Southern Tanzania’s main parks are Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park, created in 2019 from the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve. Both are large, remote and much quieter than the northern circuit. Ruaha is known for big lion prides and elephants along the Great Ruaha River; Nyerere for boat safaris on the Rufiji River and walking safaris. Most visitors fly in from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.
Key takeaways
- Ruaha and Nyerere are huge and uncrowded.
- Big lion prides and wild dogs.
- Boat and walking safaris in Nyerere.
- Easy to combine with Zanzibar.
Most visitors to Tanzania go north to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. The south sees far fewer vehicles, and the wilderness feels truly vast.
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha is one of Tanzania’s largest parks, with baobab-dotted hills, miombo woodland and the sandy Great Ruaha River. It has large lion prides, many elephants, greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope, and wild dogs. Game drives along the river in the dry season are superb.
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere, formerly part of the Selous, is crossed by the Rufiji River, with lakes, channels and palms. Boat safaris pass hippos, crocodiles and elephants drinking at the water. Walking safaris and fly camping are possible, and wild dogs are a highlight.
When to go
June to October is the dry season, when animals concentrate along rivers and roads are easiest. Many camps close from around April to May during the long rains. November to March is green and good for birds.
Good to know
- Light aircraft have strict baggage limits; pack soft bags.
- Tsetse flies are present in some woodland; wear neutral colours.
- Combine with Zanzibar for a safari-and-beach trip.
- Mahale and Katavi can be added by charter flight; see chimps of the Mahale Mountains.
Who it suits
Southern Tanzania suits returning safari-goers, photographers and anyone who wants wilderness without crowds. It suits travellers who enjoy walking and boat safaris as well as game drives.
A sample route
Fly from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar to Nyerere for three nights of boat, walking and game drives, then take a light-aircraft flight to Ruaha for three more nights of classic game drives. Finish with a few days on the beach in Zanzibar. This route avoids long drives and shows two very different landscapes.
Wild dogs
African wild dogs, or painted wolves, are endangered and wide-ranging. Southern Tanzania holds one of the largest remaining populations, and seeing a pack hunt is a highlight of any safari.
Mikumi and Katavi
- Mikumi National Park: the closest southern park to Dar es Salaam, about four to five hours by road, with open plains and easy game viewing. It is a good choice for a short safari.
- Katavi National Park: one of Tanzania’s most remote parks, with huge herds of buffalo, large numbers of hippos crowded in shrinking pools in the dry season and very few visitors. It is often combined with Mahale.
Where to stay
The southern parks have a mix of tented camps and lodges, many in remote, beautiful settings along rivers. Some are seasonal and close in the long rains.
A southern safari day
Morning game drives start at dawn, with breakfast in the bush. In Nyerere, take a boat safari in the afternoon. In Ruaha, explore the river valleys. Walking safaris add variety and let you see the details of the bush.
Who it suits
Southern Tanzania suits returning safari-goers, photographers and anyone who wants wilderness and fewer vehicles.
Combine it with
Zanzibar, Mafia Island for whale sharks, or the Selous-Niassa wildlife corridor for the truly adventurous. Many travellers fly from Zanzibar to Nyerere for three nights and then return to the beach.
Getting there
Scheduled light-aircraft flights link Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar with airstrips in Nyerere and Ruaha, and flights connect the two parks. A train runs from Dar es Salaam towards the Nyerere area, and road transfers are possible to Mikumi and Nyerere, but flying saves time and gives spectacular views over rivers and forests. Baggage limits of about 15 kg in soft bags apply on light aircraft, so pack carefully and leave larger luggage in Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.
Plan it
We tailor southern Tanzania trips, often combined with Zanzibar. Ask us for tailor-made pricing, or see our 10-day Serengeti safari and Zanzibar beach for a northern alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Is Selous the same as Nyerere?
Nyerere National Park was created in 2019 from the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve.
Can I drive to southern Tanzania?
It is possible, but most visitors fly in.
Are there wild dogs?
Yes, both parks are among the best places in Africa for wild dogs.
Can I combine it with Zanzibar?
Yes. Flights connect the parks with Zanzibar.
Is southern Tanzania good for first-time visitors?
It suits travellers who want wilderness, but the northern circuit is easier for a first safari.
Written by our Kampala-based planners and guides, who arrange these trips every season. Prices and rules are checked before every quote.
