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The Southern Safari Circuit is known for its vast, remote, and unspoiled wilderness, offering luxury Tanzanian safaris away from the crowds of the Northern Circuit.
It includes some of Tanzania’s largest and most diverse parks, like Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park, renowned for their rich biodiversity and unique safari experiences, such as boat safaris on the Rufiji River.
The circuit is ideal for adventurous travellers seeking a more off-the-beaten-path safari experience to see an abundance of wildlife in varied landscapes.
Top Destinations in Tanzania’s Southern Safari Circuit
Leave the crowds behind on a Southern Circuit safari in Tanzania and visit these incredible wildlife destinations:
Nyerere National Park: Largest National Park in Tanzania
Nyerere National Park remains one of the least visited parks in the country, making it a fantastic destination for safari-goers who want to escape the crowds.
Every type of safari can be experienced here, including game drives, photographic safaris, and walking safaris. Due to the Rufiji River that runs through this park, Nyerere is famous for its boat safaris.
During these adventures, you are able to spot a variety of wildlife. Nyerere is a Big Five safari destination; hyenas, cheetahs, hippos, and giraffes can also be seen, and the park houses one of the largest populations of African wild dogs.
Ruaha National Park: A Big Cat Hotspot
The vast savannahs here are well-known for large elephant herds and lion prides. Ruaha National Park has 10% of the world’s remaining lion population. This park is also an amazing choice if you want to see the elusive leopard (best spotted during the dry season). With only a few lodges, even during peak safari season, Ruaha remains an exclusive spot.
Mikumi National Park: Easy Accessibility
Often considered a “mini Serengeti,” Mikumi is a great option for those seeking excellent wildlife viewing without venturing too deep into the circuit, as it’s only a couple of hours drive from Dar es Salaam.
The grasslands here support large herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, and impala; this density of prey in turn supports the lions, leopards, and hyenas that live here. Safari goers will also be able to spot giraffes and elephants.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park: Walking Safari
With its lush forests, thousands of plant species, and incredible waterfalls, Udzungwa Mountains National Park is perfect for hikes and walks.
During a walking safari here, you have the opportunity to spot various monkey species, including the rare Iringa red colobus and the Sanje crested mangabey. This park is also home to elephants and over 400 species of birds.
When’s the Best Time to Go on Safari in the Southern Circuit?
The dry season, from June to October, is the best time for wildlife viewing. The landscape is drier, meaning more visibility and fewer water sources, so animals congregate around the few remaining rivers, lakes, and waterholes.
March to May sees the heaviest rain, while November to February is still considered to be the rainy season, but with shorter bursts of showers. While game drives are wetter and wildlife harder to spot, the lush green landscapes are stunning sights, and the birdwatching is excellent.
Animals found in the Southern Safari Circuit
In both Nyerere and Ruaha national parks, elephants, lions, leopards, and African wild dogs can be found.
Nyerere is also a Big Five safari destination, and Ruaha contains rare antelope species such as the sable antelope, as well as the greater kudu. Buffaloes, zebras, and giraffes are common in the parks. In rivers and lakes, you’ll see hippos and crocodiles on the banks and gliding in the water.
The Southern Circuit is home to a variety of bird species that will keep twitchers busy! Nyerere is home to over 440 species, Ruaha boasts over 570, while Udzungwa has more than 400 species. Look out for African fish eagles, Tanzanian red-billed hornbills, Namaqua doves, and Rüppell’s vultures.
How to Get to the Southern Safari Circuit
By Air
Charter flights are available from Dar es Salaam to various airstrips within Nyerere National Park, Ruaha, and other parks (operated by Coastal Aviation and Auric Air).
By Road
While some parks like Mikumi can be accessed by road from Dar es Salaam (about four hours), driving to more remote parks like Ruaha and Nyerere requires a longer journey, usually done as part of an organised Tanzania safari.
