Ultimate Guide to Southern Tanzania Safaris 2026/2027/2028

What is a Southern Tanzania Safari (2026–2028)? — Quick Answer
A Southern Tanzania safari explores Tanzania’s wild southern circuit (Nyerere / Selous, Ruaha, Katavi). Expect pristine wilderness, fewer crowds, boat safaris, walking, and remote game drives. Ideal is 7–10 days between June–October, with possible extension to Zanzibar.

Top Picks (2026–2028)
• 7-day Ruaha & Nyerere circuit
• 10-day deep-wildlife + beach combo
• 12-day full southern circuit including Katavi

If you’re dreaming of a genuinely wild, off-the-beaten-path safari, southern Tanzania safaris should be your first pick. While northern Tanzania draws crowds to Serengeti and Ngorongoro, the southern circuit (encompassing Nyerere / former Selous, Ruaha National Park, Katavi, Uwanda, and the highland Kitulo) offers pristine wilderness, fewer vehicles, more immersive experiences, and unique wildlife encounters.

From boat safaris along the Rufiji River to walking safaris in miombo woodlands, southern Tanzania delivers a more intimate safari experience. This guide to southern Tanzania safaris 2026–2028 will help you plan, choose the best itinerary, understand wildlife, and book with confidence.

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Top Parks & Reserves in Southern Tanzania

Nyerere National Park (former Selous / Greater Selous)

• Nyerere covers over 50,000 km² and is one of Africa’s largest wilderness sanctuaries. Wikipedia+1

• Boat safaris, walking safaris, night drives, and remote tracking are signature experiences.

• Expect large populations of elephants, hippos, wild dogs, crocodiles, buffalos, and more.

• Seasonal access: the dry season (June–October) concentrates wildlife around watercourses and river channels.

Ruaha National Park

• Ruaha is the largest national park in Tanzania and a stronghold for predators and varied herbivores.

• Around 10% of the world’s lion population lives here.

• Due to its remote nature, sightings can be spectacular and uncrowded.

Katavi & Uwanda Game Reserve

• Katavi is one of the most remote safari destinations, with large herds of buffalo in floodplains.

• Uwanda (adjacent) extends the range and offers additional birding and wetlands.

 Kitulo National Park (Southern Highlands)

• Known for wildflower displays in the highlands and montane forest.

• Ideal side trip if you want highland botanical diversity.

You can also optionally combine southern Tanzania with northern circuit add-ons (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) if time allows.

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 When to Go / Seasons / Wildlife Highlights

Best Time to Visit

• Dry season (June – October) is ideal — open roads, animals congregate near water, easier tracking.

• Wet season / shoulder months (Nov–May) offer lush scenery and newborns, but some roads may be impassable.

Peak Wildlife & Highlights by Month

• July–September: Best for large mammal concentrations, boat safaris, lion / wild dog hunts

• November–December: Green season, dramatic landscapes, breeding season for birds

• March–May: Off-peak, fewer visitors, dramatic thunderstorms & lush growth

Species to Expect
From roaring lions and wild dogs to giant herds of buffalo, herds of elephants, hippos in rivers, crocs, and thousands of bird species — southern Tanzania is a wildlife haven. (Also see Wildlife section below.)

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Suggested Itineraries (7, 10, 12 days)

7-Day Sample Itinerary (Southern Safari Classic)

• Day 1: Arrive in Dar es Salaam, travel to Selous / Nyerere

• Day 2–3: Boat & walking safari in Nyerere

• Day 4: Transfer to Ruaha

• Day 5–6: Full-day game drives in Ruaha

• Day 7: Return/departure

Explore and learn more about our Tanzania Safari Tours 

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How to Get There & Logistics

• Entry Points / Airports: Most guests fly into Dar es Salaam (DAR) or Julius Nyerere International; some use regional airstrips.

• Internal Flights / Transfers: Charter flights / light aircraft to remote airstrips in Nyerere, Ruaha, Katavi.

