Southern Circuit Tanzania Tours & Trips
Discover the ideal tour package for you through Southern Circuit Tanzania. On TourRadar you'll find trips starting from 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 15 days. The most popular month to go is December, which has the most tour departures.
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kyle • traveled in December
As soon as we booked the tour there was excellent communication. I would recommend you talk to the company before making the reservation so they can customize it for you. We did not but we had a wonderful guide, Khalifa, and he found out that we enjoyed to hike so on our return trip he arranged a hike partway up a beautiful mountain to a waterfall. Khalifa was super knowledgeable and experienced. He ensured we were always comfortable and got the best pictures! We were able to see leopards, lions, elephants, water buffalos, and many more animals while touring Mikumi. Highly recommend the tour and would ask for Khalifa again!
3 Days 2 Nights Mikumi Wildlife safari By SGR-Train - F
Felix • traveled in March, 2025
I recently went on an amazing 4-day safari, where I had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Mikumi National Park and Udzungwa Mountain National Park. It started in Zanzibar, and then via Dar es Salaam we reached Mikumi. Amazing experience of Mikumi National Park Immediately after entering Mikumi, we were struck by the sheer beauty of the wild animals. Huge herds of elephants, graceful movements of giraffes, and majestic poses of lions—all in all, a great experience! Our guide was very experienced, sharing great information about the animals. The sunset safari in the evening was a dream come true! Endless natural beauty of Udzungwa Mountain National Park The next destination was Udzungwa, which was a completely different experience. It is famous not only for wildlife but also for hill trekking and waterfall beauty. Trekking up to Sanye Falls was an incredible thrill. Spotting different species of birds and forest monkeys on the way was really enjoyable. Excellent handling and a comfortable ride The entire tour was brilliantly organized. The lodges were comfortable and clean, and the food was delicious. Everything was so well planned that the entire trip was hassle-free! It was a truly unforgettable experience, perfect for nature and wildlife lovers. This is definitely an ideal tour for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of Southern Tanzania!
4 Days Mikumi & Udizungwa National Parks Safari - F
Fabio • traveled in May, 2025
It's a great Ruaha Safari experience. 3 days of Silver Sky Travel. The Ruaha National Park Safari was a great experience. Our tour starts with a flight from Zanzibar, where we see many wild animals, including elephants, lions, and giraffes. Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. Accommodation was comfortable and quiet. This tour is suitable for travelers of any age - I would definitely recommend!
3 Days - Ruaha National Park Safari (Fly From Zanzibar Or Dar Es Salaam)
Table of contents
- The best Southern Circuit Tanzania tour packages
- Travel Southern Circuit Tanzania your way
- Best tour companies for Southern Circuit Tanzania tours
- Southern Circuit Tanzania tours for every type of group
- Top Southern Circuit Tanzania travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Southern Circuit Tanzania
- Contact our Southern Circuit Tanzania travel experts
- What our customers ask about Southern Circuit Tanzania Tours & Trips
The best Southern Circuit Tanzania tour packages
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MelissaSouthern Circuit Tanzania travel expert at TourRadar
3 Days 2 Nights Mikumi Wildlife safari By SGR-Train
21 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The food, accommodations, and tours were very good.”
John, traveled in September
Wildlife viewing reaches its peak in Mikumi National Park, bordering Selous Game Reserve. Tanapa Bandazi lodge positions visitors perfectly for exploring Mkata plains and Chamgore's python territory. Morning and evening safaris depart from this ideal location.
Duration 3 days Destinations Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Migration Venture Africa From
- NZ$1,357
4 Days Mikumi & Udizungwa National Parks Safari
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Huge herds of elephants, graceful movements of giraffes, and majestic poses of lions—all in all, a great experience!”
Felix, traveled in March
The wild landscapes of Tanzania's Southern Circuit unfold across Mikumi National Park and Udzungwa's ecosystem. Track the big five during strategic game drives, marvel at the 170-meter Sanje Waterfall, and connect with authentic Maasai culture near Morogoro. Rest at Camp Bastian Mikumi.
Duration 4 days Destinations Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park, Udzungwa Mountain National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Silver Sky Travel From
- NZ$1,357
Budget camping safari at Mikumi National Park
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It is a very comprehensive tour and well guided.”
Claudio, traveled in June
Mikumi National Park's diverse ecosystems reveal Tanzania's Southern Circuit treasures. The Big Four roam these lands, spotted during expert-led game drives, while authentic Masai villages and bush picnics under ancient baobab trees near the Hippo Pool round out the experience.
Duration 3 days Destinations Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, French Operator Lonely Site Tours & Safari From
- NZ$1,009
5 Days - Bagamoyo African Art Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Bagamoyo Arts Collection by TourRadar exceeded all my expectations! The accommodations were comfortable, and the food was delicious.”
Daniel, traveled in December
Southern Tanzania's coastal heritage unfolds from Dar's National Museum to Bagamoyo's historic port. Geza Ulole's ancient mosque, traditional dhow fishing, and 13th-century Kaole ruins tell centuries-old stories. CBD Hotel and Traveler Hotel provide comfortable stays with half-board meals.
Duration 5 days Destinations Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Italian, French Operator Wonders of Creation Tours and Safaris From $6,492
10% Off- NZ$5,843You save $649
Ruaha National Park, Southern Tanzania's crown jewel, spans 20,226 square kilometers of pristine wilderness. Massive elephant herds and Africa's second-largest lion population roam along the Great Ruaha River. Authentic bush camps or lodges provide full-board dining.
Duration 3 days Destinations Dar es Salaam, Ruaha National Park Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Almighty Kilimanjaro From
10% Off- NZ$2,205
3 Days - Ruaha National Park Safari (Fly From Zanzibar Or Dar Es Salaam)
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It's a great Ruaha Safari experience. The Ruaha National Park Safari was a great experience.”
