Southern Tanzania National Parks
Discover Tanzania’s Best Kept Safari Secret
Southern Tanzania is an untamed wilderness, rich in biodiversity and far from the crowds. The national parks and reserves here offer a truly off the beaten path experience where remote landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and thrilling wildlife encounters combine for a raw and authentic African adventure.
Unlike the popular Northern Circuit, Southern Tanzania remains one of Africa’s hidden safari gems, where low tourist numbers, vast expanses, and intimate camps provide exclusivity and serenity.
Mikumi National Park
Gateway to the Southern Wilderness
Location: 300 km west of Dar es Salaam | Size: 3,230 sq km
Tucked between the Uluguru Mountains and the Rift Valley, Mikumi offers easy access to big game viewing. Its open horizons and golden savannahs resemble the Serengeti—ideal for short safaris and first-time visitors to the southern circuit.
✅ Highlights:
Home to lions, giraffes, elephants, and zebras
Connected to the Selous ecosystem
Great for weekend or 2-day safaris from Dar
Nyerere National Park
Africa’s Largest Game Reserve
Location: Southeast Tanzania | Size: 54,600 sq km
Vast, wild, and untouched, Nyerere is a UNESCO-listed wonder. It’s one of the few parks where you can enjoy boat safaris, walking safaris, and game drives. Wildlife here roams free in one of the most pristine ecosystems on the continent.
✅ Highlights:
Huge populations of elephants, hippos, wild dogs & crocodiles
Boat safaris along the Rufiji River
Off-the-beaten-path adventure
Ruaha National Park
Wild, Remote, and Breathtaking
Location: Central Tanzania | Size: 20,226 sq km
Tanzania’s largest national park is rugged, remote, and rich in wildlife. The Great Ruaha River draws animals in the dry season, making Ruaha one of the best places to see predators in action, including lions and leopards.
✅ Highlights:
Home to 10% of the world’s lions
Excellent predator sightings
Untamed landscapes and dramatic baobab-studded scenery
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Tanzania’s Pristine Hiking Paradise
Location: Near Mikumi | Size: 1,990 sq km
A dream for hikers and nature lovers, Udzungwa is unlike any other park in Tanzania. With lush rainforests, endemic species, and spectacular waterfalls, this is the ultimate off-grid experience.
✅ Highlights:
Home to endemic primates and rare plants
Sanje Waterfalls hike with breathtaking views
Biodiversity hotspot (30% of species found nowhere else!)
Kitulo Plateau National Park
The Garden of God
Location: Southern Highlands | Size: 412 sq km
A paradise for botanists and bird lovers, Kitulo is bursting with wildflowers, rare orchids, and vibrant birdlife. Known locally as “Bustani ya Mungu,” it’s the only park in Africa created to protect flora.
✅ Highlights:
Over 350 species of flowers
Endangered bird species like the blue swallow
Great for walking safaris and photography
Plan Your Southern Safari with Us
Get ready to explore Tanzania’s best kept secret. We’ll help you choose the perfect route through the southern circuit ideal for travellers seeking raw nature, fewer crowds, and immersive experiences.