Southern Tanzania

Wild, remote and wonderfully untamed.

Southern Tanzania offers a quieter and more adventurous side of safari, with vast wilderness areas, fewer visitors and exceptional wildlife experiences. From the sweeping landscapes of Ruaha to the waterways of Nyerere, the region is ideal for travellers seeking a more private and authentic safari.

Tanzania, at its wildest.

Southern Tanzania is where safari feels truly wild. Away from the busier northern circuit, this vast region offers open landscapes, diverse wildlife and a sense of space that is increasingly rare.

Ruaha National Park is the heart of the southern safari circuit, known for its large elephant populations, dramatic scenery, baobab-studded plains and excellent predator sightings. Nyerere National Park, one of Africa’s largest protected areas, combines traditional game drives with boat safaris along the Rufiji River and its surrounding lakes.

Further south, Mikumi National Park offers an accessible introduction to Tanzania’s southern wilderness, while Udzungwa Mountains National Park brings a completely different experience of rainforest, mountains, waterfalls and endemic wildlife.

With smaller camps, fewer vehicles and a more remote atmosphere, Southern Tanzania is particularly suited to travellers looking for privacy, adventure and a deeper connection with the wild.

Best time to visit

June – October

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Dry season

June to October. Dry weather, clear skies and excellent wildlife viewing. Animals gather around remaining water sources, making this one of the best times for game drives.

Crowds: Medium

Rates: Peak

Green season

December to April. Lush landscapes, dramatic skies and excellent birdlife. Fewer visitors make this a peaceful time to explore Ruaha, Nyerere and the southern wilderness.

Crowds: Low

Rates: Lowest

Shoulder season

May & November. A quieter period between seasons, with changing weather, fewer visitors and generally more moderate rates.

Crowds: Medium

Rates: Standard

Southern Tanzania

Private Safaris

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Explore

Southern Tanzania

Ruaha National Park

Tanzania’s largest national park, Ruaha is famous for its dramatic landscapes, huge elephant herds and exceptional predator sightings.

Famous for:

Elephants · Lions · Wild Dogs · Baobabs · Remote Wilderness

Nyerere National Park

A vast wilderness shaped by the Rufiji River, Nyerere offers classic game drives alongside boat safaris and a more varied way to experience Tanzania’s wildlife.

Famous for:

Boat Safaris · Rufiji River · Elephants · Hippos · Wild Dogs

Mikumi National Park

An accessible southern safari destination with open plains, abundant wildlife and excellent opportunities for a shorter safari or a combination with other southern parks.

Famous for:

Lions · Elephants · Giraffes · Zebras · Open Plains

Udzungwa Mountains National Park

A spectacular mountain wilderness of ancient forests, waterfalls and hiking trails, offering a completely different experience from Tanzania’s traditional savannah safaris.

Famous for:

Rainforest · Hiking · Waterfalls · Endemic Wildlife · Mountains