Southern Circuit Tanzania Tours & Trips
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The best Southern Circuit Tanzania tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern Circuit Tanzania travel expert at TourRadar
- 3 Days 2 Nights Mikumi Wildlife Lodge Safari
- 5 Days 4 Nights Mikumi & Ruaha Wildlife Lodge Safari
- Ruaha National Park Safari – Tanzania’s Hidden Gem for Wildlife Enthusiasts
- Camping Safari Selous Southern Tanzania
- 4 Days Mikumi & Udizungwa National Parks Safari
- 7 Days Selous, Mikumi & Ruaha Safari Package
- Budget camping safari at Mikumi National Park
- 8 Days Mikumi NP, Ruaha NP and Nyerere NP (Selous GR) the best of Southern Tanzania.
- 3 Days - Ruaha National Park Safari (Fly From Zanzibar Or Dar Es Salaam)
- Customized Southern Tanzania Safaris, Daily Departure & Private Trip
3 Days 2 Nights Mikumi Wildlife Lodge Safari
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Selous National Park left me speechless with its sheer size and remoteness. The boat safari on the Rufiji River was a highlight of my trip.”
Lineares, traveled in September
Wildlife viewing reaches its peak in Mikumi National Park, bordering Selous Game Reserve. Tanapa Bandazi lodge positions visitors perfectly for exploring Mkata plains and Chamgore's python territory. Morning and evening safaris depart from this ideal location.
Duration 3 days Destinations Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator Migration Venture Africa From
- US$650
5 Days 4 Nights Mikumi & Ruaha Wildlife Lodge Safari
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Without doubt this is was our best safari trip ever. The trip was a mix of adventurous drives in the bush where we saw numerous animals and relaxed stays at luxurious lodges.”
Lineares, traveled in April
Two jewels of Tanzania's Southern Circuit, Mikumi National Park (3,230 sq km) and vast Ruaha (20,000 sq km), showcase the largest elephant population, wild dog packs, and over 400 bird species. Wilderness lodges provide comfort between walking safaris with expert guides.
Duration 5 days Destinations Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, Iringa Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator Migration Venture Africa From
- US$1,650
Camping Safari Selous Southern Tanzania
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Kwesa Tours' commitment to sustainable tourism practices was commendable, as they emphasised Leave No Trace principles.”
LEMOSHO, traveled in July
The UNESCO-listed Selous Reserve, larger than Switzerland, stands as Southern Tanzania's hidden gem. Selous River Camp provides diverse safari activities, including boat safaris on the Rufiji River and walking tours near Lake Tagalala. Expert guides lead 5-6 hour game drives through pristine wilderness.
Duration 4 days Destinations Iringa, Dar es Salaam Age Range 3 to 100 year olds Operator Kilimanjaro Wonders Expedition Safari From
- US$1,400
4 Days Mikumi & Udizungwa National Parks Safari
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Huge herds of elephants, graceful movements of giraffes, and majestic poses of lions—all in all, a great experience!”
Felix, traveled in March
The wild landscapes of Tanzania's Southern Circuit unfold across Mikumi National Park and Udzungwa's ecosystem. Track the big five during strategic game drives, marvel at the 170-meter Sanje Waterfall, and connect with authentic Maasai culture near Morogoro. Rest at Camp Bastian Mikumi.
Duration 4 days Destinations Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park, Udzungwa Mountain National Park Age Range 5 to 80 year olds Operator Silver Sky Travel From
- US$800
The premier Southern Tanzania circuit winds through Selous Game Reserve's boat safaris, Mikumi's savannah landscapes, and Ruaha's wilderness. Guests lodge at Selous Tented Camp and Ruaha Hilltop Lodge, with full-board meals and expert-guided game drives.
Duration 7 days Destinations Dar es Salaam, Selous Game Reserve, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park Age Range 5 to 85 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian Operator Adventure Makers Tanzania From
- US$2,500
Budget camping safari at Mikumi National Park
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It is a very comprehensive tour and well guided.”
Claudio, traveled in June
Mikumi National Park's diverse ecosystems reveal Tanzania's Southern Circuit treasures. The Big Four roam these lands, spotted during expert-led game drives, while authentic Masai villages and bush picnics under ancient baobab trees near the Hippo Pool round out the experience.
Duration 3 days Destinations Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park Age Range 5 to 95 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, French Operator Lonely Site Tours & Safari From
- US$595
The Southern Circuit's natural wonders include Mikumi's famous Hippo Pool, Ruaha's ancient baobab landscapes, and Nyerere National Park's waterways. Mloka Safari Lodge provides authentic accommodation for both vehicle and boat safaris.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park, Iringa, Ruaha National Park, Morogoro, Selous Game Reserve Age Range 4 to 75 year olds Operator African Pangolin Safaris From
- US$2,100
Ruaha National Park stands as Southern Tanzania's crown jewel. The intimate Mdonya Old River Camp positions visitors perfectly for wildlife viewing along the Great Ruaha River. Morning and sunset safaris in 4x4 vehicles with expert guides reveal diverse species.
Duration 3 days Destinations Zanzibar, Ruaha National Park Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Silver Sky Travel From
- US$2,770
Southern Tanzania's treasures stretch from UNESCO-listed Selous Game Reserve to Ruaha National Park. Boat safaris cruise the Rufiji River, while treks lead to Sanje Waterfalls. Premium lodges, including Rufiji River Camp, host wildlife enthusiasts.
