Southern circuit
Destination
The Southern Circuit epitomizes Tanzania in her most pristine form, off the beaten track, away from the crowds of tourists and the sound of other safari vehicles. Here you will find prolific wildlife unscathed by human interaction, where the night sky dazzles with millions of stars, and a part of the continent which is untouched by time.
RUAHA NATIONAL PARK
Ruaha National Park, located at the heart of Tanzania, derives its name from the Hehe word for ‘river,’ and the park’s lifeline is none other than the Great Ruaha River itself. Despite being one of the country’s largest national parks, Ruaha remains refreshingly tranquil and unspoiled, making it an exclusive and secluded destination for safaris. During the dry season, visitors are greeted with a stunning sight of golden savannah adorned with baobab trees, while misty hills grace the distant horizon. When the annual rains arrive, the grasslands transform into a lush green, and the baobabs bloom magnificently.
The park’s diverse wildlife thrives in this environment, as waterbuck, impala, and gazelle congregate at the river’s edge to quench their thirst, attracting predators in close proximity. Here, you may catch glimpses of watchful lions or leopards prowling along the riverbanks, while cheetahs lie in wait across the plains. Jackals and hyenas, cunning hunters, remain vigilant, always seeking opportunities to secure their next meal. Ruaha seamlessly pairs with other remarkable destinations, such as a Serengeti safari or a relaxing beach break in Zanzibar. For an exceptional experience, consider combining it with a visit to Selous as well. Travelers can conveniently access Ruaha through flights from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to one of the park’s two airstrips.
NYERERE NATIONAL PARK
Discover Africa’s largest protected area, untouched by human habitation, where Tanzania’s most significant elephant population roams in a vast expanse larger than Switzerland! The Selous, known as “Seloo,” holds such significance that it has been recognized as a World Heritage Site, offering the fortunate few an opportunity to embark on a safari in the midst of completely wild and pristine bush.
Named after the notable Englishman Frederick Courtney Selous – a conservationist, hunter, explorer, and author whose African adventure books captivated Victorian England – this park boasts diverse landscapes ranging from rolling grassy woodlands and plains to rocky outcrops shaped by the Rufiji River, which serves as the lifeblood of the reserve. The river’s tributaries create a network of lakes, lagoons, and channels, with the added natural wonder of volcanic hot springs in certain areas. The Rufiji River provides an exceptional means of observing wildlife, particularly during the dry season when animals congregate along its banks.
UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a remote and favored tourist spot, known for its abundant biodiversity and considered one of Tanzania’s finest parks for observing birds and primates. The park’s unique charm lies in its location, nestled within the Eastern Arc Mountains, which gives rise to a variety of montane habitats, providing sanctuary to numerous rare and indigenous species of flora and fauna.
Among the special primate species found exclusively in this area are the Sanje crested mangabey, Iringa red colobus, and Matundu galago. The region also boasts several endemic bird species, such as Livingstone’s turaco, silvery-cheeked hornbills, and trumpeter hornbills, which are usually found in the high canopy of the montane forest but may descend to lower altitudes during colder months. Additionally, migratory birds can be observed in the area until mid-December.
Southern Accommodation
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Northern Circuit
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Safari Accommodation
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