Safari in Southern Tanzania Wilderness
Experience vast, untamed wilderness and incredible biodiversity, from the mighty Ruaha and Nyerere National Parks to the unique Udzungwa Mountains.
Southern Tanzania Wilderness Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Southern Tanzania Wilderness
Southern Tanzania Wilderness Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Southern Tanzania Wilderness
Chipanje Chetu Wildlife Management Area
Chipanje Chetu Wildlife Management Area is a protected area in Tanzania.
Idodi-Pawaga Wildlife Management Area
Idodi-Pawaga Wildlife Management Area is a protected area in Tanzania.
Kiguruvumi Forest
Kiguruvumi Forest is a protected area in Tanzania.
Kilombero Game Reserve
Kilombero Game Reserve is a protected area in Tanzania.
Kitulo National Park
Known as the 'Garden of God' or 'Serengeti of Flowers', Kitulo is a high-altitude grassland plateau famous for its spectacular floral displays, especially orchids, during the rainy season. It's a unique destination for botanical enthusiasts and hikers.
Kizigo Game Reserve
Kizigo Game Reserve is a protected area in Tanzania.
Lukwika Game Reserve
Lukwika Game Reserve is a protected area in Tanzania.
Lunda-Nkwambi Game Control Area
Lunda-Nkwambi Game Control Area is a protected area in Tanzania.
Mikumi National Park
Easily accessible from Dar es Salaam, Mikumi offers classic safari experiences with open plains reminiscent of the Serengeti. It's home to lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and buffalo, making it a popular choice for shorter safaris.
Muhesi Game Reserve
Muhesi Game Reserve is a protected area in Tanzania.
Ngarambe-Tapika Community Widlife Management Area
Ngarambe-Tapika Community Widlife Management Area is a protected area in Tanzania.
Niassa Bloco A
Niassa Bloco A is a protected area in Tanzania.
Nyerere National Park
Formerly part of the vast Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere National Park is one of Africa's largest protected areas, offering a wild and remote safari experience. It's renowned for its large populations of African wild dogs, elephants, and buffalo, with boat safaris on the Rufiji River being a highlight.
Ruaha National Park
Tanzania's largest national park, characterized by its rugged, semi-arid landscape and the Great Ruaha River. It boasts a huge elephant population, healthy predator numbers including lions and wild dogs, and a unique blend of East and Southern African wildlife.
Rungwa Game Reserve
Rungwa Game Reserve is a protected area in Tanzania.
Selous Game Reserve
While much of its northern part is now Nyerere National Park, the remaining Selous Game Reserve is still a vast and wild area, offering a truly remote and adventurous safari. It's known for its large elephant and wild dog populations, and unique boat safaris.
Udzungwa National Park
A biodiversity hotspot known for its unique forest ecosystems, numerous endemic species, and spectacular waterfalls. It's a prime destination for hiking and primate viewing, including the rare Iringa Red Colobus and Sanje Mangabey.
Uluguru Nature Forest Reserve
Uluguru Nature Forest Reserve is a protected area in Tanzania.
Waga Wildlife Management Area
Waga Wildlife Management Area is a protected area in Tanzania.
Compare Parks in Southern Tanzania Wilderness
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Southern Tanzania Wilderness
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nyerere National Park | 31,044 km² | 124 | - | Very Quiet | High | TZ-0042 (11km) |
| Selous Game Reserve | - | 124 | - | Quiet | High | TZ-0086 (40km) |
| Ruaha National Park | 20 km² | 313 | - | Very Quiet | High | TZ-0017 (14km) |
| Mikumi National Park | 3,230 km² | 452 | - | Quiet | High | HTMK (14km) |
| Udzungwa National Park | - | 268 | - | Quiet | High | TZ-0012 (32km) |
| Kitulo National Park | 464 km² | 125 | - | Quiet | High | TZ-0095 (54km) |
| Chipanje Chetu Wildlife Management Area | - | 81 | - | Very Quiet | High | MZ-0002 (61km) |
| Idodi-Pawaga Wildlife Management Area | - | 439 | - | Very Quiet | High | TZ-0028 (39km) |
| Kiguruvumi Forest | - | 452 | - | Very Quiet | High | HTMG (44km) |
| Kilombero Game Reserve | - | 150 | - | Very Quiet | High | TZ-0102 (31km) |
| Kizigo Game Reserve | - | - | - | Very Quiet | High | TZ-0128 (45km) |
| Lukwika Game Reserve | - | - | - | Very Quiet | High | TZ-0047 (7km) |
194 species recorded in Southern Tanzania Wilderness16 threatened
We love the sheer, untamed vastness of Southern Tanzania. It feels like stepping back in time, to a place where nature still reigns supreme. The air is thick with the scent of dry earth and wild sage, and the sunsets over the rolling plains are simply sensational. This is a landscape that demands respect, offering an authentic, uncrowded safari experience that few places can match.
Terrain & Altitude
Vast, rolling plains and rugged hills dominate, punctuated by dramatic escarpments and dry riverbeds.
600-1,800m above sea level
Vegetation
Acacia woodlands and miombo woodlands are prevalent, interspersed with open grasslands and gallery forests along riverbanks.
Water Sources
The Great Ruaha River and the Rufiji River are the lifeblood, alongside numerous seasonal rivers and pans that swell during the rains.
Unique Features
The sheer scale of the wilderness and the dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpment create a sense of profound isolation and raw natural power.
Getting to Southern Tanzania's vast wilderness is an adventure in itself. While driving from Dar es Salaam is possible, we always recommend flying into the nearest airstrip via charter plane from Dar es Salaam or Arusha. It saves considerable time and hassle, allowing you to maximize your precious safari days in these truly wild landscapes.
Nearest Airports
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Dar es Salaam
Varies greatly depending on destination within Southern Tanzania Wilderness; often 4-8 hour drive to park gates
Major international hub with daily connections from Europe, Middle East, and other African cities.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Arusha
Very long drive, typically 10-12 hours to reach the northernmost parts of Southern Tanzania Wilderness.
International and regional connections, but less direct for this specific region than DAR.
Bush Airstrips
Driving Routes
From Dar es Salaam
The drive to Nyerere National Park is mostly tarmac and relatively straightforward. Accessing Ruaha requires a longer, more challenging drive, often involving rougher tracks, especially in the wet season. We strongly recommend a 4WD vehicle for the latter.
From Arusha/Kilimanjaro Region
This is a very long drive and not our preferred method. It's a journey best broken into at least two days. Flying into DAR and then arranging a charter flight or a long drive from there is usually more practical.
Temperature
23.1°C
74°F
Rainfall
236.7 mm
Heavy rains
Humidity
80.4%
Sunshine
8.9 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
Planning tools for Tanzania
Health & Travel Info
Important health and safety information for Tanzania