Southern Destinations
Tanzania Southern Destination
The Southern Circuit of Tanzania is a hidden treasure vast, wild, and less traveled compared to the north. This region is perfect for travelers who crave authentic safari adventures far from the crowds. It’s home to some of Africa’s largest wilderness areas, unspoiled landscapes, and extraordinary wildlife encounters.
Here, endless savannahs meet winding rivers, dramatic mountain ranges rise above the horizon, and wildlife thrives in abundance. From predator-filled plains to boat safaris along hippo- and crocodile-rich waterways, Southern Tanzania delivers a safari experience that feels raw, wild, and untouched.
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere is Africa’s largest protected wildlife area, even bigger than Switzerland, and one of Tanzania’s most remarkable safari destinations. Its vast landscapes range from golden savannahs and open woodlands to palm-lined lakes and the mighty Rufiji River, which acts as the park’s lifeline. Along its banks, herds of elephants gather to drink, crocodiles lie motionless in the sun, and hippos jostle for space in the cool waters.
The park is especially famous for offering more than just traditional game drives you can also explore it by boat, drifting along the Rufiji as fish eagles soar above and kingfishers skim the surface. With fewer visitors than the northern parks, Nyerere feels remote and exclusive, making every wildlife sighting—whether it’s a pride of lions, a rare pack of wild dogs, or a dazzling variety of birds—feel like a personal discovery in Africa’s untamed wilderness.
Activities
- Boat safaris on the Rufiji River
- Classic game drives (lions, elephants, wild dogs, giraffes)
- Walking safaris in the bush
- Fishing (in select areas)
- Birdwatching (over 440 species)
Top Attractions
- Rufiji River and its oxbow lakes
- Stiegler’s Gorge
- Elephant and wild dog populations
- Boat and walking experiences
Location
Southeastern Tanzania
Area Size
30,893 km²
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest national park and a true hidden treasure, offering an authentic safari experience far from the crowds. Its dramatic landscapes are filled with rocky hills, sweeping savannahs, and ancient baobab trees that stand like guardians of the land. The Great Ruaha River winds through the park, attracting huge herds of elephants one of the biggest populations in East Africa along with giraffes, zebras, and buffalo.
Predators thrive here too, with large prides of lions, elusive leopards, cheetahs, and even packs of endangered wild dogs calling Ruaha home. Birdwatchers will be delighted by more than 570 recorded species, while the sense of remoteness makes every game drive or walking safari feel like a private adventure into Africa’s wild heart.
Activities
- Game drives across vast savannahs and river valleys
- Walking safaris with armed guides
- Birdwatching (over 570 species recorded)
- Photography safaris
- Cultural tours with nearby communities
Top Attractions
- Great Ruaha River
- Mwagusi Sand River
- Baobab Valleys
- Large Predator Populations
- Birdlife Diversity
Location
In portions of the Iringa and Mbeya Regions
Area Size
20,226 km²
Mikumi National Park
Mikumi, often referred to as a “mini Serengeti,” is one of the most accessible parks in Southern Tanzania and a wonderful choice for short safaris. Its wide open plains stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and elephants moving gracefully across the landscape. The Mkata Floodplain, the park’s centerpiece, is where most of the action happens, offering easy sightings of lions, hippos, and countless antelopes.
Despite its smaller size compared to Ruaha or Nyerere, Mikumi is rich in wildlife and boasts over 400 bird species, making it a great introduction to Tanzania’s southern wilderness. Its convenient location near Dar es Salaam also makes it ideal for travelers with limited time who still want to enjoy a true safari experience.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Udzungwa is completely different from Tanzania’s typical savannah parks it’s a lush, mountainous rainforest often called the “African Galapagos” because of its rich biodiversity and many species found nowhere else. Instead of game drives, this park invites visitors to explore on foot, with hiking trails that lead through dense forests alive with birdsong and the calls of monkeys. One of the highlights is trekking to Sanje Waterfall, which plunges 170 meters into a misty gorge below.
Udzungwa is home to rare primates like the Iringa red colobus and the Sanje mangabey, along with an incredible variety of butterflies and plants. For those who love nature, walking safaris, and the tranquility of the forest, Udzungwa offers a refreshing change of pace and a chance to connect with Tanzania’s wilder, greener side.
Activities
- Hiking and trekking through rainforest trails
- Visit to Sanje Waterfall (170 meters)
- Primate viewing (endangered Iringa red colobus, Sanje mangabey)
- Birdwatching (over 400 species, many endemic)
- Camping and nature walks
Top Attractions
- Sanje Waterfall
- Rich biodiversity and endemic species
- Rainforest landscapes
- Cultural experiences with nearby villages
Location
Morogoro Region
Area Size
1,990 km²
Kitulo National Park
Kitulo, often called the “Serengeti of Flowers,” is a high-altitude plateau bursting with color and life. Unlike most Tanzanian parks that focus on big game, Kitulo is celebrated for its botanical beauty, with rolling grasslands that transform into a sea of wildflowers during the rainy season. Orchids, lilies, and daisies blanket the meadows in vibrant colors, making it a paradise for botanists, photographers, and anyone who loves natural beauty.
The park is also rich in birdlife, with species like the blue swallow and Denham’s bustard delighting birdwatchers. Walking through Kitulo feels peaceful and serene, with fresh mountain air and sweeping views of the Southern Highlands. It’s a destination that offers something different a quiet, floral wonderland that showcases Tanzania’s incredible diversity beyond its famous wildlife safaris.
Activities
- Hiking and nature walks
- Birdwatching (notably blue swallows and Denham’s bustard)
- Photography of wildflower displays
- Cultural village visits
Top Attractions
- Seasonal wildflower blooms (Nov–April)
- Unique plant diversity
- Mountain scenery
- Rich birdlife
Location
Southern Highlands
Area Size
412 km²
