Classic Southern Tanzania Safari
7-Day Itinerary
Escape the crowds and discover Tanzania’s wild and remote southern circuit on this classic 7-day safari adventure. From the vast plains of Ruaha National Park to the waterways of Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), this itinerary is perfect for seasoned safari-goers, couples, birders, and anyone seeking a more off-the-beaten-track experience.
Southern Tanzania Safari: Untamed Wilderness, Far from the Crowds
If you’re looking for wild Africa at its most authentic, a Southern Tanzania safari is your answer. Far from the beaten tourist trails of the north, the southern circuit offers remote, uncrowded safari experiences across vast, unspoiled landscapes. Expect world-class game viewing, intimate tented camps, and a deeper connection to nature — without the vehicle convoys.
Tanzanian Highlights
From Iconic Safaris to Indian Ocean Shores – A Journey Like No Other
Tanzania is where Africa’s most legendary landscapes and wildlife experiences come together. It’s a country of staggering diversity — home to the continent’s most famous national parks, the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro, and the idyllic spice islands of the Indian Ocean.
Whether you’re chasing the Great Migration across the Serengeti, standing on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, or snorkelling in the coral gardens of Zanzibar, Tanzania offers a rare blend of raw wilderness, cultural richness, and refined travel.
Northern Safari Circuit
– Explore world-famous parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara
– Witness the Great Migration and spot the Big Five
– Enjoy diverse landscapes — from volcanic highlands to endless plains
– Luxury tented camps, photographic safaris, and cultural encounters with the Maasai
Southern Safari Circuit
– Discover Tanzania’s hidden gems: Ruaha and Nyerere (formerly Selous)
– Fewer crowds, incredible wildlife density, and remote, exclusive camps
– Activities beyond game drives: walking safaris, boating, fly camping
– Ideal for seasoned safari-goers or those craving authentic wilderness
Western Tanzania
– Track wild chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream
– Experience untouched terrain in Katavi, one of Africa’s last true frontiers
– Fly-in only: wild, remote, and soul-stirringly beautiful
Zanzibar & The Indian Ocean Coast
– Relax on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, Mafia, and Pemba
– Snorkel, dive, or sail in turquoise waters teeming with marine life
– Discover Swahili culture, spice farms, and UNESCO-listed Stone Town
– Ideal for post-safari relaxation or a beach-focused escape
Mount Kilimanjaro
– Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain
– Trek to the summit (Uhuru Peak, 5,895m) via a range of routes
– Combine with safari or beach for the ultimate Tanzanian adventure
Why Choose Tanzania?
– Home to more protected land than almost any other country in Africa
– A destination where every journey can be handcrafted
– Luxury meets authenticity — from high-end lodges to remote bush camps
– Political stability, conservation-led tourism, and warm, welcoming people
Southern Tanzania Safari – Overview
Untouched Wilderness, Authentic Adventure
A Southern Tanzania safari takes you far beyond the well-trodden paths of East Africa — into a world of raw, untamed beauty. This vast, lesser-visited region is home to some of Africa’s largest and most secluded parks, where game drives feel exclusive and wildlife encounters are unfiltered by crowds.
From the mighty elephants of Ruaha National Park to the waterways and floodplains of Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous), Southern Tanzania delivers immersive game viewing, diverse ecosystems, and a slower, more soulful pace of travel.
This region is ideal for travellers who value authenticity over fanfare, space over spectacle, and seek a safari that’s both adventurous and deeply rewarding. Add in walking safaris, boat trips, fly camping, and intimate eco-camps — and you have one of Africa’s last great wilderness experiences.
Why Choose a Southern Tanzania Safari
Uncrowded. Untamed. Unforgettable.
For travellers seeking a deeper, more authentic connection with Africa’s wilderness, Southern Tanzania offers an experience unlike anywhere else. This is a region of vast, remote parks, where wildlife thrives in silence and your game drive may be the only one for miles. It’s safari at its most raw — yet with all the comforts of expertly run camps and seasoned guides.
What Makes It Special?
- Untouched Wilderness
Southern parks like Ruaha and Nyerere (formerly Selous) are among Africa’s largest — with fewer vehicles and more wildlife than you’ll find in the north.• Incredible Game Viewing
Spot rare species such as wild dogs, sable antelope, and some of the largest elephant populations in East Africa.• Low Tourism Footprint
Safaris here feel private and pristine — perfect for those who want to escape the crowds.• Adventurous Activities
Enjoy walking safaris, boating, and even fly camping under the stars — options rarely found in the north.• Intimate, Remote Camps
Stay in small, eco-friendly camps that focus on sustainability, comfort, and personalised service.
Perfect For:
- Return safari-goers
• Wildlife purists and photographers
• Couples and honeymooners
• Travellers craving a slower pace and genuine immersion
Overnight: Dar es Salaam
Arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Relax after your journey or explore the city if time permits.
