The Southern Tanzania Safari Circuit features vast, remote, and truly wild game parks. These are the off-the-beaten-track safari destinations sought after by safari aficionados.
The southern parks of Tanzania are less-visited and more rugged than the famous destinations of the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit. One of the main perks of traveling to the southern parks of Tanzania is that they are far less crowded.
- Ruaha National Park
- Selous Game Reserve
- Mikumi National Park
- Udzungwa Mountains National Park
- Mahale National Park
- Katavi National Park
Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve are the top two game parks of Tanzania's Southern Safari Circuit. The 'best-kept safari secrets' of Tanzania, these parks often feature on the bucket lists of intrepid adventurers.
This region is unusually diverse because it is where eastern and southern vegetation regions converge to create a unique eco-zone. The result is a high diversity of wildlife and plant species.
Ruaha is renowned for its superb predator sightings hosting one of Africa's largest lion populations, one of East Africa's largest cheetah populations and one of Africa's largest populations of endangered African wild dogs. Leopards are also sighted regularly along with hyenas. Ruaha is also a stronghold for elephants and home to large buffalo herds.
Safaris to Ruaha National Park
In Selous Game Reserve much of the wildlife action happens along the Rufiji River, where plentiful hippos and crocodiles lurk. Wildlife roaming Selous includes elephants, buffalos, Masai giraffes, lions, African wild dogs, cheetahs, and all kinds of antelopes. Boat-based game viewing and walking safaris are a highlight here.
Safaris to Selous Game Reserve
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a biodiversity hotspot inhabited by a variety of primate species. Something different from the usual savannah wildlife experience, in the Udzungwas Mountains you'll walk in lush forests with clear streams and waterfalls. In this part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, there are about 10 primate species, three of which are endemic to these mountains - the Iringa red colobus, the Matunda galago, and the Sanje crested mangabey.
For more about the other Southern Tanzania Parks (Mikumi National Park, Mahale National Park, and Katavi National Park) see our post: Is Southern Tanzania the Best for African Safaris?
Use the Google map to explore Southern Safari Circuit.
An affordable 9-day Tanzania Safari in Southern Tanzania visiting Nyerere National Park, Mikumi National Park and Ruaha National Park.
An affordable 3 Day Private Tanzania Safari in Mikumi National Park, starting and ending in Dar es Salaam, ideal for travellers short on time and budget.
Trip Style Southern Safari Circuit Private Safaris