Maps of Tanzania, game reserves & islands

Northern Tanzania Safaris

Southern & Western Tanzania Safaris

>Tanzania Safaris<

Selous

Other Indian Ocean Islands

Mainland Indian Ocean locations

Dar and Arusha hotels

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Don't go without the 2nd Edition Cadogan Guide to Tanzania and Zanzibar - writen by Annie - one of our consultants

Tanzania Safaris - The Southern Safari Circuit

Safaris in the south of Tanzania are different in style and logistics from those in the north.

Southern and western parks and lodges generally require a 'fly-in' safari; guests fly direct to the airstrips of their chosen camps and stay for a number of days, exploring the bush with local experts.

Southern Tanzania Safaris: Defining the Regions

Southern safaris incorporate the Selous and Ruaha, whilst the more expensive Western areas are Katavi and Mahale.
Ideally itineraries combine areas in the region. These parks have less rigorous regulations than those in the North, allowing open-sided vehicles, walking the animal trails, or sailing softly along the waterways of the Selous, surrounded by birdlife, honking hippos and cranky crocs.

Southern Tanzania Safaris: Highlights

Bush breakfasts, lunches and sundowners are laid on with aplomb, and the landscapes are yours to enjoy. The lush green rivers of the Selous contrast clearly with the rolling, ancient realms of Ruaha, again vastly different from the floodplains of Katavi, or the deep and distant forests of Mahale.

Southern Tanzania Safaris: Advantages

The advantages to a safari in southern Tanzania:

Unlike in the North, game viewing is from open-sided vehicles.

Both Selous and Ruaha are fly-in destinations, so avoiding the need for the long drives that are necessary in the North.

Walks (and boat-based river safaris, in Selous) are permitted, which breaks the monotony of game viewing by vehicle each day and allows you to feel even closer to the action.

The parks of the South are much less visited than the north - you will rarely see another vehicle let alone a minibus !

The South is a much easier destination for a short safari.

The lodges in the South are much smaller and more personal than the large hotels in the North. Consequently, attention to detail is much greater, and the experience is more personal.