The Untamed
South
Where wilderness whispers its ancient secrets. A sanctuary of solitude, predator power, and botanical wonders—Tanzania's last true frontier.
Experience True Wilderness
The Southern Circuit offers a safari experience defined by solitude, diverse ecosystems, and the freedom of remote exploration.
Low Crowds
Enjoy solitude and pristine nature far from the Northern Circuit's crowds. Visitor numbers are less than 10% of Serengeti/Ngorongoro annually, guaranteeing a private, intimate safari.
Diverse Activities
Beyond the game drive: enjoy unique Walking Safaris (Ruaha), Boat Safaris (Nyerere), luxury Fly-camping, Mountain Treks (Udzungwa), and Wildflower Safaris (Kitulo Plateau).
Predator Power
Home to ~1,500 lions (Ruaha alone has 10% of Africa's remaining lions) and ~1,000 critically endangered African Wild Dogs across the vast Nyerere/Ruaha ecosystem.
Botanical Wonders
From the endemic rainforests of Udzungwa (25% of Tanzania's flora) to the spectacular wildflowers of Kitulo ("Garden of God," 350+ orchid species), a haven for botany and birding.
Meet the Southern Stars
Encounter Africa's most iconic and endangered wildlife in their natural, vast habitats.
The Premier Destinations
Explore Tanzania's most exclusive and pristine wilderness areas
Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous)
Africa's largest national park (50,000 km², bigger than Denmark). The Rufiji River system supports 60% of Tanzania's elephants outside protected areas. UNESCO World Heritage Site with photographic tourism zones only (no settlements). Home to the rare sable antelope and puku.
Ruaha National Park
Tanzania's largest national park (20,226 km²) and core of the Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem (45,000 km² total). Baobab-studded hills, sand rivers, and the Great Ruaha River create dramatic scenery. Only place in East Africa with reliable Greater & Lesser Kudu sightings. Lion density: 1 per 2 km² in core areas.
Mikumi National Park
3,230 km² open savanna adjacent to Nyerere, bisected by the A7 highway (Dar to Zambia). Mkata Floodplain hosts year-round game; often called "mini-Serengeti." High density of lions, giraffes, and buffalo. Ideal 1-2 day add-on from Dar es Salaam (4-hour drive).
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
1,990 km² of Eastern Arc rainforest (1.2 billion years old). No large mammals but richest primate diversity in Tanzania: 11 species, 4 endemic. Sanje Waterfall (170m) is a 3-4 hour hike. 400+ bird species including rufous-winged sunbird. Often called "Galapagos of Africa" for endemism.
Kitulo National Park
Nicknamed "Bustani ya Mungu" (God's Garden) and the "Serengeti of Flowers." 412 km² montane grassland at 2,600m. Peak bloom Dec–Apr with 350+ orchid species, giant lobelias, and proteas. Home to rare Kipunji monkey and endangered cranes. Ideal for botanical safaris and hiking.
Plan Your Untamed Safari
Expert guidance for your journey into Tanzania's last true wilderness.
Ideal Duration
A minimum of **7–10 days** is recommended to cover the core Southern Circuit (Nyerere + Ruaha).
Allow **12 or more days** if you wish to include the full South, incorporating Mikumi, the Udzungwa Mountains, and the Kitulo Plateau for a diverse range of activities.
Best Time to Visit
**Peak Season (June–October):** The dry season offers the best game viewing as wildlife congregates around permanent water sources (rivers, lakes).
**Green Season (December–April):** Ideal for photography, birding, and witnessing the spectacular floral bloom on the Kitulo Plateau.
Getting There (Access)
The Southern Circuit is primarily accessed via **daily scheduled flights** from Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (DAR) or Zanzibar (ZNZ).
Flights land at airstrips within Nyerere, Ruaha, and Mikumi. **Charter flights** are often essential for reaching the most remote luxury camps.