Experience
Private Safari
Your party. Your guide. Your schedule.
Southern Circuit
Wild, and wonderfully uncrowded.
While the north draws the headlines, Tanzania’s south is where the country opens up: enormous parks, few vehicles and wildlife that behaves as if it owns the place — because it does.
We build Southern Circuit journeys around Ruaha, Nyerere (formerly the Selous) and Katavi: river systems thick with elephant and hippo, prowling wild dog packs, and big cat country you often have to yourself.
Highlights
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Space to breathe
Some of the lowest vehicle densities in Africa — the bush feels entirely yours.
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Wild dog country
Ruaha and Nyerere hold strong populations of endangered African wild dog.
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Rivers alive
The Ruaha and Rufiji systems draw vast elephant herds, crocodile and exceptional birdlife.
Wildlife of the South
Elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and the elusive wild dog share some of Tanzania’s largest protected areas — viewed from your own private vehicle, at your own pace.
When to go
June–October concentrates wildlife around permanent water as the bush dries; the green season (November–May) is lush, photographic and wonderfully quiet.
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Travel notes
- Getting there
- Usually reached by light aircraft from Arusha or the northern parks; some road routing is possible for longer, exploratory journeys.
- Park status
- Ruaha and Nyerere (Selous) are among Tanzania’s largest national parks; standard park fees apply.
- How we go
- Private 4x4 with guide; fly-camp and walking options open up where permitted.
Questions travellers ask
Is the south worth the extra travel?
For travellers who already know the north, or who simply want space and wild dog sightings, the Southern Circuit is a revelation.
How many nights?
We usually recommend three or more nights per park to let the slower southern rhythm land.
Can we combine it with the north?
Yes — many journeys pair a northern highlight with a southern finale, connected by light aircraft.
The Safari Journey Designer
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