The Southern Circuit of Tanzania is a hidden gem, offering a more intimate and off-the-beaten-path safari experience. Unlike the bustling northern parks, this region is celebrated for its raw, untouched wilderness, fewer crowds, and authentic encounters with nature. Covering vast landscapes of national parks and game reserves, the Southern Circuit invites adventurers to explore its pristine ecosystems teeming with diverse wildlife, ranging from large elephant herds to elusive predators and over 400 bird species.
This region is home to iconic destinations such as Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere National Park), one of Africa’s largest protected areas, and Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park and a haven for predators. Other attractions include the lush Udzungwa Mountains National Park, often referred to as the “Galápagos of Africa” for its unique biodiversity, and Mikumi National Park, a perfect introduction to the region’s wildlife. The Southern Circuit is ideal for travelers seeking exclusive safaris, unparalleled natural beauty, and a genuine connection to Tanzania’s wild heart.
The Selous Game Reserve, spanning an impressive 55,000 square kilometers—nearly four times the size of the Serengeti—is the largest wildlife reserve in the world. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers an unparalleled safari experience in a pristine and untamed wilderness. The reserve is named after Sir Frederick Selous, an English explorer, renowned big-game hunter, and early conservationist whose adventure books about Africa captivated Victorian England.
One of Selous’ most remarkable features is its role as home to a third of the world’s African wild dog population. Visitors can marvel at large elephant migrations, encounter the iconic Big Five up close, and even indulge in game fishing, making it a truly unique destination.
Udzungwa National Park is a lush, high-altitude rainforest renowned for its excellent walking and moderate hiking opportunities. Recognized as one of the world’s thirty-four “Biodiversity Hotspots” and one of the 200 globally critical ecoregions identified by the World Wildlife Fund, it is a treasure trove of ecological importance. The Udzungwa forest is part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, a range that stretches from the Southern Highlands through the Uluguru and Usambara mountains to the Pare region in the north.
This forest hosts a remarkable variety of endemic plants, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, butterflies, and insects—many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Additionally, Udzungwa is culturally significant, as its caves have been central to the spiritual practices and rituals of local tribes for generations. These preserved cultural landmarks offer visitors a glimpse into ancient religious traditions.
Located approximately 130 kilometers from Iringa in central Tanzania, Ruaha National Park is the country’s second-largest park, spanning over 13,000 square kilometers. Its diverse landscape includes Miombo woodlands, acacia grasslands, and iconic baobab trees, which support a wide range of wildlife. Visitors can encounter large herds of elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and impalas, alongside predators such as lions, leopards, and African wild dogs.
The Great Ruaha River, which forms the park’s eastern boundary, is home to hippos and crocodiles, adding to the park’s aquatic diversity. For bird enthusiasts, Ruaha is a paradise, boasting over 436 bird species identified to date, making it a prime birdwatching destination.
Bordering the Selous Game Reserve to the south, Mikumi National Park forms part of a unique and interconnected ecosystem. Spanning approximately 3,230 square kilometers since its designation as a national park in 1967, Mikumi is characterized by its savannah landscapes dotted with acacia trees, baobabs, tamarinds, and rare palm species.
The park is a haven for herbivores, including elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and zebras, which roam its plains in abundance. Predators such as lions, leopards, and large crocodiles thrive here, making for dramatic wildlife interactions. Additionally, Mikumi is a birdwatcher’s delight, with more than 400 bird species recorded within its boundaries.
