If you plan on starting your safari from Dar es Salaam, see our upcoming tours departing from Dar es Salaam. These safaris starting and ending in Arusha enable you to catch a flight to the Southern Safari Circuit, after visiting the Northern Safari Circuit.

Selous safari flight by Richard Mortel

Getting to the westernmost parks of Katavi and Mahale entails catching one of the bi-weekly flights from Dar es Salaam or Arusha. The flights are expensive because these are the most remote parks. 

A Recent African Budget Safaris Review of a South Tanzania Safari 

African Budget Safaris recently received this 5-star review from a very happy client who booked one of our South Tanzania Safaris.

Trustpilot African Budget Safaris review

African Budget Safaris review - Trustpilot

South Tanzania Safari review

For more details about the fly-in safari reviewed above contact African Budget Safaris.

---

Ready for a South Tanzania Safari Adventure?

In a nutshell, that's why African Budget Safaris ranks South Tanzania Safaris amongst the best safaris in Africa. It is also why we highly recommend safaris to the lesser-known wilderness areas in Southern Tanzania.

Ruaha zebras by Jenn

And, we're not the only ones. Safari-goer Harrison Jacobs shared our sentiments on Business Insider after taking a Tanzania Safari with African Budget Safaris.

The uncrowded and more remote destinations of the south offer adventurous travellers the best safari in Tanzania, whether it's your first African safari or you're a seasoned safari-goer. That said, for the ultimate African safari, you can easily combine northern and southern Tanzania if time and budget allow.

Talk to one of our safari experts to find the best safaris in Africa (for your needs) or to have us tailor-make a private safari just for you.

Selous Safari views

If you're searching for an affordable safari in Tanzania that delivers value for money and excellent quality you'll find some of the best safari deals in Tanzania here.