Tanzania's Wild South
Big cats and boat safaris, no crowds
Available safaris
While most safaris head north to the Serengeti, Tanzania's Southern Circuit remains one of Africa's last great wilderness secrets. In Nyerere National Park, the former Selous, you can glide along the Rufiji River on a boat safari and track endangered wild dogs. In Ruaha, Tanzania's largest national park, huge lion prides and elephant herds roam baobab-studded plains. And Mikumi offers open, wildlife-rich savanna that is easy to reach. Fewer vehicles, wilder country, and sightings you will often have entirely to yourself.
5-Day Southern Tanzania Safari Adventure
Visits: Nyerere (Selous) National Park • Mikumi National Park • Udzungwa Mountains National Park
From
$800 /person
8-Day Pride of the Southern Circuit Safari
Visits: Mikumi National Park • Ruaha National Park • Nyerere (Selous) National Park
From
$1,400 /person
Customizable
3-Day Mikumi Adventure Tented Camps Safari
Visits: Mikumi National Park
From
$1,395 /person
3-Day Nyerere National Park Game Drive & Boat Safari
Visits: Nyerere (Selous) National Park
From
$500 /person
2-Day Mikumi National Park Adventure
Visits: Mikumi National Park
From
$400 /person
Customizable
3-Day Nyerere National Park Boat & Walking Safari
Visits: Nyerere (Selous) National Park
From
$580 /person
Customizable
3-Day Mikumi NP Safari by Train & Safari Vehicle
Visits: Mikumi National Park
From
$550 /person
Customizable
1-Day Mikumi NP - Experience Electric Train in Tanzania
Visits: Mikumi National Park
From
$230 /person
Customizable
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
The questions travelers ask most before they reach out.
Still have a question?
Our Safari Concierge can walk you through any of these trips — no obligation.
1What makes the Southern Circuit different from the north?
The south is wilder, more remote, and far less crowded than the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. It is also where you will find boat safaris on the Rufiji River, walking safaris, and strong populations of big cats and endangered wild dogs. You often have sightings entirely to yourself.
2Which parks are on the Southern Circuit?
The main parks are Nyerere National Park (the former Selous), Ruaha National Park, and Mikumi National Park, sometimes combined with the forests of the Udzungwa Mountains.
3When is the best time to visit?
The dry season, roughly June to October, offers the best game viewing, when wildlife concentrates around water. The south is more seasonal than the north, and some camps close during the wettest months.
4Can I do a boat safari?
Yes. Boat safaris on the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park are a highlight unique to the south, and a beautiful way to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birdlife from the water.
5How many days do I need?
Most Southern Circuit safaris run 4 to 8 days. You can combine two parks for variety, or pair a safari with a few days on the beaches of Zanzibar.
6Can I combine it with Zanzibar?
Yes the south sits closer to the coast, so pairing it with a few days on Zanzibar is a natural, popular finish. Mention it in your inquiry and operators can build the beach extension into your quote.
7How much does it cost?
It depends on the parks, number of days, group size, and comfort level. Request free quotes and operators will tailor an itinerary to your budget. With no booking fees, the price you are quoted is the operator's own.
8Who runs the safaris?
Explola is the marketplace that connects you with verified operators. The operators run the safaris, and you inquire and deal with them directly. No middleman, no booking fees.