Safaris Tanzania: The Southern Circuit
As all our tours are custom-designed, we can organise a short one- or two-night trip, or a longer safari that lets you visit several local national parks and game reserves.
Accommodation options
We offer two options for accommodation on our safaris:
- Staying in safari lodges, hotels or luxury tented accommodation.
- Staying under canvas in a private campsite set up by us to give you the quintessential African safari camping experience.
Nyerere National Park
Within easy reach of Dar es Salaam, Nyerere National Park (formerly known as Selous Game Reserve) is the largest wetland wilderness area in the world and one of the most pristine in Africa. Named a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1982, Nyerere National Park is larger than Switzerland, covering almost 6% of Tanzania’s land surface at 54,000 square miles.
The Rufiji River and several of its tributaries flow through the reserve, which exhibits several different habitat types, including open grasslands, acacia and miombo woodlands, swamps, lakes, and forests. These different habitat areas are home to diverse wildlife, from predators to prey.
Bordered by Mikumi National Park, Udzungwa Mountains National Park and Kibasira Swamp, the northern part of the Nyerere National Park is the only part which is accessible to tourists; it’s also the most beautiful part and home to the most wildlife.
Originally created for hunters, Nyerere National Park is now mostly reserved for photographic safaris with a priority on conservation and protection of wildlife. However, hunting is still permitted in some areas of the park and this remains a primary source of income.
While visiting Nyerere National Park you can participate in a game walk or a boat safari on the Rufiji River which is home to large numbers of crocodiles, hippos, and elephants. More than half of all the elephants in Tanzania live in the park, around 60,000 at the last count. However, you are unlikely to see large herds of elephants in here as they tend to roam in smaller groups led by matriarchs.
Nyerere National Park also has the largest population of the endangered African wild dogs in Tanzania, although these well-camouflaged predators are notoriously hard to spot. Birdlife is also prolific with over 430 bird species identified here. Our guides carry bird books with them but serious birders may want to invest in their own birding book. Whatever your interest, your trip here will enable you to view diverse wildlife in their natural habitats with few other tourists around.
Read more about Nyerere National Park >>
Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park’s landscape is characterised by the Mkata River Flood Plain and surrounded by the Uluguru and Rubeho mountains. Mikumi is famed for its tree-climbing lions but is also home to all manner of wildlife, from elephants, giraffes, zebras and antelopes, through to the predators that hunt them.
This is a must visit destination for bird lovers as over 400 diverse and colourful species live here.
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha is Tanzania’s second largest National Park. It is accessible by a ten-hour drive from Dar es Salaam passing through Mikumi National Park, or by small plane from Dar, Nyerere National Park, Serengeti, Arusha, Iringa and Mbeya. Flying into Ruaha National Park is an experience in itself with the abundant wildlife visible from the runway and grazing herds of giraffe and zebra likely to scatter as the plane lands.
The rugged, semi-arid bush is a wilderness home to around 10,000 elephants. During the dry season, when game viewing is best, the Ruaha River, which rages during the wet season, leaves pools of water that attract all manner of wildlife, including grazing animals, diverse species of antelope and predators that hunt and feed on them.
A stay in Ruaha may reveal prides of lions stalking the savannah, as well as cheetah and leopards on the lookout for their next meal. Then there are the hyenas that feast on leftovers and carcasses as well as wild African dogs that hunt in packs. Ruaha is also known for the prevalence of kudu, a large antelope with long spiralling horns, with the male greater kudu most visible during the breeding season in June.
During your visit, you will also enjoy seeing and hearing a wide variety of multi-hued birds, each with their own unique call.
As for the rest of Tanzania, the best time to visit and view predators and large mammals is during the dry season from mid-May until December. However, if bird watching, scenery and wildflowers are your focus the wet season from January through April is an excellent time to visit.
As well as joining walking safaris or longer day hikes, you can also visit the Stone Age ruins of Isimila, which are one of Africa’s most important historical sites. There is a good choice of accommodation including a riverside lodge, tented camps, self-catering bandas and designated campsites.
Kitulo National Park
With rich volcanic soil Kitulo is a botanist’s paradise, famed for the wildflowers that grow here including stunning orchids, protea, giant lobelia and lilies to name but a few. While a few mountain eland and reedbuck roam the grasslands, people visit primarily for the flowers, birds and butterflies. Known locally as God’s garden, Kitulo is an earthly paradise.
The best way to get here is to fly but it is possible to get here overland if you have plenty of time and are prepared for an adventure. When visiting you can stay in a luxury tented camp or ask us to set up a camp for you in one of the campsites inside the park. There’s a resthouse at nearby Sitalike and basic hotels at Mpanda.
