Southern Circuit

Wild, uncrowded parks reached by light aircraft or the road from Dar es Salaam — Nyerere (the former Selous), Ruaha, Mikumi and the Udzungwa Mountains.

Nyerere National Park

Tanzania's largest national park at 30,893 km² — the former northern Selous, carved out in 2019. Boat safaris on the Rufiji River, huge wild-dog...

Boat safari on the Rufiji River Walking safari with an armed ranger Fly-camping overnight in the bush African wild dog tracking

Learn More

Ruaha National Park

At about 20,226 km², Tanzania's second-largest park and the anchor of the Southern Circuit — big elephant and buffalo herds, both kudu species, large...

Great Ruaha River game drives Big-cat and wild-dog viewing Guided walking safaris Birdwatching (570+ species)

Learn More

Mikumi National Park

3,230 km² of open floodplain often compared to the Serengeti in miniature — the most accessible of the southern parks, a four-hour drive from...

Mkata Floodplain game drives Hippo pool visits Birdwatching (400+ species) Short safaris from Dar es Salaam

Learn More

Udzungwa Mountains National Park

1,990 km² of tropical rainforest rising straight from the plains — a walking-only park with waterfalls, endemic primates and part of the Eastern Arc...

Sanje Waterfall day hike Multi-day plateau treks Endemic primate and bird walks Camping at Prince Bernhard Falls

Learn More

Kitulo National Park

A high montane grassland in the southern highlands nicknamed the "Garden of God" — 413 km² protecting 350-plus plant species, including 45 kinds of...

Wildflower and orchid walks (Nov–Apr) Plateau day hikes Birdwatching for blue swallow and bustard Photography of the Kipengere Range

Learn More