Southern Tanzania – Remote Wilderness

The southern safari circuit of Tanzania is a land of vast, untamed wilderness. Far from the crowds of the north, this region encompasses sprawling national parks like Ruaha and Nyerere (Selous) where red sand tracks wind through open savannahs dotted with ancient baobabs. Here you can encounter large elephant herds, huge prides of lions, roaming packs of African wild dogs, and an extraordinary diversity of birdlife amid landscapes that feel completely untouched. With fewer visitors and breathtaking scenery, Southern Tanzania offers an intimate safari experience that rewards adventurous travellers seeking authenticity and solitude.

Quick Facts

• 📍 Location: Southern Tanzania, centred around Ruaha & Nyerere National Parks.
• 📏 Ruaha National Park: Remote park covering 20,226 km² (7,800 sq miles), famous for giant baobabs, large elephant herds and high densities of lions.
• 🦁 Nyerere National Park: Africa’s largest national park (>30,000 km²) with grasslands, miombo woodlands and mountains; home to elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, wildebeest, rhinos, hippos and African wild dogs.
• 🦏 Wildlife Highlights: Ruaha shelters 10 % of Africa’s lion population and packs of wild dogs up to 20 individuals. Nyerere features the mighty Rufiji River with plentiful hippos and crocodiles, and supports the Big Five plus over 440 bird species.
• 🕒 Best Season: The dry season from late June to October offers the easiest game viewing, as wildlife congregates around permanent water sources. Two rainy seasons occur: long rains in April–May and short rains in November–December.
• ✈️ Access: Fly‑in safaris from Dar es Salaam or Arusha to Ruaha and Nyerere. Nyerere is also reachable by road via a 230 km drive from Dar es Salaam.
• 📱 Remoteness: These parks receive far fewer visitors than the northern circuit, ensuring exclusive game drives and a sense of true wilderness.

When to Visit & Climate

• ☀️ Dry Season (Jun–Oct): Cool, sunny days and sparse vegetation make this the prime safari window. Wildlife congregates at rivers and waterholes, particularly along the Great Ruaha and Rufiji rivers.
• 🌧️ Long Rains (Apr–May): Heavy downpours transform the bush into a green wilderness. Some roads become impassable, but photographic opportunities abound and rates are lower.
• 🌿 Short Rains (Nov–Dec): Brief showers followed by sunny spells bring lush grasses and excellent birding. This is a quieter time with fewer tourists.
• 🐦 Birding Season (Nov–Apr): Migratory birds join resident species in Nyerere National Park, creating a birder’s paradise of over 440 species.

How to Get There

• ✈️ Fly‑In Safaris: Daily scheduled and charter flights connect Dar es Salaam or Arusha to Ruaha and Nyerere national park airstrips. This is the fastest and most comfortable way to access the remote south.
• 🚗 Road Safaris: For the adventurous, drive approximately 230 km from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park and continue by 4×4. Ruaha can be reached by road via Iringa but long journeys on rough tracks are required.
• 🛶 River Transfers: Some lodges in Nyerere offer transfers by boat along the Rufiji River, adding a scenic start or end to your safari.

Highlights & Experiences

• 🐘 Big Herds of Elephants & Baobabs: In Ruaha, encounter some of Africa’s largest elephant populations grazing beneath thousand‑year‑old baobab trees.
• 🦁 Predator Encounters: Ruaha is renowned for its lion prides – representing 10 % of Africa’s lions – and for thriving wild dog packs that cooperate in hunts.
• 🦓 Boat Safaris on the Rufiji River: In Nyerere, cruise past pods of hippos and giant crocodiles while elephant and buffalo drink on the banks.
• 🦒 Walking & Fly‑Camping: Explore on foot with armed guides in Ruaha or Nyerere to learn about tracks, plants and insects; some camps offer adventurous overnight fly‑camps under the stars.
• 🦅 Birdwatching: Nyerere hosts over 440 bird species while Ruaha boasts over 400 species, including rare greater kudu, roan, and sable antelopes.
• 🎈 Hot‑Air Ballooning: Drift silently above riverine forests and plains to witness wildlife from a unique perspective; available seasonally in Nyerere.
• 🌍 Cultural Encounters: Visit local villages on the park boundaries for insights into the Hehe and Bena tribes, learn traditional crafts and experience daily life.

Where to Stay

• 🏕️ Luxury Lodges: Stay in chic tented suites or river‑side lodges in Ruaha and Nyerere. Examples include Beho Beho, Siwandu Camp and Rufiji River Lodge.
• 🏡 Mid‑Range Camps: Comfortable en‑suite tents or stone cottages provide great value and intimate safari experiences.
• 🎒 Budget & Fly‑Camping: Basic campsites inside the parks and simple fly‑camps cater to adventurous travellers seeking closer connections with nature.

Suggested Itineraries

Choose from these curated journeys that capture the wild heart of Southern Tanzania—each can be customized to your interests.

Travel Tips

• 🎒 Pack light, breathable clothing in neutral colors; include a warm jacket for cool mornings and evenings.
• 🧴 Bring sun protection (hat, sunglasses, reef‑safe sunscreen) and insect repellent.
• 💳 Carry some cash (Tanzanian shillings) for park fees and tips; cards are accepted at most lodges.
• 📸 Keep cameras and binoculars ready – wildlife sightings can happen at any time.
• 👟 Comfortable walking shoes are essential for guided nature walks.
• 🤝 Respect local cultures and follow your guide’s instructions to ensure safety and conservation.