Southern Circuit Guide

Tanzania's Southern Circuit includes Nyerere National Park (the former Selous), Ruaha and Mikumi. These parks receive only a small share of the visitors who go north, mainly because they are harder to reach, not because the wildlife is any less impressive.

Why It Is So Quiet

The south is further from the main international airports and has fewer lodges. As a result, the travelers who make the effort often have whole landscapes to themselves.

What You Can Expect

Boat safaris on the Rufiji River in Nyerere, big elephant herds and large lion prides in Ruaha, and open-plain game viewing in Mikumi that feels like a smaller, emptier Serengeti.

Who It Suits

Travelers who have already done a northern safari and want something new, and anyone who values solitude over the busiest wildlife areas.

How to Get There

Mikumi is four to five hours by road from Dar es Salaam, while Nyerere and Ruaha are usually reached by short flights. That makes the south an easy choice for travelers starting on the coast.