• Road Transfers: 4×4 vehicles for bush tracks when needed.

• Permits & Park Fees: Include costs for entrance, camping, conservation, and guide fees.

• Health & Safety: Malaria prophylaxis, recommended vaccines, travel insurance, guide safety protocols.

• Best travel prep: early booking, flexibility, buffer days.

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 Safari Styles & Accommodation Options

Types of safari styles:

• Mobile / fly-camp safaris — very remote, adventurous

• Lodge / tented camp safaris — more comfort

• Walking safaris / boat safaris — immersive, slower pace

• Photographic safaris — longer game drives, special vehicles

Accommodation tiers:

• Luxury camps & lodges — all amenities

• Mid-range tented camps — comfort + wilderness

• Mobile tent / bush camps — basic but authentic

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What Wildlife to Expect

Southern Tanzania is rich in wildlife diversity. Here’s some of what you can see:

• Big mammals: Lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, rare African wild dog

• Other wildlife: Leopards, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, antelopes

• Mega-concentrations: Buffalo herds in Katavi floodplains

• Birdlife: Kingfishers, herons, fish eagles, many raptors, waterbirds

• Reptiles & aquatic life: Crocodiles, monitor lizards, hippos

Note: While rhinos are rarely seen here, elephant, buffalo, lion & wild dog are reliable. Ruaha wildlife

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Travel Tips & Packing

• Clothing: neutral colors (khaki, beige), long sleeves, light layers

• Footwear: strong walking shoes, sandals

• Gear: binoculars, camera with zoom, sunhat, sunscreen, insect repellent

• Health items: first-aid kit, medications, malaria tablets

• Photography tip: shoot during golden hours (dawn/dusk), keep backup storage

• Respecting wildlife: maintain distance, no flash photography, follow guide instructions

• Local culture: optional village visits, Swahili phrases (“Jambo,” “Asante”) — see a mini Swahili phrase list.

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Why Choose Paradise Africa Safari / Our Guarantee

Here’s why you should book with us:

• Local expertise — we are Tanzanian-based, use local guides

• Small groups & personalized service

• Conservation & community support — we partner with local communities

• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

• Client testimonials & reviews — embed a few quotes / rating

• Safety & comfort — track record, licensed operators, insured vehicles

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 Pricing & Booking Info

• We offer fixed safari rates (per person) and private custom quotes.

• Sample price band: from USD 3,200 for 7-day southern safari (subject to 2026–2028 rates).

• Inclusions: accommodation, park fees, transfers, meals, guiding

• Exclusions: flights, visa, tips, personal items

• Booking steps: inquiry → tailor itinerary → booking deposit → confirmation

Add internal link: “See full Terms & Conditions” or “Other Tanzania Safari Packages” (to your internal pages).

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FAQ 

Q: How many days do I need for a southern Tanzania safari?
A: A minimum of 7 days is ideal — but 10–12 days offers a richer experience (allowing Katavi, walking & boat safaris).

Q: What is the best time to go on a southern Tanzania safari?
A: June to October is the prime season, when trails are dry and animals congregate around water sources.

Q: Can I combine southern Tanzania safari with Zanzibar or northern circuit?
A: Yes — many travelers pair the southern route with Zanzibar beach, Northern Tanzania, or Zanzibar / safari combo tours.

Q: What wildlife can I see in Nyerere / Ruaha?
A: Lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, wild dogs, giraffes, hyenas, plus abundant birdlife.

Q: Are boat safaris allowed in southern Tanzania?
A: Yes — particularly in Nyerere (along Rufiji River), with photo & walking safaris in seasonal channels.

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Ready to Discover the Untamed Beauty of Southern Tanzania?

Experience the raw wilderness of Nyerere (Selous), Ruaha, and Katavi National Parks with our handcrafted Southern Tanzania Safari Packages 2026/2027/2028.
Let our local experts design a journey that fits your style, pace, and budget — from classic lodge safaris to fly-in luxury escapes.

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