Away from the Crowds
Vast parks and far fewer visitors than the Northern Circuit mean an intimate, personal safari.
Tanzania Safari Circuit
The SouthernSafari Circuit
Tanzania's wild, uncrowded south: Ruaha's elephants and baobabs, the vast Nyerere (Selous) ecosystem's boat safaris and wild dogs, and Udzungwa's rainforest trails — a safari far from the crowds.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
01 — Overview
Tanzania at its wildest and quietest — remote parks with some of Africa’s largest protected wilderness.
The Southern Circuit is Tanzania's untamed alternative to the north: fewer visitors, larger parks and a genuine sense of wilderness. Ruaha National Park, Tanzania's largest, is known for its ancient baobabs, huge elephant herds and one of East Africa's most important lion populations. The Nyerere National Park (formerly part of the Selous Game Reserve) is one of the largest protected wildlife areas in Africa, criss-crossed by the Rufiji River and known for boat safaris, walking safaris and healthy populations of African wild dog. Udzungwa Mountains National Park adds rainforest hiking and waterfalls, with several primate species found nowhere else on Earth.
The south is harder to reach and less developed than the Northern Circuit, which is exactly its appeal: game drives, boat trips and walking safaris here often unfold with no other vehicle in sight.
- Key Parks
- Ruaha, Nyerere (Selous), Udzungwa
- Gateway
- Dar es Salaam & Julius Nyerere Airport
- Best Time
- June–October (dry season)
- Typical Length
- 4–8 days
- Famous For
- Wild dogs, boat safaris & solitude
02 — Why This Circuit
Why choose the Southern Circuit
For travellers who want Tanzania’s wilderness without the crowds.
Boat & Walking Safaris
Explore the Rufiji River by boat and the bush on foot — activities rarely offered in the north.
African Wild Dogs
Nyerere protects one of the largest remaining populations of this endangered predator.
Rainforest & Waterfalls
Udzungwa adds a completely different landscape: montane rainforest trails and rare primates.
Sample Route
A sample 6-day route
A typical way to combine Ruaha and Nyerere; Udzungwa can be added for hikers.
Day 1
Fly to Ruaha National Park
A short flight from Dar es Salaam into the heart of Ruaha; afternoon game drive.
Days 2–3
Ruaha National Park
Game drives among Ruaha's baobabs, elephant herds and resident lion prides.
Day 4
Fly to Nyerere National Park
Transfer by light aircraft to a camp on the Rufiji River.
Days 5–6
Nyerere (Selous)
Boat safaris on the Rufiji, walking safaris and game drives in search of wild dog.
Wildlife
Wildlife of the Southern Circuit
Ruaha holds one of East Africa's largest elephant populations and a significant share of Tanzania's lions, alongside greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope rarely seen further north. Nyerere's rivers and floodplains support hippos, crocodiles and one of Africa's most important remaining populations of African wild dog, while its woodlands hold buffalo, giraffe and both lion and leopard.
Udzungwa's rainforest is a biodiversity hotspot, home to several primate species found only in these mountains, including the Sanje mangabey and Udzungwa red colobus.
- African elephant
- Lion
- African wild dog
- Hippopotamus
- Greater kudu
- Sable antelope
- Udzungwa red colobus
- Nile crocodile
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit the Southern Circuit
The dry season from June to October is the best time to visit, when wildlife concentrates along the Great Ruaha and Rufiji rivers and many camps are open. Some southern camps close entirely during the heaviest rains (March–May), so check availability if travelling in the green season.
Dry Season
June to October
Best game viewing; wildlife gathers at rivers and waterholes.
Wet Season
November to May
Lush scenery, migratory birds and newborn animals; some roads can be muddy.
Getting to the Southern Circuit
By air
Most visitors fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, then connect via light aircraft to airstrips in Ruaha, Nyerere or Udzungwa.
Overland
Some lodges arrange road transfers from Dar es Salaam or Mikumi, but distances are long; flying is the practical option for most itineraries.
Location
Southern Circuit Map
Ruaha, Nyerere and Udzungwa lie south-west of Dar es Salaam, in central-southern Tanzania.
Southern Circuit
Open in Google MapsFAQ
Southern Circuit FAQs
What to know before planning a Southern Circuit safari.
Is the Southern Circuit good for a first safari?
It suits travellers who have safaried before, or who specifically want a quieter, more remote experience — logistics take a little more planning than the Northern Circuit.
How do I get to the Southern Circuit parks?
Fly into Dar es Salaam, then take a short light-aircraft flight to an airstrip inside Ruaha, Nyerere or near Udzungwa.
Can I do walking and boat safaris here?
Yes — Nyerere in particular is known for walking safaris and boat trips on the Rufiji River, activities that are more limited in the Northern Circuit.
Can I combine the Southern Circuit with Zanzibar?
Yes — Dar es Salaam is the gateway to both, and short flights connect Ruaha or Nyerere to Zanzibar for a beach extension.