For most people, a Tanzania safari is synonymous with the Great Wildebeest Migration, a Serengeti safari, and perhaps the Ngorongoro Crater. But are these the best safari experiences Tanzania has to offer?
An alternative to the busy north
As a destination, southern Tanzania sits within the considerable shadow thrown by the famous regions in the north of the country. Countless wildlife documentaries have been made about the Great Migration and the thrilling action of the herds navigating rivers filled with hungry crocodiles. The beauty of the Ngorongoro Crater, and the unique game drive experience it offers, is legendary, and tales of the Silale Swamps at the height of dry season can be heard from many a safari-goer who has been to Tanzania.
But what about the number of people these locations attract? River crossings can have over 100 safari vehicles lining the banks, jostling for the best vantage point. Ultimately, you have to decide what you want from your safari experience. If The Great Migration is the experience you want, then you need to be prepared to put up with the people. But, if it’s exclusivity you are after, then the south of Tanzania is where you’ll find the best safari experience.
The vastness
The combined area of Ruaha and Nyerere national parks is almost double the combined area of the whole of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (not just the crater), and Serengeti and Tarangire national parks. In addition, Ruaha and Nyerere only have a sixth of the number of safari lodges found in the three parks to the north. This equates to an area of 1,180km2 per property in the south, compared to an area of 91km2 per property in the north. Of course, a property could have only 16 beds like Jabali Ridge, or it could have 100 beds like some Serengeti hotels, so this comparison does not offer accuracy down to the level of available space per person, but it’s clear that the south offers an experience with fewer tourists in a larger amount of space.
The wildlife
Mega-prides of lion that take down giraffe and buffalo, the largest population of elephant in Tanzania, vast herds of buffalo, packs of African wild dog, and herds of rare sable and roan antelope are just some of the wildlife highlights here. The lakes of Nyerere are dotted with hippo and crocodile, and the number of resident and migratory bird species across this entire area total well over 500.
On average, the density of wildlife may not be as closely packed as in parts of northern Tanzania, but your sightings are that much more rewarding as you’re usually the only car in the area. It’s a vastly different experience to be the only vehicle watching cubs playing or a leopard in a tree, opposed to being surrounded by the constant jostling of diesel engines trying to secure a better vantage point.
The Activities
There are diverse and exciting options available for the exploration of these vast and wild reserves. Boating safaris through the narrow waterways of the Usangu Wetlands or across the open waters of Nyerere National Park’s lake systems provide an alternative view of both the wildlife and the landscape. For birding enthusiasts, this is one of the best ways to get close to the shoreline and surrounding vegetation. During the dry season months, from July to late October, Ruaha National Park offers some of the best walking safari experiences in Africa. The thinning vegetation, low grass height, limited availability of water, and predictable movements of wildlife throughout the day makes for perfect walking conditions and the opportunity to get that much closer to the landscape of Ruaha. Jabali Ridge and Private House, the exclusive use Kokoko Camp, and the pioneering Usangu Expedition Camp all offer exploratory walking safaris in addition to both day and night game drives.
If your checklist of safari requirements includes a variety of activities and excellent game viewing, without constantly encountering other safari vehicles, then look to the south for the best safari in Tanzania.
