The Southern Circuit
Southern Tanzania is one of the best safari destinations in Africa. It is home to the country’s two largest national parks, unique endemic species, and diverse wilderness areas. It has both high wildlife populations and low visitor numbers, delivering that “old-school” safari feeling.
You can drive for hours through the parks and not see another safari vehicle, take in spectacular sightings without having to compete with other guests, and spend time looking for rare species like the puku in Mikumi National Park or the Roan antelope in Katavi without being rushed.
Wildlife
Southern and Western Tanzania has some of the greatest diversity of wildlife and an extensive list of recorded bird species. Each park has its own unique landscapes where you have the chance to see the wildlife you’d expect to see on safari.
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Ruaha has the highest population of lion and elephant,
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Nyerere is known for its density of wild dog,
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Mikumi is home to large herds of antelope, wildebeest and buffalo
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Katavi is home to rare Sable and Roan Antelopes with the occasional tree-climbing lion.
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Seasons
The South and West have distinct seasons, each allowing for a different safari experience. There is a worthwhile reason to visit Southern and Western Tanzania in each of its seasons.
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The dry season is popular for clearer visibility as the vegetation dries out, and wildlife start congregating around the last remaining water sources. The mornings and evenings are generally cooler, and the landscapes are more golden and sparse.
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The green season brings scenes of lush vegetation, green landscapes, and flowing rivers. It is also calving season, where there is more young wildlife to see, and incredible birding opportunities as migratory birds return to the parks.
Circuits
“The most popular combination is three nights in two to three different national parks of the South, and most people like to enjoy a beach element at the end. There’s a lot of different options, from Zanzibar, Mafia Island, and Swahili Coast of mainland Tanzania where we have Lazy Lagoon Island Lodge. The amazing thing about the islands and the Southern Circuit is that they are so close to each other.” - Oliver Fox, Operations.
Activities
The number of activities guests can consider when visiting us in the South is almost too many to fit into one itinerary. Some of the highlights on offer:
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Katavi National Park: Game drives, night game drives, an excursion to the iconic Lake Katavi, guided walking safaris, picnic lunches in the bush
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Mikumi National Park: Game drives, night game drives, Udzungwa Excursion, guided walking safaris, and bush breakfasts
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Nyerere National Park: River boat safaris on the great Rufiji River, game drives, night game drives, guided walking safaris, bush breakfasts, fly camping, and riverside sundowners
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Ruaha National Park: Game drives, night game drives, guided walking safaris, fly camping, hot air balloon safaris, bush breakfasts, and sundowners along the Ruaha River
*Please note: Some of these activities are available at an additional fee