Southern Circuit

Udzungwa Mountains National Park

This Trekking destination feels like a true African jungle. Home to species of primates and birds found nowhere else in the world, Udzungwa Mountains offers panoramic views, stunning waterfalls 170 metres high, and is home to ongoing ecological research. Stopping for a day or two at Udzungwa during your safari offers a nice variation from game driving without increasing distance, as it is only 40 km from Mikumi, and is en route to Ruaha.

Selous Game Reserve

Africa’s largest game reserve! At 50 000 square km, Selous is renowned for its abundant population of large animals, but is frequented far less than the famous Serengeti in the North. Walking safaris and traditional game drives are possible. There are also incredible boat rides on the Rufiji River; where you pass by hippopotamuses and crocodiles; observing their tough hides and enormous teeth at close range!

Ruaha National Park

This is Tanzania’s second largest park, and deemed also the second wildest park in Tanzania. Game routes follow the Ruaha River, where wildlife of all kinds migrates to catch a drink of life nourishing water. Leopards and lions wait in the grasses while antelope shyly make their way to the water’s edge, quickly sipping before escaping to safety! Ruaha has the distinction of housing a great diversity of antelope, affecting this park’s ecosystem to be unique, abundant, and magnificent.

Katavi National Park

Africa’s wildest park, the long journey will lead you to the true untouched landscape of Katavi National Park. With 4471 square km of untamed wilderness, the long drive or charter flight is worth the effort. Katavi is Tanzania’s third largest park, and seldom visited. Lake Rukwa and the Katuma river support Tanzania’s densest population of hippopotamus and crocodile, while attracting other wildlife such as the rare honey coloured puku antelope, lion prides, herds of buffalo, and more.

Kitulo National Park

In the Southern highlands, this recently established National Park consists of alpine grassland and forest, and is known as the “Garden of God” and the “Serengeti of Flowers”. Its 412 square kilometres were established mainly to protect the flora, such as irises, balsams, orchids, bellflowers, honey-peas, and lilies.

Mikumi National Park

The 3230 sq. km of Mikumi meet the Northern border of the gigantic Selous game reserve as well as Udzungwa and Uluguru Mountains: making an enormous linked area of protected environment. The scene at the Mkata floodplain of Mikumi is often compared to the Serengeti, and Tanzania’s largest antelope, the eland, often makes his appearance here. Flora and birdlife are abundant, and with you will likely spot a huge variety of wildlife, such as lion, buffalo, giraffe, and more!