Discover Tanzania’s untamed south—wild, less crowded, and full of hidden wonders. From epic game drives to rain forest hikes, the Southern Circuit offers big adventure without the big crowds.
While the Northern Circuit—home to Serengeti and Ngorongoro—is the most well-known safari route in Tanzania, the Southern Circuit offers an equally unforgettable experience with fewer crowds and often more affordable prices. This off-the-beaten-path adventure takes you to Ruaha National Park, the largest national park in Tanzania and the second largest in Africa, teeming with elephants, lions, and rare antelope species.
You'll also explore Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), the largest game reserve in Africa, known for its river safaris, walking tours, and pristine wilderness. Just a 7-hour drive from Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park is a great year-round destination and the most accessible park in the south, ideal for a short yet rewarding wildlife experience. For nature lovers and hikers, combining Mikumi with the nearby Udzungwa Mountains National Park adds an exciting twist of waterfalls, rainforest trails, and endemic species.
Whether you’re looking for a quick 2-day escape to Mikumi or a full 8-day journey through the Southern Circuit, the options are flexible and customizable. We recommend spending 2 to 5 nights in each park to truly soak in the beauty and wildlife diversity. This itinerary is crafted to showcase the best of Southern Tanzania, offering an authentic and exclusive safari experience that’s both adventurous and budget-friendly.
Your day begins with a hotel pickup and a warm welcome from your safari guide before setting off on a scenic two-hour drive to Mikumi National Park. Covering 3,230 sq. km, Mikumi is Tanzania’s fourth-largest park and is home to elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, leopards, and more. Enjoy a full-day game drive through its diverse landscapes, nestled between the Uluguru and Lumango Mountains, with wildlife sightings lasting until sunset.
More information about Mikumi National Park
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Meals Plan: (D)
After breakfast, embark on a scenic 7-hour drive from Mikumi to Ruaha National Park, with a stop in Iringa for lunch and views of Tanzania’s stunning landscapes, villages, and mountains along the way. Upon arrival, enjoy a game drive en route to your stay at Ruaha Tanapa Cottage, offering your first glimpse of the park’s incredible wildlife. Spanning 20,000 sq. km, Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest national park and home to the country’s biggest elephant population, along with lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, wild dogs, and over 400 bird species. The Great Ruaha River, flowing along the park’s eastern edge, attracts hippos, crocodiles, and a vibrant array of water birds year-round.
More information about Ruaha National Park
Our recommendations are:
Meals Plan: (B/L/D)
Enjoy the day on thrilling morning and afternoon game drives in Ruaha National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and raw wilderness. Wildlife sightings in areas like Msembe and Jongomeru may include elephants, wild dogs, jackals, hippos, large lion prides, and both Lesser and Greater Kudus. The park is also a botanical treasure, featuring over 1,600 plant species and iconic trees like baobabs, tamarinds, and figs. Bird lovers will be amazed by the park’s impressive list of more than 370 bird species, making Ruaha a true paradise for nature enthusiasts.
More information about Ruaha National Park
Our recommendations are:
Meals Plan: (B/L/D)
Start the day with an exciting early morning game drive before returning to camp for a hearty late breakfast. Afterward, embark on an 8-hour drive to Udzungwa Mountains National Park, known for its lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. If time allows, we’ll stop by a traditional Maasai village in Mikumi to experience the local culture. Once you arrive at the park, you'll have the evening to relax and prepare for your hike the next day.
More information about Udzungwa Mountain National Park
Our recommendations are:
Meals Plan: (B/L/D)
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is one of Tanzania’s most unique wilderness areas, home to a range of distinctive wildlife, including 12 species of primates. Known as the "Primate Park," Udzungwa offers fantastic hiking opportunities through its lush, mountainous forests, where you can spot rare, endemic, and endangered species. After an exhilarating hike, you’ll drive back to Morogoro, arriving in the late afternoon to conclude your unforgettable adventure.
Upon Booking a tour with Buffalo Grass Safaris Expert and Once booking is done. A 30% deposit is requires in order to do initial payment to accommodation, transportation and other suppliers to secure the booking. The remaining balance is due no later than six (6) weeks before the start of the trip. For bookings made within six weeks of departure, full payment is required upon confirmation. All payments should cover the agreed safari price. Any applicable bank charges or payment processing fees will be communicated to the client before payment. Payment instructions will be provided during the booking process. Our team will be available to assist with any questions regarding payment arrangements.
If you need to cancel your safari, please notify Buffalo Grass Safaris Expert Limited in writing by email or official message. Cancellation charges are calculated per person according to the date we receive your written cancellation notice. The following cancellation policy applies:
| Days Before Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| 61 days or more | Loss of deposit |
| 60–45 days | 25% of the total safari cost |
| 44–29 days | 60% of the total safari cost |
| 28–7 days | 90% of the total safari cost |
| Less than 7 days | 100% of the total safari cost |
These charges reflect the costs and commitments associated with securing safari services, including accommodation, park arrangements, and other supplier bookings. Where a refund is applicable, it will be processed to the original payment method within a reasonable period. Any applicable bank or payment processing charges will be communicated to the client. If you need to change your travel dates or make adjustments to your itinerary instead of cancelling, please contact us. We will do our best to accommodate your request, subject to availability and any additional costs.
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