Saadani National Park
Saadani combines excellent wildlife viewing opportunities with coastal scenery and beaches that from the Indian Ocean. It’s the only wildlife safari in East Africa where you can see game on or near the beach.
We recommend staying at the Sanctuary Saadani River Lodge during your visit and incorporating a boat safari into your trip to make the most of wildlife-viewing opportunities. Saadani can also be visited on a day trip.
Kilwa ruins
The Kilwa Heritage Site is an archaeological site featuring the impressive remains of what was once a sizeable city. In the 11th Century, Kilwa was a major trading post for the Swahili coast, trading precious metals, beads, textiles, ivory and spices along the coast and into the interior as far as Zimbabwe.
The site also holds significant history for the slave trade and colonialism. Your guide will bring the rich and varied history of Kilwa to life.
Udzungwa Mountains
Biodiversity is the buzzword in the Udzungwa Mountains, which host a wide variety of plants and animals. The mountainous terrain is covered in lush rainforest that contain up to 40% of Tanzania’s plant and animal life, many of which are unique to the area. The area supports diverse wildlife, such as elephant, buffalo, big cats, African wild dog, bushbuck and eland, as well as six species of primate, including two which are unique to this area.
As well as holding great natural beauty and biodiversity, the park is also rich in legend and contains several cultural and historical sites. The World Wildlife Fund is working in this area to preserve the cultural and biological heritage. Visitors can stay at the waterfall lodge, in luxury tented accommodation or a private campsite set up by us so all you need to do is relax and enjoy the scenery.
Read more about Udzungwa Mountains >>
Day trips from Dar es Salaam
There are two unique and very different National Parks which are easily accessible and possible to visit in one day from Dar es Salaam.
Mikumi DAY TRIP
If you want to view wildlife in its natural habitat take a day trip to Mikumi National Park. Here you can see elephants, giraffes, zebras, elands, kudu, wildebeest, and antelope as well as the predators who hunt them such as lions, leopards, wild dogs, and black-backed jackal. Mikumi National Park is also home to over 400 bird species making it an ideal safari destination for bird lovers.
Sadaani DAY TRIP
Bordering the Indian Ocean, this is the only wildlife sanctuary in East Africa where the bush meets the beach. Lined by miles of white sand beaches without a deckchair to be seen, you are more likely to spot elephants or lions on the beach than sun worshippers.
Saadani can be visited for a game drive, boat or walking safari with grazing animals commonly seen including elephant, giraffe, buffalo, warthog, waterbuck, sable, vervet monkeys and many more.
Close to the Wami River or on a boat safari there’s a good chance of spotting hippo, crocodile and marine and riverine birds, including kingfishers and flamingo. The beaches at Saadani are one of the last major green turtle breeding sites on mainland Tanzania, although they are rarely spotted in the daytime.
Zanzibar Island Day Trip
A day trip to Zanzibar is a very different type of safari, allowing you to learn about the history of this spice island and experience Swahili culture and cuisine. Your tour will include a visit to the old town to appreciate the historic architecture, the market and the backstreet bazaars. After a delicious traditional Swahili lunch we’ll take you to visit one of the spice plantations to learn about and sample the spices that grow here.
Our Current Southern Circuit Safaris:
2 Day Fly-In Safari: Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park (Selous) & Back
STARTING FROM $732 pp (USD)
Highlights
Large elephant herds across open plains Lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas African wild dogs (rare but possible) Hippos and crocodiles in the Rufiji River system Giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests Over 400 recorded bird species
2 Day Road Safari: Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park (Selous) & Back
STARTING FROM $384 pp (USD)
Highlights
African elephants in large herds Lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas Hippos and crocodiles along the Rufiji River Giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests Antelopes and rich birdlife diversity African wild dogs (rare sightings)
7 Days Selous (Nyerere) Ruaha Wilderness Safari Circuit
STARTING FROM $1,244 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Two Iconic Wilderness Parks in One Journey Nyerere National Park Rufiji River Boat Safari River Wildlife: Hippos, Crocodiles & Birdlife Ruaha National Park Big Cats & Baobab Landscapes Walking Safari Experience in Remote Wilderness Low Tourist Density & Untouched Safari Experience Seamless Access from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar
6 Days Fly-In & Road Safari: Ruaha, Nyerere (Selous), Udzungwa Circuit
STARTING FROM $2,028 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Fly-In to Remote Wilderness for Maximum Safari Time Ruaha National Park Big Cats, Elephants & Baobab Landscapes Nyerere National Park Rufiji River Boat Safari Diverse Ecosystems in One Compact Journey Udzungwa Mountains National Park Rainforest Trekking & Waterfalls Sanje Waterfalls Hiking Experience Seamless Start from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar
6 Days Nyerere (Selous), Mikumi, Udzungwa Safari Circuit