Romano, traveled in April
Ruaha National Park stands as Southern Tanzania's crown jewel. The intimate Mdonya Old River Camp positions visitors perfectly for wildlife viewing along the Great Ruaha River. Morning and sunset safaris in 4x4 vehicles with expert guides reveal diverse species.
Duration 3 days Destinations Zanzibar, Ruaha National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Silver Sky Travel From
10% Off- NZ$4,699
The Southern Circuit's natural wonders include Mikumi's famous Hippo Pool, Ruaha's ancient baobab landscapes, and Nyerere National Park's waterways. Mloka Safari Lodge provides authentic accommodation for both vehicle and boat safaris.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park, Iringa, Ruaha National Park, Morogoro, Selous Game Reserve Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator African Pangolin Safaris From
10% Off- NZ$3,563
3 Days 2 Nights Ruaha Wildlife Safari
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“They achieved our expectations and had a good price also.”
Zlatan, traveled in May
The Great Ruaha River hosts sunrise game drives in Ruaha National Park. Custom 4WD vehicles track wildlife through Mwagusi Sand River. This three-day adventure combines walking safaris with comfortable Government Banda accommodation.
Duration 3 days Destinations Iringa, Ruaha National Park Age Range Operator Migration Venture Africa From
10% Off- NZ$1,272
Duration 4 days Destinations Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Africa Natural Tours From
10% Off- NZ$4,070
Travel Southern Circuit Tanzania your way
Best tour companies for Southern Circuit Tanzania tours
Southern Circuit Tanzania tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Southern Circuit Tanzania travel itineraries to fit your plans
3 Day Itineraries
7 Day Itineraries
Demographics
Solo Travelers26 tours- Couples17 tours
- Seniors (50+)15 tours
Best time to visit Southern Circuit Tanzania
- Winter 2025 / 2026
- popular 38 tours
- 30 tours
- 25 tours
- Spring 2026
- 25 tours
- 24 tours
- popular 26 tours
- Summer 2026
- popular 26 tours
- 25 tours
- 25 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
- popular 24 tours
- 21 tours
- 19 tours
Contact our Southern Circuit Tanzania travel experts
Kaitlyn
Expert in Southern Circuit Tanzania at TourRadar
Kaitlyn is one of our seasoned Southern Circuit Tanzania Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Southern Circuit Tanzania tours answered!
- Choose from 51+ Southern Circuit Tanzania tours
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Southern Circuit Tanzania Tours & Trips
How do I get to Southern Circuit Tanzania and what's the best way to start my safari?
The gateway to Tanzania's Southern Circuit is Dar es Salaam where travelers arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport. From here visitors can reach Mikumi National Park by road (a 5-6 hour drive) or catch connecting flights to Ruaha and Selous. Many lodges including Ruaha Hilltop Lodge coordinate guest pickups from regional airports. A TourRadar traveler recommended: "Starting from Dar es Salaam worked perfectly - we took an early morning departure to maximize our first day of game viewing in Mikumi National Park and the journey itself offered great views of Tanzania's landscape."
What are the main highlights of a General tour through Southern Circuit Tanzania?
The Southern Circuit encompasses three major parks each offering distinct experiences. Ruaha National Park houses Africa's largest elephant populations while Mikumi National Park draws visitors to its open plains. Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) features boat safaris on the Rufiji River where hippos and crocodiles gather. Travelers can stay at places like Camp Bastian Mikumi which serves as a base for exploring Mikumi's Mkata Floodplain known for lion and wild dog sightings. As one TourRadar traveler noted "The variety of wildlife and untouched landscapes make Southern Tanzania's parks a true hidden gem compared to the crowded northern circuit."
How long should I plan for a comprehensive General tour of Southern Circuit Tanzania?
A well-paced Southern Circuit tour requires 7-10 days with 2-3 days dedicated to each major park: Ruaha Mikumi and Nyerere National Parks. This timeline accounts for travel between locations (5-6 hours from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi and another 5 hours to Ruaha) while allowing time for game drives walking safaris and river excursions. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "Our 8-day tour gave us enough time to truly appreciate each park's unique characteristics without feeling rushed."
What wildlife can I expect to see in Southern Circuit Tanzania?
The Southern Circuit's varied ecosystems support diverse wildlife populations. Visitors regularly spot elephant herds in Ruaha lions leopards African wild dogs and numerous antelope species. Mikumi National Park often called the "mini-Serengeti" is home to giraffes zebras and buffalo. A TourRadar traveler reported: "Out in the wild Mikumi and Nyerere National Park we saw lions mom cheetah with her four babies tree top resting leopard buffaloes hippos elephants giraffes hyenas gazelles impalas and many birds."
How does Southern Circuit Tanzania differ from the more popular Northern Circuit?
The Southern Circuit presents a quieter more remote safari experience than its northern counterpart. The region's parks are larger with Ruaha being Tanzania's biggest national park yet they see fewer visitors. Each park offers distinct environments from Mikumi's grasslands to Ruaha's rugged terrain and Nyerere's wilderness. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "We were looking for birds landscape and wildlife in quiet places not chasing after leopards with a dozen other vehicles. The Southern Circuit delivered exactly what we wanted."
What types of accommodation are available on Southern Circuit Tanzania tours?
Accommodations across the Southern Circuit range from upscale lodges to authentic camping experiences. The Ruaha River Lodge offers rooms overlooking the Great Ruaha River while Camp Bastian Mikumi Cottages provides convenient park access. Nyerere National Park features tented camps for those seeking closer connection to nature. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The accommodations were comfortable and perfectly placed for breathtaking views. We loved our time at the Ruaha River Lodge which offered amazing wildlife sightings right from our veranda."