The Unique Attractions of Tanzania’s Southern Circuit : Tanzania’s southern region boasts national parks that offer a wide range of activities, from savannah to wetlands, walking safaris to river safaris.
The Southern Circuit Parks include the Selous Game Reserve, now known as Nyerere National Park; Ruaha National Park; Udzungwa Mountains National Park; Mikumi National Park; and Kitulo National Park.
These parks are distinguished by their vastness, remoteness, and virgin landscapes, which are filled with an incredible diversity of animals. The southern circuit is ideal for those looking for a remote safari excursion away from the crowds.
Our Tanzania Southern Circuit Safari itineraries are designed to include activities such as boating, game viewing, hiking, and walking tours that are supplied by the parks. As a result, we recommend that you pack your boots and schedule your safaris with us.
Arrival in Dar es Salaam and be met by a African Passerines representative and transferred to Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city, metropolitan and a regionally important economic centre. The day is spent at leisure. Mornings at the vibrant fish market offer a chance to see daily fishing enterprise. The Tinga Tinga art centre is the best known arts cooperative in Tanzania, a place to interact with local artists and view contemporary artwork.
Overnight at Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel – Breakfast.
The tour departs after breakfast for Mikumi National Park. Lunch is enjoyed en route in Morogoro town. Mikumi borders on the Selous Game Reserve and its topography is often compared with the acacia-dotted savannah of the Serengeti. Local guides claim that tree climbing lions are more common in Mikumi than they are in the more publicised Manyara National Park.
Guests enjoy an afternoon game drive. Camp lilac Mikumi Tented Camp is located high up in the woodlands facing the Mkata Plains. Rustic and comfortable, the camp is just 7km from the main Mikumi Park gates. At the end of a game drive, Vuma Camp is a cool retreat from the heat of the day.
Overnight at Camp lilak mikumi Tented Camp – Lunch, dinner, and breakfast.
Depart for the Ruaha National Park after breakfast, arriving in time for lunch. The park offers extraordinary scenery, diverse habitats, and exceptional game viewing. Ruaha is remote and off the beaten track, and as a result, the 4WD game drives are very rewarding. Guests enjoy a game drive in the park.
Overnight at Ruaha River Lodge – Lunch, dinner, and breakfast.
The following days are spent in the park, with morning and afternoon game drives. Ruaha, named for the Great Ruaha River, is one of the largest national parks in Tanzania. It is remote and off the beaten track and, as a result, the game viewing in 4WD vehicles is very rewarding.
In the afternoon guests enjoy a game drive in the park. The following days are spent in the park, with morning and afternoon game drives. The kopje setting of Ruaha River Lodge presents a superb outlook of the rugged plains of the park. The permanent waters of the Ruaha River have resident hippos and wildlife constantly meandering in for a drink. A true wilderness feel surrounds the stone and thatch chalets, dual dining areas and sundowner fire pit.
Overnight at Ruaha River Lodge – Lunch, dinner, and breakfast.
The following days are spent in the park, with morning and afternoon game drives. Ruaha, named for the Great Ruaha River, is one of the largest national parks in Tanzania. It is remote and off the beaten track and, as a result, the game viewing in 4WD vehicles is very rewarding.
In the afternoon guests enjoy a game drive in the park. The following days are spent in the park, with morning and afternoon game drives. The kopje setting of Ruaha River Lodge presents a superb outlook of the rugged plains of the park. The permanent waters of the Ruaha River have resident hippos and wildlife constantly meandering in for a drink. A true wilderness feel surrounds the stone and thatch chalets, dual dining areas and sundowner fire pit.
Overnight at Ruaha River Lodge – Lunch, dinner, and breakfast.
After breakfast, the tour departs for the Udzungwa Mountain National Park. Lunch is enjoyed en route. Udzungwa is the largest and most diverse forest-swathed mountain in eastern Tanzania. Known collectively as the Eastern Arc Mountains, this archipelago of isolated massifs is often called the African Galapagos for its endemic plants and animals.
A remote, quiet location is the setting for Udzungwa Mountain View Lodge. The picturesque falls and the forest are just 15 minutes away. Visitors enjoy a visit to the Isimilia Historical site.
Overnight at Udzungwa Mountain View Lodge – Lunch, dinner, and breakfast.
Our guests spend a full day in Udzungwa on a moderate guided trek to the summit of the Sanje Waterfalls. The vista from the summit is astonishing. A secluded, quiet location is the setting for Udzungwa Mountain View Lodge that is carefully constructed to cause minimal impact on the surrounding forest. Just 15 minutes away is Udzungwa Forest and the picturesque falls where a natural pool makes for a refreshingly cool swim.
Overnight at Udzungwa Mountain View Lodge – Lunch, dinner, and breakfast.
After breakfast the tour departs for the Selous Game Reserve, arriving in time for lunch. The Rufiji River attracts the greatest density of game and although the game populations are high. The reserve is large and the density of animals is less obvious than they are elsewhere in Tanzania. On arrival, guests are met by the camp’s driver-guide and transferred to camp.
Visitors enjoy an afternoon game drive.
Overnight at Rufiji River Camp – Lunch, dinner, and breakfast.
The following days are spent in the Selous, and guests enjoy morning and afternoon game drives. Apart from spectacular wildlife, the Selous boasts sweeping grasslands, acacia savannah, extensive wetlands, and miombo woodlands.
Rufiji River Camp is named for Tanzania’s largest river. Guests at this family-run camp can enjoy river safaris, guided bush walks, farm-fresh produce and gorgeous sunset views from the west-facing rooms. Overnight at Rufiji River Camp – Lunch, dinner, and breakfast.
The following days are spent in the Selous, and guests enjoy morning and afternoon game drives. Apart from spectacular wildlife, the Selous boasts sweeping grasslands, acacia savannah, extensive wetlands, and miombo woodlands.
Rufiji River Camp is named for Tanzania’s largest river. Guests at this family-run camp can enjoy river safaris, guided bush walks, farm-fresh produce and gorgeous sunset views from the west-facing rooms. Overnight at Rufiji River Camp – Lunch, dinner, and breakfast.
Visitors depart for Dar es Salaam, arriving in time for lunch at Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel/Slipway Hotel. After lunch the group transfers to a city hotel or the airport for outbound departure.