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Huge parks and few visitors mean most sightings are just you, your guide and the animals. No queues of cars at a lion kill.
07°45′S 38°00′E Rufiji River · 16:45
Nyerere · Ruaha · Mikumi
Southern Circuit safari in Tanzania.
Private safaris 3–15+ Days
Plan My Southern Safari5-Star Rated · 20+ Years in Tanzania · Few Other Vehicles
What is the Southern Circuit in Tanzania?
The Southern Circuit is Tanzania's wild, uncrowded safari route, linking Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, Mikumi and the Udzungwa Mountains. It is known for boat and walking safaris, big lion prides, wild dogs and large elephant herds, with far fewer vehicles than the north. Most guests fly in from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar or Arusha. Yera Journeys runs private Southern Circuit safaris of 3 to 15+ days.
Why the Southern Circuit
Tanzania's Wildest Safari, Without the Crowds
In the south, a lion sighting is often yours alone. Nyerere and Ruaha are among the largest protected areas in Africa, yet they see a small share of Tanzania's visitors. That means quiet game drives, unhurried sightings and the feeling of having the wilderness to yourself.
The south also gives you safaris you cannot do in most parks: gliding past hippos on a boat, following tracks on foot with an armed ranger, and flying between parks in a light aircraft. It is the perfect second safari, or the perfect first one for travellers who want something different.
The Southern Circuit
Wilder. Quieter. Closer to the real Africa.
Why guests choose the south
Six Benefits of a Southern Tanzania Safari
Water
Boat Safaris in Nyerere
Glide along the Rufiji River and its lakes for eye-level views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants drinking and hundreds of birds.
On foot
Walking Safaris
Explore the bush on foot with an expert guide and armed ranger, learning tracks, plants and the small details missed from a car.
Predators
Big Cats & Wild Dogs
Ruaha is famous for its large lion prides, and both parks are among the best places in Africa to see endangered African wild dogs.
Rare wildlife
Species You Won't See in the North
Greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope, and huge elephant herds among ancient baobabs in Ruaha.
Easy access
Fly In, Fly Out
Short flights from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar put you in the bush within hours, so it pairs perfectly with a beach holiday.
Parks of the Southern Circuit
Where to Go and What to Do in Southern Tanzania
Nyerere National Park
- Boat safaris on the Rufiji River
- Walking safaris
- Wild dogs, lions and elephants
- Fly-in from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam
Ruaha National Park
- Large lion prides
- Greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan
- Baobab landscapes along the Great Ruaha River
- Walking safaris
Mikumi National Park
- Open plains with lions, elephants and giraffes
- Easiest southern park to reach by road from Dar es Salaam
- Great for short safaris
Udzungwa Mountains
- Rainforest hiking and waterfalls
- Rare monkeys found nowhere else
- Pairs well with Mikumi
When to go
Best Time for a Southern Circuit Safari
June to October
Dry season and the best game viewing. Animals gather at rivers and waterholes, and walking safaris are at their best.
November to March
Green season with lush landscapes, newborn animals and excellent birding. January and February bring a short dry spell.
April and May
Long rains. Some southern camps close, so we plan around what is open.
At a glance
Southern Circuit Tanzania Facts
| Main parks | Nyerere, Ruaha, Mikumi, Udzungwa Mountains |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Fly-in from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar or Arusha; road to Mikumi from Dar es Salaam |
| Highlights | Boat safaris, walking safaris, wild dogs, big lion prides, kudu, sable |
| Crowds | Very few other vehicles |
| Length | 3 to 15+ days |
| Best time | June to October; January and February |
| Styles | Classic, Signature or Bespoke, mixed as you like |
Southern Circuit journeys
Popular Southern Tanzania Safaris
Combine with another circuit
Explore the Rest of Tanzania
Northern Circuit
Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire. The Great Migration and the Big Five.
Western Circuit
Mahale, Gombe and Katavi. Chimpanzees and remote wilderness on Lake Tanganyika.
Eastern Circuit
Saadani, Pangani and the Usambara Mountains, where safari meets the coast.
Zanzibar & Coast
A short flight from Nyerere, the easiest beach add-on in Tanzania.
Our promise
Plan With Confidence
No cost to start
Your Southern Circuit proposal is free, with no obligation.
Revise until it's right
Change days, parks and stays before you confirm.
Clear price in writing
Every inclusion and exclusion stated before you pay.
Questions travellers ask
Southern Circuit Safari FAQs
Which parks are on Tanzania's Southern Circuit?
Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, Mikumi National Park and the Udzungwa Mountains.
Is the Southern Circuit better than the Northern Circuit?
It is different. The north has the Great Migration and the Ngorongoro Crater; the south has fewer vehicles, boat and walking safaris, wild dogs and a wilder feel. Many guests combine both.
How do I get to Nyerere and Ruaha?
Most guests fly in on light aircraft from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar or Arusha. Mikumi can also be reached by road from Dar es Salaam.
Can I combine a Southern Circuit safari with Zanzibar?
Yes. Nyerere is a short flight from Zanzibar, so it is one of the easiest safari and beach combinations in Africa.
When is the best time to visit Southern Tanzania?
June to October for dry-season game viewing and walking safaris. January and February are also good. Some camps close in April and May.
How many days do I need for the Southern Circuit?
Three to five days is enough for Nyerere or Mikumi. Seven to ten days lets you add Ruaha, and 15+ days lets you combine the south with the north or the coast.
Begin your journey
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