Southern Circuit
- Udzungwa Mountains National Park
- Selous Game Reserve
- Mikumi National Park
- Ruaha National Park
- Sadaani National Park
The Southern Circuit includes some of the less visited, remote and remarkable sights in Tanzania. Because it is less well known than the Northern Circuit it has fewer tourists and you will frequently be the only vehicle on the landscape.
Safaris in the Southern Circuit usually start from Dar es Salaam and its best to fly to Dar if you wish to visit the south. Safaris on the Southern Circuit easily connect to Safaris in the Deep South , Zanzibar, Mafia and Pemba islands by ferry or plane, or the Northern Circuit by plane (or a day's scenic drive passing Kilimanjaro , Usambara Mountains and Mkomazi Game Reserve).
There are a few slightly more obscure destinations in Southern Tanzania, which are not part of the normal tourist trail.
- Kilombero Valley
- Uluguru Mountains
- Ukuguru Mountains
- Unguru Mountains
- Rubeho Mountains
- Rufiji Delta Ecosystem
- Mahenge Mountains
- Wami Mbiki Conservation Area
Southern Circuit Regions
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Ruaha National Park
The remarkable Rungwa ecosystem contains the famous Ruaha National Park among other ecologically rich conservation areas. Crammed full of wildlife and rarely visited, Ruaha National Park is a gem for the safari-lover.
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Selous Game Reserve
Enjoy a safari to the unique Selous Game Reserve, a World Heritage Site. 430 species of birds and plentiful large game. Go game driving and see rare African Wild Dogs, take a boat safari on the Rufiji River or brave a walking safari (with an armed ranger). The Selous Game Reserve is untouched wild Africa.
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Udzungwa Mountains
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is one of Tanzania's newest National Parks, recently gazetted in 1992. The Udzungwa Mountains are the highest mountains in the Eastern Arc mountain range (a range of forest-clad mountains which stretches from Southern Kenya to South Tanzania, known as the 'Galapagos of Africa' due to the high degree of endemism).
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Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park has a high density of wildlife - often you can see 8 species of mammal within 500m of the park entrance.
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Kilombero Valley
The Kilombero Valley is the largest seasonal wetland in East Africa. It is home to several species of endemic birds, the only sustainable population of Puku.
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Mkomazi National Park
Mkomzai National Park is excellent for birds, black rhinos and wild dogs. It is possible to walk all the way from the West Usambara Mountains, through the Pare Mountains and down into Mkomazi Game Reserve
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Usambara Mountains
Dramatic and lush landscapes dominate the Usambara Mountains, providing a refreshing break from long road safaris.
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Uluguru Mountains
The Uluguru Mountains are clearly visible from the town of Morogoro making a dramatic backdrop. it is possible to explore the spectacular hills on day excursions from the town, or longer camping hikes. The highest point in the mountains is 2630m.
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Iringa Region
The town of Iringa is located on top of a steep escarpment rising off the Tanzam Highway. Anyone wishing to reach Ruaha National Park by road will have to pass through the town en-route. The hotels in Iringa itself are limited to budget establishments but there are several good accommodation options nearby in which to relax during a long safari.