Flight time: ~1 hour
Overnight: Nyerere National Park
Fly to Nyerere National Park, Africa’s largest protected wildlife area. Enjoy a boat safari along the Rufiji River, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife.
Best time to visit: June to October
Overnight: Nyerere National Park
Experience a full day of game drives in this pristine wilderness. Look out for elephants, lions, wild dogs, and more.
Optional: Walking safari with an armed guide.
Flight time: ~2 hours
Overnight: Ruaha National Park
Fly to Ruaha, Tanzania’s largest national park, known for its rugged beauty and high concentration of elephants.
Best time to visit: June to October
Overnight: Ruaha National Park
Spend the day exploring Ruaha’s varied habitats, from baobab-studded plains to rocky outcrops. Spot predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Overnight: Ruaha National Park
Start your day with a guided walking safari, followed by an afternoon game drive. Learn about tracks, plants, and the smaller creatures of the bush.
Flight time: ~2 hours
End of tour
Fly back to Dar es Salaam for your onward flight. Option to extend your trip with a beach holiday in Zanzibar or Mafia Island.
- – Domestic flights as mentioned.
- – Private or shared game drives in open safari vehicles.
- – Professional English-speaking guides
- – Full-board accommodation
- – Park and concession fees
- – Airport transfers in Dar es Salaam and safari lodges
- – International flights
- – Visa fees
- – Tips and personal expenses
- – Optional activities (e.g. spa treatments)
- – Add a Zanzibar or Mafia Island beach extension
- – Upgrade to luxury lodges or private fly-in camps
- – Combine with northern parks or chimp trekking in Mahale
- – Adapt for honeymooners, birdwatchers, or photographers
Southern Tanzania Safari – Tour Highlights
A Journey into Africa’s Last Great Wilderness
- Explore Ruaha National Park, one of Africa’s largest and most wildlife-rich parks, famed for its lion prides, elephants, and baobab-studded landscapes
- Venture into Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous), a vast reserve of rivers, floodplains, and forest, known for its incredible biodiversity and low visitor numbers
- Enjoy guided walking safaris, tracking animals on foot with expert guides in true big game country
- Take a boat safari on the Rufiji River, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife from a unique perspective
- Discover a remote safari experience, far from the crowds of the north — ideal for seasoned travellers and those seeking solitude
- Stay in small, eco-conscious camps, where luxury blends seamlessly with nature and the sounds of the wild are all around you
- Sleep under the stars, with options for fly camping and lantern-lit bush dinners in total seclusion
- Spot rare species, including African wild dogs, sable antelope, roan, and over 400 bird species
- Fly-in access from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, making it easy to combine with a beach escape
Accommodation on a Southern Tanzania Safari
Wild Luxury in Africa’s Remote Heartlands
Accommodation in Southern Tanzania is all about immersion in wilderness — small, intimate camps set in remote areas where wildlife is close and crowds are far away. Here, the emphasis is on authentic safari experiences, personalised service, and a seamless blend of comfort and wild atmosphere.
Whether you’re on the banks of the Rufiji River in Nyerere or deep in the baobab-dotted landscapes of Ruaha, each camp is chosen for its prime wildlife location, eco-conscious design, and genuine hospitality.
Tented Safari Camps
– Classic canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms and open-air views
– Often solar-powered and sustainably built
– Ideal for travellers who want immersive, low-impact experiences
Fly Camps & Mobile Setups
– Temporary, ultra-light setups in the wild
– For guests seeking a raw, adventurous connection with nature
– Often used as one-night add-ons during walking or boating safaris
Bush Lodges
– Thatched, open-plan structures with panoramic decks
– Blends rustic charm with comfort and privacy
– Some offer family units or exclusive-use options
What to Expect
– Lantern-lit paths, campfire dining, and wildlife just beyond your canvas
– Personalized hosting by local teams and expert safari guides
– A deeper, slower safari rhythm — where the camp is part of the experience
Best Time for a Southern Tanzania Safari
June to October – Dry Season (Best Game Viewing)
– Ideal for game drives and walking safaris
– Wildlife is easier to spot
– Comfortable weather with little rainfall
Fly Camps & Mobile Setups
– Temporary, ultra-light setups in the wild
– For guests seeking a raw, adventurous connection with nature
– Often used as one-night add-ons during walking or boating safaris
November to March – Green Season
– Lush landscapes and fewer tourists
– Excellent birdwatching
– Some areas may be harder to access due to rain
April to May – Rainy Season
– Some lodges close due to heavy rains
– Limited access to certain parks
Travel created for your family
Each activity offers a unique experience depending on the season, so coordinating your visit with Ngasini Travel The company can ensure a well-timed adventure.
