Southern Tanzania's Most Beautiful Safaris
After sharing southern Tanzania's most beautiful safaris, we're unveiling our favorite nature reserves for an unforgettable wildlife safari in southern Tanzania!
After sharing southern Tanzania's most beautiful safaris, we're unveiling our favorite nature reserves for an unforgettable wildlife safari in southern Tanzania! What makes these sites exceptional is that they remain far less touristy than their northern counterparts. Discover Tanzanie's natural wonders off the beaten path…
The Selous Game Reserve
With 54,000 km² of territory, Selous is Africa's largest game reserve. Yet it remains one of Tanzanie's least frequented national parks! It's in the reserve's northern section that you can discover the full diversity of its fauna and flora through 4x4 safaris. Crossed by the Rufiji River, you can even embark on a boat safari and attempt to spot hippopotamuses, crocodiles, elephants and countless other wild species coming to quench their thirst.
Mikumi National Park
Adjacent to the Selous Reserve, Mikumi National Park harbors an incredible array of wildlife. So much so that it's sometimes nicknamed the "Serengeti in miniature". You'll encounter all the animals expected on a safari, notably the famous "big five". To give you an idea, here's a list of main species to observe in this park: elephants, hippopotamuses, lions, leopards, impalas, giraffes, wild dogs, painted hunting dogs, black antelopes, elands, primate families, herds of zebras, wildebeest and buffalo, plus over 400 bird species!
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is well worth the detour for several compelling reasons. First, with its 40,000 km², it's one of the country's largest parks. Yet despite this, it remains a park that's seldom visited by tourists! Additionally, it's one of the national parks that shelters the largest elephant population. Beyond elephants, you'll encounter other wild species during your safari: lions, buffalo, zebras, African leopards, spotted hyenas, sable antelopes, impalas, roan antelopes, wild dogs, gazelles, giraffes, snakes, monitor lizards, agama lizards, frogs… The list goes on!
Saadani National Park
Saadani National Park is a jewel of nature bordering the Indian Ocean. It's notably the only Tanzanie reserve blessed with a beach. And once again, these lands have been spared from mass tourism! Composed primarily of savanna with dense vegetation, some wetland areas near the Zaraninge equatorial forest and a beach, the park has much to offer! Beyond discovering all the savanna animals, you can venture on expeditions along the Wami River to attempt spotting hippopotamuses, crocodiles and marine and river birds, and discover on the beach, one of Tanzania's most important green turtle breeding sites on the mainland.
Frequently asked questions
The best time to visit southern Tanzania's parks is the dry season, from June to October. Animals concentrate around water sources, making observation easier. The rainy season (November to May) renders some tracks impassable but offers lush vegetation and fewer tourists.
Yes, southern Tanzania is significantly less frequented than the north (Serengeti, Ngorongoro). Parks like Ruaha, Selous and Mikumi welcome far fewer visitors, guaranteeing a more authentic and intimate experience with wildlife.
Absolutely. Mikumi National Park is notably nicknamed the 'Serengeti in miniature' due to its wildlife diversity, and the big five are regularly observed there: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros. Ruaha Park also hosts one of Tanzania's largest elephant populations.
Saadani National Park is Tanzanie's only reserve combining savanna and oceanfront. It features a beach on the Indian Ocean, an estuary on the Wami River and an equatorial forest. It's also one of the main breeding sites for green turtles in mainland Tanzania.
Selous Reserve is accessible from Dar es Salaam by road (approximately 4 to 5 hours) or by plane via charter flights connecting directly to lodges within the park. This is the most comfortable option and often recommended for luxury safaris.
Yes, Selous Reserve offers a unique experience: boat safari on the Rufiji River. You'll observe hippopotamuses, crocodiles, elephants and numerous bird species from the water. Saadani Park also offers boat excursions on the Wami River.
