Southern Tanzania offers a quieter and more wilderness-focused safari experience, with excellent wildlife viewing, fewer vehicles and a wider choice of safari activities beyond traditional game drives.
The Southern Circuit includes Ruaha National Park, Nyerere National Park, Mikumi National Park and Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Ruaha is ideal for elephants, predators and remote landscapes; Nyerere combines game drives with Rufiji River boat safaris and walking experiences; Mikumi is one of the easiest parks to reach from Dar es Salaam; while Udzungwa adds rainforest hiking, waterfalls and nature experiences.
Southern Tanzania is a particularly good choice for travellers looking for a less crowded alternative to the Northern Circuit, as well as couples, families, wildlife photographers and repeat Tanzania visitors. It also works exceptionally well as a safari and Zanzibar beach combination.
Start your safari from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar and choose the transport that best fits your itinerary: private 4×4, SGR train and safari transfer, or domestic flight. We can arrange short Mikumi safaris, Nyerere boat-safari experiences, fly-in Ruaha trips and longer Southern Circuit itineraries.
Planning your wider Tanzania trip? Explore our complete Tanzania safari planning guide .
Southern Tanzania in the field: Nyerere highlights from a 2026 safari with the Otto Safari Guide team.
Combine the wildlife-rich parks of Southern Tanzania with the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar. These itineraries are ideal for honeymooners, couples, families, and travelers looking for the perfect bush-and-beach experience.
Nyerere National Park, formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve, is one of Southern Tanzania's premier safari destinations. It is especially famous for Rufiji River boat safaris, walking safaris, game drives, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, wild dogs, and its vast remote wilderness. Choose a short lodge safari, a more active walking and boat adventure, or combine Nyerere with Mikumi for a longer Southern Tanzania safari.
A classic short Nyerere safari combining comfortable lodge or tented-camp accommodation with exciting game drives and the opportunity to explore the Rufiji River. It is an excellent choice for travellers who want to experience Nyerere National Park without committing to a long Southern Circuit itinerary.
View 3-Day Nyerere Safari
Go beyond traditional game drives with a more immersive Nyerere experience. This safari combines walking safari activities, Rufiji River boat excursions and cultural experiences, giving you a closer connection with the landscapes and communities of Southern Tanzania.
View 5-Day Safari
Combine two of Southern Tanzania's most accessible safari destinations in one itinerary. Start with wildlife viewing in Mikumi National Park, then continue to Nyerere for game drives and the unique Rufiji River safari experience.
View Mikumi & Nyerere SafariMikumi National Park is the most accessible safari destination in Southern Tanzania and the perfect choice for travelers starting from Dar es Salaam. Whether you have one day, a weekend, or several days to explore, these itineraries combine excellent wildlife viewing with easy logistics by road or SGR train.
The fastest way to experience Tanzania wildlife from Dar es Salaam. Travel by SGR train and enjoy a full-day game drive in Mikumi National Park before returning the same evening.
View Itinerary
A budget-friendly Southern Tanzania safari combining SGR train travel with wildlife-rich game drives in Mikumi National Park. Ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers.
View Itinerary
Combine classic wildlife viewing in Mikumi National Park with rainforest hiking and the spectacular Sanje Waterfalls in Udzungwa Mountains National Park.
View ItineraryRuaha National Park is one of Tanzania's most rewarding safari destinations, famous for large elephant herds, excellent predator sightings, dramatic landscapes, and a more remote wilderness atmosphere. These Southern Tanzania safari itineraries combine Ruaha with Mikumi or focus on Ruaha itself for travelers looking for authentic wildlife experiences away from the busier Northern Circuit.
A short fly-in safari designed for travelers who want maximum wildlife viewing with minimum travel time. Experience Ruaha's famous elephants, lions, predators, and remote wilderness on an efficient Southern Tanzania safari.
View Itinerary
A balanced Southern Tanzania safari combining Mikumi's accessible wildlife viewing with Ruaha's remote wilderness. Ideal for travelers who want to experience two different parks and landscapes in one itinerary.
View Itinerary
A classic Southern Tanzania itinerary combining Mikumi National Park and Ruaha National Park. Enjoy diverse wildlife, scenic landscapes, elephants, predators, and excellent game viewing throughout the safari.
View ItineraryPlanning a Southern Tanzania safari? Here are the essential facts about the main parks, best travel seasons, gateways, safari styles and typical costs before you choose your route.
