Southern Tanzania
The south and west of Tanzania are often overshadowed by the more famous and iconic Serengeti Safari and Ngorongoro Crater in the north. However these areas offer incredible game viewing and a range of safari activities such as boating/walking safaris and fly camping. The western parks, Katavi and Mahale, are even more remote and wild - and expensive to reach! - thus less frequented by travellers and more exclusive.
A Southern Tanzania Safari is very highly regarded by safari enthusiasts for a number of 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.
Selous Game Reserve
The Selous Game Reserve is located in the south of Tanzania and is one of the largest faunal reserves of the world. Some of the typical savannah animals like elephants, hippopotamus, African wild-dog, Cape buffalo and crocodiles are found in this park in large numbers than in any other game reserve or park. A section of the northern park along the Rufiji River has been designated a photographic zone and is a popular tourist destination.
Several high end lodges and camps mainly situated along the river and lake systems are available in the park. Attractions in the park include the river rufiji which flows into the Indian Ocean opposite Mafia Island and the stiegler gorge – a canyon 100 meters wide and 100 meter deep. Walking safaris are permitted in the Selous and boat trips on the Rufiji are a popular activity.
Ruaha National Park
Tanzania's largest National Park, Ruaha is a wilder and more remote park than its southern neighbour Selous Game Reserve and ultimately has the better wildlife, albeit without boating safaris. We love this park! Safaris here are some of the best you will find in the country and are superb value for money. It is a wild and authentic environment that remains relatively untouched.
One of Tanzania's best-kept (and more affordable) secrets, Ruaha is a particularly good complement and contrast to the Selous, although it would be a great addition to any Tanzania safari. The lion viewing around the Mwagusi area is especially rewarding and general predator concentrations across the park are better than many of the other parks in the country. Overall it is an absolutely excellent safari destination.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
The Udzungwa Mountains are a mountain range south east of Dodoma in Tanzania and are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains. They are covered with tropical rainforest, mountain forest, miombo woodland, grassland, steppe and are home to many large mammals, including the Uzungwa Red Colobus and Sanje crested mangabey, and unusual animals such as the Grey-faced Sengi.
\ The area has extremely high biodiversity with numerous endemic species (more than 25% of the vertebrate species). They rise to 2579m at Luhombero and 10% of them are protected by national parks (the Udzungwa Mountains National Park and Udzungwa Scarp Forest Reserve).
Mikumi National Park
The Mikumi National Park is located in Mikumi near Morogoro. It is bordered by the Selous Game Reserve to the south. It is also bordered by the Udzungwa Mountains and Uluguru Mountains. Its landscape compares to that of the Serengeti with the north-west characterized by alluvial plain of the river basin Mkata. Vegetation in this area consists of savannah dotted with acacia, baobab, tamarinds and some rare palm.
Tree climbing lions are found in the Mikumi National Park. Other animals include giraffe, elephants, zebras, impala, eland, kudu, gnu, wildebeests, black antelope, baboons and buffaloes. About 5km from the north of the park are two artificial pools inhabited by hippos. The park also boasts more than 400 species of birds.