Southern Tanzania

Destination Details

Weather Condition

Southern Tanzania enjoys a warm tropical climate with a long dry season from June to October, perfect for wildlife viewing, and a lush green season from November to May, when landscapes bloom and birdlife flourishes.

Landscape

Southern Tanzania features vast, unspoiled landscapes of savannahs, rivers, and forests

Wildlife

Southern Tanzania boasts some of Africa’s richest and most untouched wildlife, including large herds of elephants, buffalo, and antelope, as well as predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and rare African wild dogs.

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Southern Tanzania is a vast, untamed wilderness offering a truly authentic safari experience  quieter, wilder, and more exclusive than its northern counterpart. It’s where Africa feels raw and untouched, with immense reserves, diverse ecosystems, and fewer tourists.

The region’s centerpiece is the Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), one of the largest protected areas in Africa, crisscrossed by the mighty Rufiji River and home to elephants, hippos, wild dogs, and countless bird species. To the west lies Ruaha National Park, a hidden gem known for its rugged landscapes, large predator populations, and powerful sense of remoteness.

Southern Tanzania also encompasses the Udzungwa Mountains, a biodiversity hotspot nicknamed the “African Galápagos” for its unique flora and fauna, and the Mikumi and Katavi National Parks, offering vast savannahs and rich wildlife encounters without the crowds.

Whether it’s a serene boat safari on the Rufiji River, a walking safari through untamed bush, or a tranquil stay in a remote luxury camp, Southern Tanzania promises a deeply immersive and off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Highlights

  • Nyerere National Park (Selous)

    • One of Africa’s largest wildlife reserves — over 30,000 km².

    • Offers boat safaris, walking safaris, and fly-camping.

    • Excellent sightings of elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and wild dogs.

  • Ruaha National Park

    • Tanzania’s largest national park, rugged and remote.

    • High predator density — home to 10% of the world’s lion population.

    • Stunning scenery with baobabs, rocky outcrops, and the Great Ruaha River.

  • Mikumi National Park

    • Easy to access from Dar es Salaam.

    • Open plains similar to the Serengeti, rich in giraffes, zebras, and elephants.

  • Udzungwa Mountains National Park

    • Known for its rainforests, waterfalls, and endemic primates.

    • Perfect for hiking and nature exploration.

  • Katavi National Park

    • Remote and wild, ideal for adventurous travelers.

    • Massive buffalo herds and dramatic predator-prey encounters during the dry season.

See Featured Trips

This 5-day southern Tanzania safari combines the best of Mikumi...

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