STARTING FROM $1,030 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Three Ecosystems in One Compact Safari Nyerere National Park Rufiji River Boat Safari Experience River Wildlife: Hippos, Crocodiles & Birdlife Mikumi National Park Open Savannah Game Viewing High-Visibility Wildlife on Mkata Floodplain Udzungwa Mountains National Park Waterfalls & Rainforest Trekking Sanje Waterfalls Hiking & Natural Pools Scenic Southern Circuit from Dar es Salaam
5 Days Ruaha, Udzungwa Safari Circuit
STARTING FROM $850 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Fly-In Safari to Remote Wilderness Ruaha National Park Big Cats, Elephants & Baobab Landscapes Low Tourist Density & Authentic Safari Experience Scenic Bush Flight Between Ecosystems Udzungwa Mountains National Park Rainforest Trekking & Waterfalls Sanje Waterfalls Hiking & Natural Pools Perfect Blend of Safari & Hiking Adventure Seamless Start from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar
5 Days Mikumi. Nyerere (Selous), Ruaha National Park Safari Circuit
STARTING FROM $870 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Scenic road safari from Dar es Salaam through Tanzania’s southern wilderness corridor Wildlife-rich game drives in Mikumi’s open savannah plains Boat safari along the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park (Selous) Big game encounters including elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, and wild dogs Immersive full-day safari experience in one of Africa’s largest protected ecosystems Remote wilderness exploration in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s predator capital Dramatic landscapes from floodplains and rivers to baobab-studded savannahs Authentic bush experience with picnic lunches and sunset game drives Perfect short southern circuit combining three iconic national parks in one journey
4 Days Road Safari: Dar es Salaam, Mikumi, Udzungwa, Nyerere (Selous)
STARTING FROM $664 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Southern Tanzania circuit combining Selous (Nyerere National Park), Mikumi National Park, and Udzungwa Mountains National Park
4 Days Fly-In Safari: Dar es Salaam, Nyerere (Selous), Mikumi
STARTING FROM $1,134 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
A relaxed Southern Tanzania safari through Nyerere National Park, Mikumi National Park, and Udzungwa Mountains National Park, combining fly-in access, scenic transfers, and slow-paced game drives across rivers and open plains.
4 Days Road Safari: Dar es Salaam, Nyerere (Selous), Mikumi
STARTING FROM $631 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Relaxed road journey through Southern Tanzania combining sunset boat safari on the Rufiji River, classic game drives with elephants, lions, giraffes, and buffalo, and wide-open savannah wildlife viewing across the Mkata floodplain, an easy, scenic short safari packed with diverse landscapes and rich wildlife encounters.
4 Days Fly-In Safari: Dar es Salaam, Ruaha National Park
STARTING FROM $1,758 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
A relaxed fly-in safari from Dar es Salaam into Tanzania’s largest wilderness, featuring scenic bush flights over rivers and plains, full-day game drives with elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, and wild dogs, and peaceful sunset moments in a vast, untouched landscape with very low tourist density.
STARTING FROM $695 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Adventurous road safari into the remote wilderness of Ruaha National Park Scenic overland journey through rural Tanzania, woodlands, and rugged landscapes Vast baobab-studded savannahs and dramatic rocky escarpments High predator density with strong chances of spotting lions, leopards, and wild dogs Large elephant herds and buffalo roaming across open terrain Full-day immersive game drives in one of Africa’s least crowded national parks Authentic off-the-beaten-path safari experience with minimal tourist traffic Diverse habitats including dry riverbeds, plains, and rolling hills Ideal short wilderness escape for adventurous travelers who prefer road trips Perfect to combine with a Zanzibar beach extension for a complete bush-to-coast experience
STARTING FROM $1,178 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Fly-in safari combining classic savannah game drives in Mikumi with excellent wildlife visibility on the Mkata floodplain, followed by a rainforest experience in Udzungwa with a guided walk to Sanje Waterfalls, featuring swimming spots, panoramic views, and rich biodiversity.
STARTING FROM $460 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Road safari combining classic game drives in Mikumi with excellent wildlife visibility across the Mkata floodplain, followed by a rainforest experience in Udzungwa with a guided hike to Sanje Waterfalls, featuring swimming spots, panoramic valley views, and rich biodiversity.
STARTING FROM $808 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Fly-in safari combining classic savannah game drives in Mikumi with high wildlife visibility on the Mkata floodplain, and a full wilderness experience in Nyerere featuring the Rufiji River boat safari, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife including elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, and wild dogs.
STARTING FROM $492 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Road safari combining classic savannah game drives in Mikumi with high wildlife visibility on the Mkata floodplain, and a full wilderness experience in Nyerere featuring the Rufiji River boat safari, vast untouched landscapes, and rich wildlife including elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, and wild dogs.