Duration 11 days Destinations Dar es Salaam, Selous Game Reserve, Udzungwa Mountain National Park, Ruaha National Park, Mikumi National Park Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Agate Travel From
- US$5,929
What people love about Southern Circuit Tanzania Tours
As soon as we booked the tour there was excellent communication. I would recommend you talk to the company before making the reservation so they can customize it for you. We did not but we had a wonderful guide, Khalifa, and he found out that we enjoyed to hike so on our return trip he arranged a hike partway up a beautiful mountain to a waterfall. Khalifa was super knowledgeable and experienced. He ensured we were always comfortable and got the best pictures! We were able to see leopards, lions, elephants, water buffalos, and many more animals while touring Mikumi. Highly recommend the tour and would ask for Khalifa again!
3 Days 2 Nights Mikumi Wildlife Lodge Safari
- 5 Days 4 Nights Mikumi & Ruaha Wildlife Lodge Safari
My family of 4 enjoyed a wonderful safari to Mikumi and Ruaha N.P in Tanzania. Everything was handled well. We met Thomas our guide in Dar and he trasferred us to our hotel and also talked through the whole safari on what to expect and what to wear and carry during the safari. We were very fortunate to have Thomas as our guide. He attended to all our requests and we got to see so much wildlife and also experience the local culture in Iringa where we went to Chief Mkwawa Museum, which was a last minute addition and not in our itinerary. Our children loved the narrations about Tanzania, its people and culture very much We recommend Migration Venture with confidence.
- Ruaha National Park Safari – Tanzania’s Hidden Gem for Wildlife Enthusiasts
Trekking the Marangu route with Tuliza and Kwesa Tours was an amazing experience filled with warmth and professionalism. Tuliza's leadership was not just about navigating the trail but also about creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere among our trekking group. The team's care for every detail, from delicious meals to cozy camp setups, made us feel cared for and encouraged throughout the trek. Standing on Uhuru Peak with Tuliza and the Kwesa Tours team was a dream come true, thanks to their dedication and genuine friendship along the way.
What our customers ask about Southern Circuit Tanzania Tours & Trips
How do I get to Southern Circuit Tanzania and what's the best way to start my safari?
The gateway to Tanzania's Southern Circuit is Dar es Salaam where travelers arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport. From here visitors can reach Mikumi National Park by road (a 5-6 hour drive) or catch connecting flights to Ruaha and Selous. Many lodges including Ruaha Hilltop Lodge coordinate guest pickups from regional airports. A TourRadar traveler recommended: "Starting from Dar es Salaam worked perfectly - we took an early morning departure to maximize our first day of game viewing in Mikumi National Park and the journey itself offered great views of Tanzania's landscape."
What are the main highlights of a General tour through Southern Circuit Tanzania?
The Southern Circuit encompasses three major parks each offering distinct experiences. Ruaha National Park houses Africa's largest elephant populations while Mikumi National Park draws visitors to its open plains. Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) features boat safaris on the Rufiji River where hippos and crocodiles gather. Travelers can stay at places like Camp Bastian Mikumi which serves as a base for exploring Mikumi's Mkata Floodplain known for lion and wild dog sightings. As one TourRadar traveler noted "The variety of wildlife and untouched landscapes make Southern Tanzania's parks a true hidden gem compared to the crowded northern circuit."
How long should I plan for a comprehensive General tour of Southern Circuit Tanzania?
A well-paced Southern Circuit tour requires 7-10 days with 2-3 days dedicated to each major park: Ruaha Mikumi and Nyerere National Parks. This timeline accounts for travel between locations (5-6 hours from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi and another 5 hours to Ruaha) while allowing time for game drives walking safaris and river excursions. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "Our 8-day tour gave us enough time to truly appreciate each park's unique characteristics without feeling rushed."
What wildlife can I expect to see in Southern Circuit Tanzania?
The Southern Circuit's varied ecosystems support diverse wildlife populations. Visitors regularly spot elephant herds in Ruaha lions leopards African wild dogs and numerous antelope species. Mikumi National Park often called the "mini-Serengeti" is home to giraffes zebras and buffalo. A TourRadar traveler reported: "Out in the wild Mikumi and Nyerere National Park we saw lions mom cheetah with her four babies tree top resting leopard buffaloes hippos elephants giraffes hyenas gazelles impalas and many birds."
How does Southern Circuit Tanzania differ from the more popular Northern Circuit?
The Southern Circuit presents a quieter more remote safari experience than its northern counterpart. The region's parks are larger with Ruaha being Tanzania's biggest national park yet they see fewer visitors. Each park offers distinct environments from Mikumi's grasslands to Ruaha's rugged terrain and Nyerere's wilderness. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "We were looking for birds landscape and wildlife in quiet places not chasing after leopards with a dozen other vehicles. The Southern Circuit delivered exactly what we wanted."
What types of accommodation are available on Southern Circuit Tanzania tours?
Accommodations across the Southern Circuit range from upscale lodges to authentic camping experiences. The Ruaha River Lodge offers rooms overlooking the Great Ruaha River while Camp Bastian Mikumi Cottages provides convenient park access. Nyerere National Park features tented camps for those seeking closer connection to nature. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The accommodations were comfortable and perfectly placed for breathtaking views. We loved our time at the Ruaha River Lodge which offered amazing wildlife sightings right from our veranda."