Southern Tanzania – Africa Wandering Peak Safaris

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Southern Tanzania Safaris

Overview

The Southern Safari Circuit is a haven for adventurous travelers seeking unspoiled wilderness and fewer crowds. It covers a vast and diverse landscape, rich with wildlife and dramatic scenery.

The southern parks offer unique experiences like boat safaris, walking safaris, and encounters with rare species, making it ideal for returning safari-goers or those seeking authenticity and solitude.

Attractions:

Ruaha National Park – Tanzania’s largest national park, known for its lion prides and elephants.
Nyerere National Park (Selous) – Offers boat safaris along the Rufiji River and great predator sightings.
Mikumi National Park – Easily accessible and ideal for short trips from Dar es Salaam.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park – A biodiversity hotspot with rainforest hikes and waterfalls.

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s largest national park and a favorite among seasoned safari travelers. Known for its raw wilderness and limited tourist traffic, it offers an authentic safari experience. Vast landscapes, ancient baobabs, and rustic lodges create a true sense of solitude and adventure.

Attractions:

Large elephant population
Big lion prides and excellent predator sightings
Wild dogs (flagship species)
Rare antelopes: greater kudu, roan, and sable
Scenic Great Ruaha River and rugged terrain

Best Season:
June to October – Dry season for best wildlife sightings, especially wild dogs and greater kudu

Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park, located along the Dar-Ruaha Road, offers sweeping savannahs and rich wildlife diversity, especially across the scenic Mkata Floodplain. Often compared to the Serengeti, it’s one of Tanzania’s most accessible parks and a perfect choice for short or road-based safaris. Its northern areas are more frequented, while the southern regions remain wild and remote.

Attractions:

Large herds of zebra, buffalo, wildebeest, and impala
Elephants, giraffes, and lions
Rare antelopes: sable, greater kudu, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest
Hippo pools and rich birdlife
Future rhino reintroduction project

Best Season:
June to October – Dry season offers the best game viewing around rivers and waterholes

Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a biodiversity hotspot and one of Tanzania’s most unique parks. Encompassing rainforest, mountain forest, and miombo woodland, it is part of the Eastern Arc Mountains. With dramatic elevation from 250 to 2,576 meters, it’s ideal for hiking and nature exploration rather than traditional game drives.

Attractions:

Over 2,500 plant species (many endemic)
400+ bird species
Rare primates: Iringa red colobus, Sanje crested mangabey
Scenic hiking trails, including Sanje Waterfalls
Unique chameleons and forest wildlife

Best Season:
June to October – Dry season is best for trekking and forest exploration

Nyerere National Park (Selous)

Nyerere National Park is Tanzania’s largest protected area and one of the wildest safari destinations in Africa. Fed by the mighty Rufiji River and its lakes, the park offers a rare blend of game drives, boat safaris, and walking tours. Its remote wilderness feel makes it perfect for adventurous travelers.

Attractions:

Boat safaris on the Rufiji River
Large herds of elephants and buffalo
Wild dogs, lions, and rare sable antelope
Abundant hippos and crocodiles
Giraffes, greater kudu, and waterbuck

Best Season:
June to October – Dry season offers the best wildlife sightings and accessibility

Saadani National Park

Saadani National Park is where Tanzania’s untamed wilderness meets the Indian Ocean. It’s the only place in East Africa where beach and bush coexist, offering the rare thrill of seeing wildlife roam coastal sands. Visitors can enjoy both game drives and relaxing beach strolls, with occasional sightings of elephants or fishermen casting nets at dawn.

Attractions: