Nyerere, Ruaha and Mikumi — big wilderness, boat safaris and very few other vehicles.
Southern Tanzania feels very different from the northern circuit. Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous) is a land of rivers and lakes where boat safaris and guided walks complement game drives. Ruaha, further west, is Tanzania's wildest big park, known for large lion prides, greater kudu and baobab-covered hills. Mikumi, the closest to Dar es Salaam, has open floodplains that are easy to reach by road.
The southern parks combine well with Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, and short scheduled flights link them, so you can see two parks without long drives. The dry season from June to October is the best time for game viewing; some camps close in April and May.
Share your preferred dates, group size and contact details. We’ll suggest the right parks, number of nights and lodge style for your route.
Prefer to chat? Ask us on WhatsApp →These are starting points, not fixed packages. Each route can be adjusted around your dates, budget, comfort level, starting point and whether you want to continue to Zanzibar afterwards.
Tanzania SafariPrivate journey4 DaysDiscover Tanzania's rarely visited southern parks. Mikumi, the vast Selous Game Reserve, and remote Ruaha — boat safaris, walking safaris, and wild dogs make this truly unique.
Safari from ZanzibarPrivate journey1 DayA 1-day journey combining Nyerere National Park. Coordinate mainland flights with the Zanzibar stay so that safari time works with arrival and return schedules.
Safari from ZanzibarPrivate journey3 Days / 2 NightsA 3-day journey combining Nyerere National Park. Coordinate mainland flights with the Zanzibar stay so that safari time works with arrival and return schedules.
Safari from ZanzibarPrivate journey5 Days / 4 NightsA 5-day journey combining Mikumi National Park. Balance mainland wildlife outings with time to relax on Zanzibar, coordinating the connecting flights and transfers.
Safari from ZanzibarPrivate journey1 DayA 1-day journey combining Mikumi National Park. Coordinate mainland flights with the Zanzibar stay so that safari time works with arrival and return schedules.
Southern TanzaniaPrivate journey2 DaysThe easiest safari from Dar es Salaam: drive to Mikumi National Park for an afternoon and a full morning on the Mkata floodplain among elephants, lions, giraffe and buffalo.
Southern TanzaniaPrivate journey4 DaysFly from Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park for a boat safari on the Rufiji River and game drives among its lakes, then drive to Mikumi for the open plains — two southern parks in four days.
Southern TanzaniaPrivate journey5 DaysFly into Ruaha, Tanzania's wildest big park, for four nights among baobabs, big lion prides and greater kudu along the Great Ruaha River — far from the crowds of the north.
Southern TanzaniaPrivate journey7 DaysTwo great wilderness parks by light aircraft — Nyerere's rivers and lakes, then Ruaha's lion country — followed by a final night back on Zanzibar.
Tanzania SafariPrivate journey8 DaysNorthern Circuit combined with Tanzania's wild south. Walking safaris and boat trips on the Rufiji River reveal an entirely different, remarkably rewarding Tanzania.
Showing 10 of 10 Southern Tanzania Safari ideas · Not sure which one fits? Request a custom recommendation →
The best route depends on your travel month, number of days, park combination, lodge locations, drive times and whether you want to add Zanzibar afterwards.
Planned around your dates and local conditions. Dry months from June to October make wildlife easier to find, while the green season brings fewer vehicles, softer light and calving in the southern Serengeti from January to March.
Read our Tanzania travel guidesHighlights travellers love on this style of trip: fly between nyerere and ruaha rather than driving., travel june–october for the best game viewing., add zanzibar beach nights before or after.. We choose the combination that suits your month and the time you have.
Explore safari destinations2–8+ days. The southern parks combine well with Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, and short scheduled flights link them, so you can see two parks without long drives. The dry season from June to October is the best time for game viewing; some camps close in April and May.
Compare itinerary lengthsFly between Nyerere and Ruaha rather than driving. Travel June–October for the best game viewing. Add Zanzibar beach nights before or after.
Request a Southern Tanzania Safari planThe most common mistake is trying to fit every famous place into too few days. On paper the route looks exciting; on the ground it becomes long drives, short stays and little time to settle in. A good Southern Tanzania Safari gives each place enough time.
Joyce AyoFounder & safari planner, Lucky Wild SafarisThat is why we start with your dates, travel style and priorities — not with a fixed package.
You don’t need to know the perfect park combination yet. Share the basics and we’ll turn your Southern Tanzania Safari into a clear, realistic plan.
Start with the things you already know: who is coming, how much time you have, and the experiences you keep thinking about.
We put the journey on paper, including travel days and where you will sleep. Read it at your own pace and send us your questions.
Work through rooms, flights, meals and the daily rhythm with our team. Your written proposal records what is included.
Arrive with your arrangements agreed and a local contact for the days ahead. Then let the place surprise you.
Real reviews from guests who explored Tanzania with Lucky Wild — from short fly-in trips to full northern circuit safaris.
Yes. The published routes are starting points. Tell us your dates, interests and preferred comfort level so we can adjust nights, transfers and activities before quoting.
The travel season, number of travellers sharing a vehicle, park fees, room arrangements, lodge availability and domestic flights all affect cost. Your written proposal will identify inclusions and optional extras.
A mainland safari can connect with Zanzibar by a separately arranged domestic flight. Leave enough time for the transfer and confirm baggage allowances before booking flights.
Wildlife can be seen all year. June to October is dry, with animals gathering near water. January to March brings the calving season in the southern Serengeti. April and May are the long rains: greener, quieter and often better value. We match the parks and camps to the month you travel.
Two or three days suit Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Four to six days let you add the Serengeti without rushing, and seven or more give time for extra parks, a cultural visit or the coast. Fewer long drives usually means a better trip.
Our tailor-made safaris are private: your own vehicle and guide, and a daily pace set around your group. Shared departures can sometimes be arranged for solo travellers — ask us and we’ll explain the options.
Game drives are in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for viewing and photography. Your proposal confirms the vehicle and seating for your group size.
Yes, with the right planning. We keep drives shorter, choose family-friendly rooms and build in rest time. Some camps and activities have minimum ages, so please share each child’s age when you enquire.
Most lodges and camps can prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other meals with notice. Tell us about allergies or requirements when you enquire and we’ll pass them to every property on your route.
Requirements depend on your nationality and recent travel, and a yellow fever certificate may be needed if you arrive from certain countries. Malaria precautions are generally advised. Please check with a travel health clinic before you go.
Tipping is not compulsory but is customary for guides and lodge staff. We include current guidance with your proposal so you can plan for it in advance.
Many lodges and camps offer charging points and some Wi-Fi, but the connection can be slow or limited to main areas in remote parks. A spare power bank is useful on game drives.
For July to October and the holiday season, three to nine months ahead gives the best choice of camps. Shorter notice is often possible — send us your dates and we’ll check availability.
Share your dates, group size and the kind of safari you want. We’ll help shape the right parks, route, pacing and lodge style.
Answer a few short questions and we’ll come back with a trip that fits your dates, interests and budget.