Why Tanzania’s Southern Circuit attracts repeat visitors: Tanzania is such a beautiful country, and it really has a lot to offer when it comes to safari adventures. Tanzania really has it all, from the grassy plains of the Serengeti to the tropical islands along the coast. Even though the Great Migration is the main attraction for a safari, there’s another set of parks in this amazing country that don’t get as much attention but are definitely worth checking out.

The Southern Circuit refers to the parks located in the southern part of Tanzania. These places are just as stunning and full of wildlife, perfect for those experienced safari enthusiasts who might be a bit over the Great Migration but still appreciate the beauty of Tanzania.

What’s the difference between the north and the south?

When the Great Migration hits its peak season from June to September, the Northern Circuit really fills up and gets lively. There are plenty of great lodges and camps up north, but is that really a good thing? With fewer visitors in the Southern Circuit, you can look forward to a more private and exclusive safari experience. No need to compete with others for amazing game views, plus you get a more secluded and ‘wild’ vibe in the bush.

Why Tanzania's Southern Circuit attracts repeat visitors

Early Game Drive

In the Southern Circuit, you’ll find that most parks aren’t really reachable by car, which is why fly-in safaris have become a favorite choice. You won’t believe it, but there’s something truly magical about the safari experience. As you descend into your chosen park, it’s not unusual to see giraffes and other wildlife running alongside the light aircraft. It’s just incredible!

Check out our favorite picks from the Southern Circuit:

Ruaha National Park is a stunning destination.

Ruaha National Park, the biggest national park in Tanzania, gets its name from the river that runs through it, shaping stunning gorges and a diverse landscape. Wherever you find water, you’ll see plenty of wildlife around. You know, the river really draws in crocodiles and hippos, and it becomes a hotspot for predators like the African wild dog, lion, hyena, leopard, and jackal. During the dry season, animals are on the lookout for that precious water, which pushes them out into the open.

Why Tanzania's Southern Circuit attracts repeat visitors

Hippos in Ruaha National Park

Elephants really stand out, along with the roan and sable antelope. Ruaha really brings together the best of both worlds with its great spot right in between the north and south.

Selous Game Reserve

This park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Selous is one of the largest wildlife reserves out there, and it boasts incredible diversity and untouched nature. You’ve got rivers and gorges around, which makes going on a water safari—like canoeing and rafting—a really popular choice. Did you know that Selous boasts the highest concentration of African wild dogs anywhere in the world? Pretty cool, right? A lot of different kinds of birds can be seen around the Black, White, and Red Colobus monkeys as they swing through the trees.

Giraffes and impalas in Selous Game Reserve

Selous offers a more personalized safari experience, with off-road adventures and bush walks available. It is easy to do two safaris in one trip because Selous is so close to the coast. Zanzibar is only a two-and-a-half-hour flight away.

You can have a great time exploring Mahale Mountains National Park.

Mahale is really a special place for some of the last free, wild chimpanzees out there. This park is a secluded rainforest, surrounded by stunning peaks and leading down to the gentle waves of Lake Tanganyika. This park is such a great place to check out! You’ve got mountains, hills, and lakes just waiting to be explored. You’ll get to see vervet monkeys, yellow baboons, and red-tailed and red colobus primates. Also, you can find lions, giraffes, buffalo, elephants, and leopards around here, but they might be a bit tricky to see. Lake Tanganyika really stands out in this lovely park, offering you the chance to fish and dip your toes in the calm waters.

Chimpanzees in Mahale National Park

You can really appreciate how the Southern Circuit has its own special features that give you a genuine taste of wild Africa. If you’ve got the Great Migration on your bucket list, make sure to head as far north as you can and check out the Masai Mara in Kenya for the full experience. Why not mix a trip to the north and the south for an unforgettable safari adventure?