When people picture a classic Tanzanian safari, they usually think of the popular plains of the Serengeti up in the northern part of the country. Southern Tanzania might not be quite as famous, but it has a wealth of surprises in store for any visitors who choose it as their safari destination. Smaller crowds and a huge diversity of wildlife are a recipe for southern safari magic.
Reasons to Visit Tanzania’s Southern Safari Circuit
Tanzania’s southern parks are more remote than those in the north and can only be accessed by light aircraft. This puts some distance between you and the regular tourist crowds, as you prepare to explore some of Tanzania’s lesser-known gems. Here are a few of the best reasons to take a southern Tanzania safari.
1. An Uncrowded Safari Experience
The parks in southern Tanzania aren’t as well-known, but they’re still teeming with wildlife and make for the perfect safari destination off the beaten track.
Nyerere National Park (formerly called Selous) is Africa’s largest game reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The real magic of Nyerere lies in the variety each day on safari brings. Whether you’re exploring on a game drive in search of leopard lurking in the shady boughs of a fig tree, or out on foot tracking wildlife that’s ventured close to camp during the night, this reserve has something special for everyone.
Ruaha National Park is the second-largest national park in East Africa and has comparatively few visitors. It’s known for its breathtaking natural landscapes and diversity of wildlife, with especially large elephant and lion populations. If you want to see the kings and queens of the African plains, a big cat safari in Ruaha is the ideal choice.
Visiting Nyerere or Ruaha in southern Tanzania means you’ll get plenty of privacy and even enjoy exclusive wildlife sightings with no other vehicles around.
2. One of the Best Walking Safari Experiences in the World
Both Ruaha and Nyerere offer the opportunity to leave your vehicle behind for the day and embark on an unforgettable walking safari.
A walking safari is perfect for adventurous travellers and those looking to experience nature up close. This is a truly immersive experience, where the sights, scents and sounds of the bush surround you completely as you follow your guide on foot. These walking safaris are intimate experiences with groups of six people or less. You’ll get plenty of chances to see the local wildlife in their natural habitat and also get to know about the smaller creatures, insects and plants in the park.
3. Getting Up Close with Wildlife on the Water
Boating in Nyerere or Ruaha is a must if you want the all-round southern Tanzania safari experience. The Rufiji River runs through Nyerere and is one of the largest water systems in East Africa. Ruaha is home to the Usangu wetlands, which grow and shrink with the rainy and dry seasons.
From hippo and crocodile to water birds, you’re sure to spot a great variety of wildlife in the water from the vantage point of your boat – and many more animals will come down to the water to drink too.
At Nyerere, you can also enjoy some fun catch-and-release fishing as part of your boating safari; the river is home to plenty of catfish and tigerfish.
4. A Twitcher’s Paradise
Ruaha National Park is home to a huge variety of birds, with over 570 species to be found in the park. Nyerere is close behind, with over 440 species recorded. Look out for the African fish eagle, the Tanzanian red-billed hornbill, the Namaqua dove and more on your birding safari.
The best time for birding in southern Tanzania is the rainy season or green season (November to May), which is breeding season for resident birds and also the time when you’ll find many migratory birds in the parks.
5. Beautiful Beach Breaks in Zanzibar
Being based in the south also makes it easy to add a coastal break to your safari itinerary. Swap the bush for the beach and enjoy a few days of sand and surf – Zanzibar is known for its tranquil, tropical white sand beaches with amazing conditions for swimming, snorkelling and diving.
Take a Zanzibar beach break and enjoy all the local islands have to offer, from walking tours to windsurfing. Be sure to grab some scuba gear and explore the coral reefs for an amazing underwater safari experience.
Where to Stay in Southern Tanzania
Usangu Expedition Camp in Ruaha National Park is set on the banks of the Usangu wetlands. Experience the rich wildlife of Ruaha at this exclusive 6-tent camp.
Roho ya Selous is located in the heart of Nyerere National Park, on a small peninsula overlooking the picturesque Lake Nzerakera. You can expect to see hippo, elephant, giraffe, fish eagle and so much more from the comfort of your camp.
Book an 11-day Southern Tanzania Safari
Southern Tanzania has so much to offer; it’s the perfect location for returning safari-goers who have already experienced the classic northern circuit and want something a little more off the beaten track.
Explore southern Tanzania with our special All Asilia safari offer. Our 11-day southern Tanzania circuit safari includes a variety of adventures in Ruaha and Nyerere, from canoeing and stargazing to walking safaris and night game drives.
Our All Asilia offer gives you more bang for your buck: book a 7+night safari circuit at only Asilia camps and get all internal flights and road transfers for free. Just tell us which camps you want to include and leave the logistics to us.
