The South
Southern Tanzania is a major highlight of this incredible country. The main areas making up the “southern circuit” are Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park, Mikumi National Park and Mafia Island. The gateway to the circuit is Dar Es Salaam.
Selous is Africa's largest reserve, a world heritage site, where you can see elephants, cheetahs, black rhinos, wild dogs, and plenty of hippos and crocodiles. The Selous swamps, rivers and wetlands allow guests to enjoy their safari by boat which is a fantastic experience. Walking safaris are also popular here and you can also enjoy night drives. Udzungwa has some fantastic hiking trails through the mountain ranges, and Ruaha is regarded as one of the most beautiful parks in the country. |
 |
 Don’t miss… |
Selous Game Reserve was established in 1922 and it covers 5% of Tanzania's total area. The Rufiji River bisects the Reserve and has the largest catchment area of any river in East Africa. The river is an important feature of the reserve providing the opportunity to watch the diverse water-based wildlife. A broad range of game can be found including elephants, hippos and rhinos as well as buffalo, antelope, giraffe, warthog, wildebeest, lion, leopard and cheetah. The incredible diversity of bird life in Selous includes over 350 recorded species!
Go walking in Udzungwa Mountains National Park - a forested area that is home to several species of primates, including the rare Iringa red colobus and the Sange crested mangabey monkey. Fragments of the Eastern Arc Mountains rise from the Udzungwa rainforest below and views from the peaks allow walkers to see the Selous Game Reserve and the coast of the Indian Ocean. A number of endangered bird species have been recorded here in recent years.
Go even further off the beaten track in Ruaha National Park which is the least accessible park in Tanzania. As a result of the remoteness, the landscape remains untouched and is a haven for safari aficionados. Birdwatchers can enjoy over 400 species of bird that are not found in northern Tanzania and the river, spectacular gorges and majestic trees are especially appealing to those with a passion for photography.
Mikumi National Park borders the Selous Game Reserve. The abundant wildlife, attracted to the lush vegetation, includes Eland, the world's largest antelope, and they are frequently sighted around the Mkata Floodplain. Over 400 bird species have been recorded in Mikumi National Park such as storks, pelicans, herons, ibis, eagles and kites. Many species found in Mikumi are rarely seen in the northern game parks of Tanzania. The park is also the location for several educational and research centres such as the ongoing field study of yellow baboons. |
Suggested Accommodation
|
Sand Rivers Selous
Sand Rivers is set on a rocky peninsula with magnificent views over a vast sweep of the Rufiji river, its exposed sandbanks home to hippo, crocodile and spectacular bird life. There are eight large and airy double or twin-bedded cottages, each with its own spacious bathroom. Each cottage is completely open-fronted, with an expansive veranda set on stilts, giving each a stunning and private view over the river. The wildlife can be enjoyed through drives, walking, fishing and boat rides, as well as in strategically placed hides overlooking one of the waterholes.
Mwagusi Safari Lodge
Nestled into a bank of the Mwagusi Sand River, this small, exclusive tented camp overlooks a watering hole in the riverbed. There are just 10 tents, each designed within thatched bandas with high density mattresses, dressing table, wardrobe, luggage racks and safari chairs all built in the traditional style of the camp. Each banda is en suite and some of the best game viewing can be experienced from the seclusion of your veranda. Game drives and walks provide ample opportunities to observe some of Africa’s greatest concentrations of game and birdlife.
Beho Beho
Beho Beho was the first camp to be sited in The Selous and is located in the cooler highlands to enjoy the 'cooling breezes' from which its name derives. The camp’s stone built and palm thatched cottages are spacious 'suites', which open up to reveal unrivalled vistas of the Africa bush, and are designed with individuality and flair. Guests can enjoy the wildlife by foot, boat or game drives and experienced staff and guides are on hand to ensure your safari experience will be unforgettable.
Jongomero Camp
Jongomero is a classic luxury tented camp set in the Southern-most expanse of the Ruaha National Park. Located on the banks of the seasonal Jongomero River, the 8-tent camp ensures a sense of intimacy in a truly undiscovered wilderness. Each tent is extremely spacious and is elevated on stilts under a thatched roof with en suite bathrooms. Game drives, all-day drives with bush picnics and the excellent birding make a stay here unmissable. |
| When to visit |
The southern parks have an agreeable climate throughout the year, although the dry months from July to October is one of the best times to visit the area as the game is more concentrated around the rivers that run through the vast parks, making it easier to spot wildlife. The climate is generally hot and dry with very low humidity. |
|
|
|
|
