Southern Safari Circuit
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Circuit · Southern Tanzania
Wide Range, Few Vehicles
The southern parks present a wide range of experiences, from savannahs to wetlands, walking safaris to river experiences. The south of Tanzania is mostly a destination for second-time visitors. The south can also be combined with the Serengeti in the north or linked with the west if time and budget allow. The southern circuit includes parks and reserves that can be visited using Dar es Salaam as a starting point.
There’s Saadani National Park north of Dar, then two hours to the west, the little park of Mikumi on both sides of the highway that meanders down to Iringa and Mbeya and eventually to Zambia or northern Malawi.
The Nyerere National Park (former Selous Game Reserve) to the south of Mikumi is great for river experiences on the Rufiji River and also for walking safaris. Udzungwa Mountains National Park is all about forests, waterfalls, and weird endemics, while Ruaha National Park, just west of Iringa, is the gem of the southern circuit.
- Boat safaris on the Rufiji River in Nyerere
- Walking safaris with an armed ranger
- Ruaha's big lion prides and wild dog population
- Rainforest hiking and waterfalls in the Udzungwa Mountains
Good to Know
Southern Safari Circuit at a Glance
Gateway
Dar es Salaam, with road, rail and light-aircraft access to the parks.
Best Time
June to October, when the bush thins out and wildlife concentrates on the rivers.
Signature
Boating on the Rufiji — the widest range of safari activities in the country.
Crowds
A fraction of the northern circuit’s vehicle numbers, even in peak season.
Where You'll Go
Destinations in This Circuit
Four parks between Dar es Salaam and Iringa, each with a distinctly different character.
When to Travel
Dry Season Is the Season
The south is more strongly seasonal than the north. From June to October the bush thins, the rivers shrink and wildlife concentrates on whatever water is left — which is when Ruaha and Nyerere are at their best.
The wet months bring lush landscapes and superb birding, but many tracks become impassable and a number of camps close entirely between March and May.
- June to October — peak game viewing on the rivers
- November to February — green season, excellent birding
- March to May — heavy rain, many camps closed
- Combine with Zanzibar or Mafia for a beach finish
The South, Without the Crowds
Boat safaris, walking safaris and huge lion prides. Tell us how long you have and we’ll shape the route.