STARTING FROM $853 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Road safari featuring 2 game drives and a Rufiji River boat safari, exploring vast wilderness landscapes with rich wildlife including elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife across one of Africa’s largest and least crowded reserves.
STARTING FROM $527 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Road safari into one of Africa’s largest and most untouched wilderness areas, featuring game drives across vast savannahs and woodlands, and a Rufiji River boat safari with close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, and rich birdlife.
STARTING FROM $1,130 pp (USD)
Highlights
Seamless fly-in safari from Zanzibar to mainland Tanzania wildlife Scenic aerial views of coastline, forests, and savannah landscapes Classic game drives in Mikumi National Park with high wildlife density Excellent chances of seeing elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and wildebeest Exploration of the famous Mkata floodplain, often called a “mini Serengeti” Full-day safari experience across diverse habitats: grasslands, woodlands, and waterholes Comfortable lodge stay surrounded by natural bush sounds Early morning game drives for active predator sightings Perfect combination of beach relaxation and wildlife adventure Ideal short escape for travelers wanting a quick but rich Tanzania safari experience
STARTING FROM $572 pp (USD)
Highlights
Seamless fly-in bush-to-beach safari experience from Dar es Salaam to wilderness and ending in Zanzibar Scenic aerial views of rivers, forests, and vast savannah landscapes Immersive safari experience in Nyerere National Park (Selous ecosystem) Sunset boat safari on the Rufiji River with hippos, crocodiles, and rich birdlife Full-day game drives across one of Africa’s largest and most untouched wilderness areas Sightings of elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and African wild dogs Early morning safari for optimal predator activity and photography Comfortable lodge or tented camp stay surrounded by natural wilderness sounds Perfect combination of adventure, luxury, and beach relaxation Ideal for honeymooners, photographers, and short-stay luxury travelers
STARTING FROM $744 pp (USD)
Highlights
Seamless bush-to-beach fly-in safari from Zanzibar to wilderness adventure
Scenic aerial flight over coastline, rivers, and vast savannah landscapes
Immersive wildlife experience in Nyerere National Park (Selous ecosystem)
Sunset boat safari on the Rufiji River with hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife
Full-day game drives across one of Africa’s largest and least crowded protected areas
Sightings of elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and African wild dogs
Early morning safari drives for optimal predator activity and photography
Comfortable lodge or tented camp stay in the heart of the wilderness
Perfect combination of relaxation, luxury, and adventure
Ideal short safari escape for couples, honeymooners, and beach travelers seeking wildlife experience
STARTING FROM $981 pp (USD)
Highlights
Fast and seamless fly-in safari from Zanzibar to mainland wildlife adventure Scenic flight over the Indian Ocean coastline and inland landscapes Classic game drives in Mikumi National Park with high wildlife density Excellent chances of seeing elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and buffalo Exploration of the famous Mkata floodplain, often called a “mini Serengeti” Sunrise and afternoon game drives for optimal wildlife activity Compact safari experience designed for limited time travelers Comfortable lodge or tented camp stay inside or near the park Perfect combination of Zanzibar beach holiday and quick safari escape Ideal short wildlife adventure for couples, solo travelers, and photographers
9 Day Safari Zanzibar -Ruaha – Mikumi – Selous to Zanzibar
STARTING FROM $2,207 pp (USD)
Highlights
From the beaches of Zanzibar to the wild heart of Ruaha National Park, Mikumi National Park, and Nyerere National Park, with an exclusive extension to Katavi National Park, a rare journey blending coast, classic safari, and untouched wilderness.
9 Days Selous (Nyerere) – Ruaha – Katavi Wilderness Safari Circuit
STARTING FROM $2,018 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Explore the remote wilds of Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, and Katavi National Park, an untamed safari circuit rich in predators, vast landscapes, and true off-the-beaten-path adventure.
8 Days Dar es Salaam – Nyerere (Selous) – Ruaha – Mikumi – Zanzibar Safari Circuit
STARTING FROM $1,719 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Journey from Dar es Salaam through the wild landscapes of Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, and Mikumi National Park, ending with relaxation on the beaches of Zanzibar, a perfect blend of safari and coastal escape.
8 Days Mikumi – Udzungwa Mountains – Ruaha National Park Safari Circuit
STARTING FROM $2,038 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Discover wildlife in Mikumi National Park, hike to waterfalls in Udzungwa Mountains National Park, and explore the wild beauty of Ruaha National Park, a perfect mix of safari and adventure.
9 Days Selous (Nyerere), Ruaha, Katavi Wilderness Safari Circuit
STARTING FROM $2,018 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Explore Tanzania’s ultimate wilderness safari circuit through the remote beauty of Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, and Katavi National Park, home to untouched landscapes, massive wildlife populations, and authentic safari experiences.
