When Viva’s Senior Destination Specialist, Danielle Fraser, embarked on her southern circuit safari in Tanzania, she knew she was in for something unique. Danielle has travelled extensively through Africa, but this marked the first time she’d be exploring the southern region of Tanzania. Unlike the busier and more touristed northern region, home to the world-famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, the southern circuit is way off the beaten path. Yet it’s one that still boasts some of the best wildlife-spotting reserves in Africa. For someone after a more tranquil, uncrowded and authentic safari experience, Tanzania's south is infinitely enticing.
Danielle’s itinerary was custom-made yet closely follows Viva’s Wild Tanzania tour, which will be detailed below.
Destination: Tanzania's Southern Circuit, specifically the Ruaha and Nyerere National Parks, widely considered two of the country's hidden gems.
Travel Dates: 6-19 June, 2024
Unique Enticements: Hot air ballooning in Ruaha and river boat safaris in Nyerere.
Overall Recommendation: Southern Tanzania is perfect for a more private, intimate, and exclusive safari experience. At times, you feel like you have the exquisite wilderness and its animals all to yourself.
Hand-on-heart top experience:
"I loved the hot air balloon experience over Ruaha National Park. This was so magical; we were the only people in the sky. We watched the sun rise and floated across the park and the rivers. We saw elephants, lions and even a leopard from above!" - Danielle.
Hot-air ballooning in Ruaha National Park
About Nyerere National Park - An Array of Unique Perspectives
Danielle's adventure kicked off in Nyerere National Park, a reserve that was named after Julius Nyerere, Tanzania's first president. In terms of age, it is relatively new - it was carved out of the northern section of the UNESCO-listed Selous Game Reserve in 2019. The reserve is massive, spanning a staggering 30,893 square kilometres (almost 12,000 square miles). It is the largest park in Tanzania today and one of the largest protected areas in Africa.
Yet Nyerere impresses in substance more than size, and is home to an incredible variety of animals, including elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and one of Africa's largest populations of lions. It's also a prime spot to see the endangered African wild dog, which thrives in its vast open spaces. With all this bounty, it is almost UNbelievable that the park is not a household home internationally. But it isn't, and its anonymity is a massive part of its appeal.
African wild dogs @ Nyerere
The park's crown jewel is the Rufiji River, Tanzania's largest. It meanders through along the entirety of the reserve, creating a stunning network of lakes, channels, and swamps. The river is teeming with crocodiles and hippos and serves as a vital lifeline for the park's ecosystems. With over 400 species of birds, including kingfishers, African fish eagles, and bee eaters, Nyerere is also a haven for bird lovers.
This unique blend of ecosystems means Nyerere offers game drives, walking safaris, AND river boat safaris, something that does not exist in Tanzania's north and is indeed generally a rarity in Africa. Usually, parks offer one of the three options depending on their ecosystems—maybe two—but not all three. If you wished to do all three, you'd have to travel far and wide and explore distinct regions of Africa.
At Nyerere, you get to experience it all in one extraordinary safari journey.
Stellar spot for a tea break - Nyerere National Park
Danielle’s experience on a Nyere National Park safari
Selous Impala Camp felt like a little slice of paradise. It is set along the river and offers accommodation in Meru-style tents on raised wooden decks. The tents are outstanding and comfortable, and the raised decks afford fantastic views of the surrounding landscape and up-close sightings of wildlife. Extraordinary!
Tent cabins @ Selous
The eco-friendly touches, like solar power and a no-plastic policy, make you feel even more connected to the environment and enhance the overall experience. The riverboat safaris are out of this world. As you quietly glide along the Rufiji, you’ll spot crocodiles sunbathing on the banks, pods of hippos wading in the shallows, and a dazzling array of birdlife. Morning and afternoon game drives add to the thrill, with sightings of elephants, lions, and even wild dogs—which are generally rare.
Boat safari @ Selous
"Walking safaris were another unforgettable experience. We were guided by expert rangers who taught us to focus on the smaller details one often overlooks on game drives—animal tracks, colourful insects, and the symphony of African wilderness. It was simply wonderful." - Danielle
Walking safaris are about appreciating the little treasures
About Ruaha National Park - The Land of Baobabs
After a short flight, Danielle landed at Ruaha National Park, the reputed piece de resistance of the southern circuit in Tanzania. With its beautiful baobab forests and the charming Great Ruaha River, this park feels like stepping into a hidden paradise.
Ruaha is Tanzania's second-largest park, after Nyerere, and covers a still-impressive 20,226 square kilometres (7,809 square miles). Likewise, it is part of a larger ecosystem, which includes the Rungwa Game Reserve and Usangu Wetlands. The park is one of the best places to see lion prides - it is home to 10% of the world's lions. It is also home to one of the largest elephant populations in East Africa. Elephants gather near the Ruaha River during the dry season to drink, bathe, and socialise.
