Southern Tanzania is a vast, remote region, and is without a doubt my favourite destination in this beautiful country. Unlike Tanzania’s more famous safari destinations, you’ll escape the crowds here, and enjoy a more exclusive safari experience. Getting off the beaten track and sharing Africa’s less well-known destinations with our guests is what we do here at African Encounters, and a southern Tanzania safari fits the bill perfectly!
Tanzania’s safari circuits
Tanzania’s safari destinations are split into the Northern and Southern safari circuits. Two of East Africa’s most famous safari destinations – the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater – form part of the busy northern circuit, which also includes Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro. These iconic parks are hugely popular and are what most people think of when considering a safari in Tanzania.
Southern Tanzania, on the other hand, features more off-the-beaten-track safari destinations. The pristine and less-explored Ruaha National Park and the newly-established Nyerere National Park (part of the vast Selous Game Reserve) are Tanzania’s best-kept safari secrets – and our favourite part of this beautiful country.
While most people will explore either the northern or the southern circuit, it is possible to combine both for a superb safari experience. Insider tip: do the northern circuit first to really appreciate the peace and tranquillity of the south.
4 Reasons to choose Southern Tanzania for your next safari
- Southern Tanzania is far less crowded than the famous northern parks where, particularly in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll often be jostling for space at wildlife sightings or getting stuck in traffic jams. You’re unlikely to encounter many other vehicles and visitors out in the bush on your game drives and walks in the south. With only a few small and intimate camps in the parks, providing a high level of comfort ‘in the middle of nowhere’, visitor numbers are few and the stunning landscapes are unspoiled and peaceful.
- With fewer visitors, southern Tanzania’s National Parks are not as regulated as their northern counterparts, and activities that are not permitted in the northern parks are available in the south. Safari activities such as morning and afternoon game drives, walks with expert guides and night drives are standard, and in Nyerere you can also enjoy boat trips down the mighty Rufiji River. And if a hot air balloon flight over the savannah is on your wishlist you can do that here too!
- The wildlife sightings in Southern Tanzania are simply outstanding. Ruaha is home to almost 10% of the world’s lion population, and the other big cats are plentiful. Enormous herds of elephants and buffalo are common in both Ruaha and Nyerere.
- Southern Tanzania’s parks & lodges are less expensive. Entry fees for the southern National Parks are currently half that of the northern parks. Southern Tanzania boasts also has value-for-money camps and lodges that offer a safari experience equal to northern Tanzania for less.
- BONUS: it combines perfectly with a few relaxing days on exotic Zanzibar island!
Nyerere National Park
At over 30,000 square kilometres Nyerere National Park is Africa’s largest national park. The mighty Rufiji River flows through the northern part of the park and boat trips on the river are a specialty here. The wide, slow-flowing river has created a number of oxbow lakes, and in the heat of the afternoon, large groups of giraffes can be seen quenching their thirst, while herds of elephants cross the channels to the islands with their lush vegetation.
It is a beautiful landscape of plains and woodlands interspersed with expanses of water, providing superb opportunities for photography. There is abundant game in the park, with Africa’s largest buffalo and lion populations, numerous leopards, and thriving packs of wild dogs. Wildebeest, zebra, impala, hartebeest, greater kudu and eland are all common. Nyerere National Park has only a handful of small camps and on game drives in open 4x4s, you’ll see plenty of game but no other vehicles.
Ruaha National Park
Even fewer tourists make it to Ruaha National Park making it a peaceful and tranquil haven for discerning safari enthusiasts.
The Great Ruaha River runs along the southeast border, and away from the river there are baobab-studded hills, rocky escarpments, and open grasslands. The wildlife is prolific and includes impala, waterbuck, bushbuck, giraffe, zebra, and large herds of buffalo and elephants. Both greater and lesser kudu are present, as well as rare roan and sable antelope. There are large prides of lions, often 20 or more, spotted and striped hyenas, several packs of wild dogs, and leopards.
The birdlife is particularly colourful, and it’s not unusual to spot many species such as emerald spotted doves, brown parrots, and crested barbets while relaxing in camp.
Come and experience the incredible wildlife and landscapes of Tanzania’s Secret South
Questions? Get in touch and talk to someone who’s been there!