The Best of Southern Tanzania Safari Experiences

The Untamed Wild South!

Southern Tanzania Safari experiences are not as popular as those in the northern circuit but incredible and highly recommended. The Tanzanian remote south is less explored despite its diversity and offers exclusive and experiential encounters.

Tanzania is a renowned safari destination because of the wildebeest migration experiences in Serengeti National Park. Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater are also an iconic attractions with lots of wildlife. All these are however situated in Northern Tanzania. Northern Tanzania safari destinations feature on lists of many adventure lovers and have been fully explored.

The southern Tanzania Safari destinations on the other hand largely remain less explored yet very remarkable. At Discovery Journeys we take on less traveled paths to exclusive destinations like southern Tanzania. Our core value is to explore and discover more featuring experiential wildlife and cultural safari activities. Below are some of the most recommended Southern Tanzania Safari experiences and destinations most of which we feature.

Nyerere National Park Safari Experiences

Formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere National Park is Tanzania’s and East Africa’s largest National Park. The park is located in southeastern Tanzania and covers a land area of 30,893 square kilometers.

Nyerere National Park is diverse with varying ecosystems that are home to different wildlife species. It is from this rich biodiversity that the reserve was listed as a world heritage site. The park is ideal for classic African safari experiences and offers the best of Tanzania wildlife.

All the big five mammals are present here even though black rhinos and leopards are rarely seen. Other notable safari animals in the park include giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, and lions among others. Nyerere National Park is home to over 440 bird species. Some of the common birds you can see on a birding safari here include the white-fronted bee-eater, African spoonbill, spur-winged lapwing, African skimmer, and the Yellow-billed stork among others.

Game drives, nature walks, balloon safaris, photography safaris, and cultural visits are the activities you can engage in while on southern Tanzania Safari expeditions in Nyerere National Park.

Mikumi National Park Expeditions

Mikumi National Park is also located in southeastern Tanzania. With a land area of 3,230 square kilometers, Mikumi is the fourth-largest National park in Tanzania. The park just like other Tanzania destinations is home to several wildlife species including four of the big five mammals.

Unlike other southern Tanzania safari destinations, Mikumi National Park can easily be accessed by road from Dar es Salaam. It is a great destination to explore with limited time in Tanzania but would love to enjoy an African Safari.

Elephants are common here and often seen in large herds grazing the open savanna areas. Wildebeests, zebras, and buffaloes are also among the commonly seen wildlife species in Mikumi National Park. Mikumi is home to over 400 bird species making it one of Tanzania’s finest birding destinations.

The park is ideal for all types of savanna wildlife safari experiences. It also acts as a gateway to all southern Tanzania safari expeditions as itineraries down south go through the park. Our 10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari features safari experiences in Mikumi and is one of our best Tanzania safari adventures.

Fishing Safari experiences

Sport fishing is among the adventurous safari activities that have not been fully explored. Southern Tanzania allows you to have fishing safari experiences along the River and lake networks in the area.

Major fishing expeditions are done along the River Rufigi, Kilombero, Mnyera & Ruhudji rivers. The Tanzanian Blue Tigerfish is the most sought-after in this area but there are other fish species you can capture. The Tilapia, Vundu, Yellowfish (Labeobarbus), Zambezi Parrotfish, and African mottled Eel are other highly anticipated fish species for a catch while in the region.

On fishing Safari experiences in southern Tanzania, you get to go on safari game drives in the park. Here you see leading savanna animals and birds and enjoy the scenic views of the beautiful landscapes.

The best time for fishing expeditions in the south is in the dry season from June to September. December to March is also a great time to visit. During the wet season especially in November, April, and May the rain fall disrupts activities, and some roads become muddy and impassable. You can book our 5-day Tanzania Fishing safari and enjoy one of the greatest southern Tanzania safari experiences.

Safari Journeys in Ruaha National Park

Ruaha is another outstanding national park in southern Tanzania. It is among the largest protected areas in the country covering a land area of about 20,226 square kilometers. Ruaha is the true African wilderness that is largely less explored compared to counterpart destinations like Serengeti National Park.

The park’s size gives it an advantage in wildlife numbers and diverse ecosystems in general. Baobab trees are pretty outstanding and some of the longest-surviving plant species on the planet. These combined with open savanna vegetation give impressive scenic views while on safari in Ruaha.

The addition of the safari animals makes Ruaha safaris unmatched and incomparable. Ruaha National Park is most famous for its large herds of elephants but lions are also seen in pride of up to 15 individuals. Zebras, buffaloes, giraffes, and hippos are present and you surely see them while on safari. The African wild dogs are also present here and among the key attractions.

You can take on Discovery Journeys and Tanzania Safaris to Ruaha any time of the year. For the best safari experiences, however, it is better to visit during the dry season.

Join our other wildlife safaris in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and DRC. These feature gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, Big Five Savanna Wildlife Safaris, and much more staying at exclusive safari lodges.