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9 Days Mid Range Southern Circuit Safari

9 Days

The protected areas located in southern Tanzania are both beautiful and wild, and they typically receive far fewer visitors in comparison to the more famous and “popular” northern parks. The roads in the southern parks are often in poor condition and the distances between them are much greater than those in the northern circuit. As a result, many travellers opt to fly from one park to another. The Southern Safari Circuit of Tanzania, however, features more off-the-beaten-track safari destinations that are generally less explored. These parks are ideal for those seeking a wilder and more unique safari experience. Two of the most sought-after gems in southern Tanzania are the Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve. Dubbed the “best-kept safari secrets” of Tanzania, these parks are often on the bucket lists of many seasoned safari-goers.

If time and budget permit, the southern circuit can also be combined with the Serengeti in the north or linked with the west. Some parks and reserves can be visited using Dar es Salaam as a starting point, including Saadani National Park located north of Dar es Salaam. Additionally, two hours to the west is the little park of Mikumi, which is situated on both sides of the highway that meanders down to Iringa and Mbeya, eventually leading to Zambia or northern Malawi.

Overview

A Southern Tanzania Safari is very highly regarded by safari enthusiasts for several reasons. Firstly the game viewing – these areas offer a good variety and density of game, an interesting crossover of eastern and southern Africa species, and plenty of predator action. In addition, open-sided safari vehicles enhance the viewing experience, in contrast to the closed-sided vehicles used in the north.

Itinerary

Day 1 :
Arrival

Arrive anytime at Julius Kambarage Nyerere International Airport (JNIA). meet and greet with our representative, followed by a transfer to your hotel.

Dinner and lodging will be at the GIRAFFE OCEAN VIEW HOTEL.

We'll arrange for your pick-up directly from your hotel, taking you on a comfortable drive to Mikumi National Park. Upon arrival, indulge in a delicious hot lunch served at one of the park's charming restaurants, setting the tone for an exciting adventure ahead.

Following your satisfying meal, embark on an afternoon game drive, immersing yourself in the wilderness until the sun sets on the horizon. Keep your eyes peeled for the diverse array of wildlife that calls Mikumi home, from majestic giraffes and herds of buffalo to the iconic elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat.

As the day draws to a close, retire to the cozy comforts of Vuma Hills Tented Camp, where a delightful dinner awaits. Enjoy a restful overnight stay, surrounded by the tranquil ambiance of the African bush.

In Mikumi National Park, each game drive promises an unforgettable encounter with nature's wonders. Marvel at the kaleidoscope of bird species gracing the skies, while sightings of lions, leopards, and African wild dogs add an element of excitement to your safari experience. Keep your camera ready as you may also spot zebras, hippos, hartebeests, wildebeests, impalas, warthogs, eland, and various antelope species roaming freely in their natural habitat.

After an early breakfast, go for a full-day game drive across Mikumi National Park with packed lunch boxes to once again enjoy and experience the abundant wildlife of the enormous Mikumi National Park.
The Mkata River floodplain is an attractive point of the park where you can easily spot a large number of animals, including elephants, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, wild dogs, and impala, and a rich number of bird species.
Dinner and overnight at Vuma Hills Tented Camp (FB).

After breakfast, depart for Selous Game Reserve. It’s an on-route game drive with packed lunch boxes while crossing in the middle of the enormous Selous Game Reserve to experience its abundant wildlife, arriving at the camp in the late evening.

Dinner and overnight at Rufiji River Camp (FB)

early breakfast and then drive to the Selous Game Reserve. All-day game drive in a safari Jeep with our professional guide, in which you should see and learn much about a large number of animals, including all the great favorites—lion, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, zebra—and all the other major species, including the now rare African hunting dog. There is a great variety of bird species and wonderful scenery with varied topography: wetlands, dry grassland, light acacia forests, and higher ground with long views to far-off mountains.

packed lunch and time to rest. Your guide will select a location with shade and water nearby to watch animals coming to drink—a place with a clear view all around so that no predator can creep up unseen!

Dinner and overnight at Rufiji River Camp (FB)

An early morning walking safari with a bushman across the reserve’s environment to learn various histories (including traditional trees for medicines, various animals’ footprints, and other small animals that you cannot see during the game drive). You may also be able to spot some animals heading to the river for drinking and hippos returning to their dwelling after their forage. Then back to the camp for breakfast.

Rest at the camp while enjoying the view of the great Rufiji River and animals coming to drink while waiting for your hot lunch in the afternoon.

In the evening, go for an evening boat safari through the Rufiji River. Here you can experience the aquatic life, mostly crocodiles and hippos; you can also see some animals come for drinking; and you can see an uncountable number of bird species since the reserve has over 440 known species of birds while enjoying an amazing reserve’s sunset.

dinner and overnight at Rufiji River Camp (FB).

Day 7 :
Kilwa Town

After breakfast, depart for the town of Kilwa with packed lunch boxes, arriving in the early evening. On arrival, relax and unwind at the beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean while waiting for your hot dinner to be served.

Dinner and overnight at Kimbilio Lodge (FB)

After breakfast, catch a boat and depart for Kilwa Kisiwani, which was the center of the Kilwa Sultanate, a medieval sultanate whose authority at its height in the 13th–15th centuries AD stretched the entire length of the Swahili Coast. Kilwa Kisiwani has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, along with the nearby stone town, Songo Mnara.

Kilwa first rose to power in the 11th century as part of the Swahili civilization, which flourished in the context of Indian Ocean trade. Kilwa is a very relaxed and accommodating coastal town, boasting brilliant beaches and historical cultural ruins. There is an attractive historical feel about the place; the town has a good number of old colonial buildings and crumbling remains of ancient Oman buildings, including ‘The Great Mosque of Kilwa’, which serves as a congregational mosque on the island of Kilwa Kisiwani.

Dinner and overnight at Kimbilio Lodge (FB)

Day 9 :
Departure

After breakfast, depart back to Dar es Salaam, with lunch on the way. Upon arriving in the late afternoon, we will take you back to the hotel and catch your flight back home (breakfast and lunch).

The Trip Cost Includes

  • Park fees
  • Activities
  • Accommodations
  • Professional guides

The Trip Cost Excludes

  • International flights
  • Additional accommodations
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal expenses

Frequently asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit the Southern Circuit?

The best time to visit the Southern Circuit is during the dry season (May to November), when wildlife congregates around water sources, making it easier to spot. However, the Southern Circuit can be visited year-round, each season offering its own unique experiences.

What are the main attractions of the Southern Circuit?

The Southern Circuit features off-the-beaten-track safari destinations, including Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve. These parks are known for their diverse wildlife, uncrowded game viewing experiences, and a wide range of activities.

Why choose a Southern Tanzania Safari?

Southern Tanzania Safari offers excellent game viewing opportunities with a good variety and density of wildlife. It provides visitors with a more exclusive and less crowded experience compared to the northern parks, along with a wide range of activities such as walking safaris, boating safaris, and mountain trekking.

What are the transportation options for visiting the Southern Circuit?

Visitors can fly from one park to another due to long distances and poor road conditions. Alternatively, the Southern Circuit can be accessed from Dar es Salaam, with parks like Saadani National Park and Mikumi National Park within driving distance.

Is the Southern Circuit suitable for first-time safari-goers?

Despite being less famous than the northern parks, the Southern Circuit is suitable for first-time safari-goers. It offers a unique and rewarding safari experience with diverse wildlife sightings and a wide range of activities for all types of travelers.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

9 Days Mid Range Southern Circuit Safari