Hungry angry hippos!
And that's not all. Ruaha is a hotspot for big cats and predators. Cheetahs, leopards, and even the elusive African wild dogs can be spotted here, alongside greater and lesser kudu - an absolute treat! Bird lovers must also keep their eyes peeled: over 570 species reside and migrate in Ruaha.
Yet what truly makes the park shine is that its eclectic and dramatic landscapes are dotted with ancient baobab trees, some of which are thousands of years old. These iconic trees create a striking contrast against the golden savannah.
With its rugged terrain, baobab trees, and fantastic wildlife, Ruaha is a photographer's dream.
Danielle’s experience on a Ruaha National Park safari
Ruaha is ideal for anyone looking for a peaceful experience and unrivalled wildlife spotting. The park's seclusion means fewer visitors, so if you've developed an allergy to large tourist crowds, this is the park (and region) you will want to visit. It is perfect for a relaxing safari. Game drives delivered sightings of leopards lounging in trees, herds of elephants crossing the open plains, and an incredible variety of birds.
The hot air balloon ride over Ruaha was incredible. You float over the park as the sun rises, witnessing its grandeur from above. The expansive baobab forests look otherworldly, and if you are as lucky as Danielle was, you can spot a leopard and more from the air.
The Ruaha River Lodge is ideally set along the riverbank, making wildlife spotting an absolute breeze from the private verandah.
FAQs on the Southern Circuit Safari in Tanzania
Why choose a southern circuit safari in Tanzania?
The southern circuit safari in Tanzania stands out for its exclusivity and sheer diversity of activities. While overland game drives are part and parcel of any safari, Nyerere and Ruaha offer additional ways to experience the wilderness. Boat safaris in Nyerere provide a fresh perspective, allowing you to stealthily glide past hippos and crocodiles. Walking safaris, available in both parks, offer an even more intimate connection with nature that vehicle-based safaris simply cannot match.
What sort of traveller should choose this itinerary?
Someone who is looking to get away from the crowds and would like a more peaceful and personalised safari experience. It does not matter if it's their first time on safari or their tenth—the unique offerings in this part of Tanzania make the trip unforgettable and distinct.
Is Ruaha worth visiting?
Absolutely, this is a real hidden gem in Africa! A Ruaha National Park safari is a unique chance to experience some of the most exquisite landscapes in the continent alongside a heady dose of wildlife spotting.
Game drives in Ruahua are a much more intimate affair
What kind of accommodation options are there?
You can find everything from cozy tented camps to fancy lodges with private pools and outdoor sleeping decks. Danielle loved how the mix of comfort and adventure made every day distinct and how each lodge felt right at home in its surrounding landscapes.
What is the food like on safari?
Delectable and abundant food are the calling cards of African safari tours, and this tour follows this tradition.
"We ate way too much! It was all delicious, and I don't think I ever felt hungry during my trip. Most of the meals are homemade by the lovely chefs at the lodges. One of my favourites was the curry that we had at Selous Kulinda Camp." - Danielle
Is it easy to include a beachside extension to my safari in Tanzania?
YES! Southern Tanzania and both national parks are easily accessible via short flights from Dar es Salaam, which is a springboard for island getaways. Here, you’ll find some of Tanzania's best beaches. While Danielle didn't include the beach element, itineraries can be tailored to include islands like Zanzibar, Pemba, or Mafia. Of these, Mafia Island aligns best with the southern circuit’s remote and wild vibe, as opposed to Zanzibar, which is pretty well-known. Known for whale sharks (in season), Mafia offers a tranquil escape with unparalleled marine biodiversity. But do keep in mind that finding a quiet and idyllic nook in Zanzibar is not all that difficult - perfect if you think you'll crave a bit more sociable action after your safari.
Spectacular, wild, and unspoiled Mafia Island
What's the best time of the year for the Southern Circuit?
The dry season (June to October) is ideal for game viewing as animals congregate near water sources. However, the early part of the wet season (November to Feb) offers lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and excellent bird-watching opportunities. Most camps in the area close mid-March to May.
See Viva’s safari tours in Tanzania
“The trip through Tanzania’s southern circuit left me spellbound. From the majestic landscapes of Ruaha to the serene waters of Nyerere, every moment showcased the region’s extraordinary beauty and uniqueness. For anyone yearning for a wild, authentic safari experience, this southern circuit is a dream come true.” - Danielle
Wild Tanzania - Viva’s Journey On a Southern Circuit Safari in Tanzania
Danielle's custom itinerary mirrored our "Wild Tanzania" journey, showcasing the best of the southern circuit.
At Viva, we're about crafting meaningful travel experiences that connect you to the heart of a destination, off the well-trodden path. We love finding unique boutique lodges and lesser-known adventures and tailoring every trip to your specific desires and needs.
Contact our Destination Specialists today to start planning your own unforgettable safari in Africa.
