Southern Tanzania is an untouched paradise, offering an off-the-beaten-path safari experience away from the crowds of the Serengeti. With vast savannas, remote game reserves, and rich wildlife, this region provides a genuine and exclusive safari adventure.
✔ For Remote & Crowd-Free Safaris → Visit Nyerere (Selous) & Ruaha
✔ For Big Five & Predator Sightings → Explore Ruaha & Mikumi
✔ For Coastal & Marine Wildlife → Visit Mafia Island
✔ For Hiking & Rainforest Exploration → Trek Udzungwa Mountains
1. Why Choose a Southern Tanzania Safari?
🌿 Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience
✔ Fewer tourists compared to the Northern Circuit (Serengeti & Ngorongoro).
✔ More exclusive, intimate wildlife encounters in remote areas.
🦁 Diverse Ecosystems & Abundant Wildlife
✔ Game-rich savannas, lush forests, and vibrant coastal areas.
✔ Home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino), African wild dogs & rare antelopes.
🚤 Unique Safari Activities
✔ Walking safaris, boat safaris, and night game drives—less common in the north.
✔ Snorkeling & diving at Mafia Island’s coral reefs.
✔ Tip: Southern Tanzania safaris are ideal for adventure seekers & wildlife enthusiasts looking for an authentic experience.
2. Best Time to Visit Southern Tanzania for a Safari
| Season | Months | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | June – October | Best wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. |
| Short Dry Season | December – February | Great for birdwatching, lush scenery & fewer tourists. |
| Wet Season | March – May & November | Budget-friendly, green landscapes & fewer crowds. |
✔ Best for Big Game Viewing: June – October (dry season).
✔ Best for Birdwatching & Scenic Landscapes: January – February.
✔ Best for Budget Travelers: March – May (low season discounts).
✔ Tip: Unlike the Northern Circuit, Southern Tanzania is open year-round, offering unique experiences in each season.ot them in the open landscapes. The months of January and February are ideal for bird enthusiasts, as migratory birds flock to the region.
3. Best Southern Tanzania Safari Destinations
🦓 Nyerere National Park (Selous) – Africa’s Largest Wildlife Reserve
✔ Why Visit?
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering over 30,000 sq. km.
- One of Africa’s best places to see wild dogs, lions & hippos.
- Unique boat safaris along the Rufiji River.
✔ Best Activities:
- Game drives – Spot the Big Five & over 400 bird species.
- Boat safaris – Get close to hippos, crocodiles & elephants.
- Walking safaris – Experience wildlife on foot with expert guides.
✔ How to Get There: 6-hour drive or a 45-minute flight from Dar es Salaam.
🦁 Ruaha National Park – Tanzania’s Best Kept Secret
✔ Why Visit?
- Tanzania’s largest national park (20,226 sq km).
- Home to East Africa’s highest concentration of lions.
- A haven for cheetahs, leopards, elephants & rare antelope species.
✔ Best Activities:
- Game drives – Remote wilderness with big cat sightings.
- Walking safaris – Explore ancient baobab forests.
- Fly camping – Sleep under the stars for a true wilderness experience.
✔ How to Get There: 10-hour drive or 1.5-hour flight from Dar es Salaam.
🐘 Mikumi National Park – Best for Short Safaris
✔ Why Visit?
- Closest major park to Dar es Salaam (4-hour drive).
- High chances of spotting elephants, buffalo, lions & zebras.
✔ Best Activities:
- Game drives – Explore the Mkata Floodplain, known as the “Little Serengeti.”
- Great for weekend safaris & budget-friendly trips.
✔ Tip: Mikumi is perfect for travelers looking for a quick but rewarding safari experience.
🌊 Mafia Island – Tanzania’s Best Marine Safari Destination
✔ Why Visit?
- Largest marine park in the Indian Ocean.
- A top spot for snorkeling, diving & swimming with whale sharks (Oct–March).
✔ Best Activities:
- Scuba diving & snorkeling at coral reefs.
- Whale shark safaris.
✔ How to Get There: 30-minute flight from Dar es Salaam.
🌿 Udzungwa Mountains – Best for Hiking & Rainforest Safaris
✔ Why Visit?
- Africa’s second-highest biodiversity, home to rare primates & birds.
- Stunning waterfalls, including the 170m-high Sanje Falls.
✔ Best Activities:
- Hiking & trekking in lush rainforests.
- Wildlife spotting – Unique monkeys, elephants & leopards.
✔ How to Get There: 5–6-hour drive from Dar es Salaam.
4. How to Plan a Southern Tanzania Safari
✔ Choose the Right Time:
- June–October for wildlife, December–February for birdwatching.
✔ Select Your Destinations:
- For remote safaris: Ruaha & Nyerere.
- For quick trips: Mikumi.
- For marine life: Mafia Island.
- For hiking: Udzungwa Mountains.
✔ Book a Safari Package with Experienced Guides.
✔ Tip: Southern Tanzania is best explored on a multi-day safari, combining different destinations.
5. Where to Stay – Best Southern Tanzania Safari Lodges
| Safari Destination | Luxury Lodges | Mid-Range Lodges | Budget Camps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nyerere (Selous) | Beho Beho, Sand Rivers | Rufiji River Camp | Selous Riverside Camp |
| Ruaha | Jabali Ridge, Jongomero Camp | Ruaha River Lodge | Mdonya Old River Camp |
| Mikumi | Stanley’s Kopje | Vuma Hills Tented Camp | Camp Bastian |
| Mafia Island | Pole Pole Lodge | Butiama Beach | Big Blu Lodge |
✔ Tip: Luxury lodges offer fly-in safaris, while mid-range options provide excellent game experiences at a lower cost.
Conclusion: Your Southern Tanzania Safari Awaits!
A Southern Tanzania safari is the perfect choice for adventurers, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts looking for an exclusive, crowd-free safari. Whether exploring Nyerere, Ruaha, Mikumi, Mafia Island, or Udzungwa, Southern Tanzania offers unmatched wilderness experiences.
🌍 Ready to plan your safari? Contact us today for custom Southern Tanzania safari packages! 🚀
