Southern Reserves
Why safari in Tanzania's Southern Parks?
Tanzania’s southern parks, Nyerere and Ruaha, are more remote and as a result, much less frequented. Something which we feel enhances the safari experience. With a small number of camps and lodges scattered across vast, untouched wilderness, encountering other visitors is rare. Although your guide may need to search a bit harder to locate wildlife, each encounter becomes all the more special - and will often be exclusive too.
Ruaha National Park is blissfully uncrowded. There’s a sense of true wilderness in the rugged landscapes, baobab-studded hills and rocky escarpments. The park is known for its predators as well as large herds of elephant and buffalo.
Covering an area that is bigger than Belgium, Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous Reserve) is largely untouched. The Rufiji River and a series of lakes and waterways provide plentiful sources of water, a huge draw for the wildlife and rich birdlife. Boat safaris offer close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, while a flight in a hot air balloon provides a bird’s eye perspective on the park’s wildlife.
Wondering what to expect on safari? Read our guide.
Discover the Southern Parks
Rufiji River Boating
Southern Ground Hornbill
Elephants at Ruaha River
Tower of giraffes in Nyerere
Sunset over Ruaha
Where to stay in the Southern Parks
" We had the most wonderful magical experience, the children loved it and the hotel was dreamy! We managed to see everything we went to see. The guide was great and the balloon ride was an exceptional experience. It will be a holiday we will remember for a lifetime, thank you so much for helping organise it! "
The S Family, via Global Independent Travel
" What an absolutely fantastic holiday that was! Everything about it was amazing, we had the best time. We had no issues at all, it all ran so smoothly. I can’t praise it all enough, both for the safari and then we did a trip swimming with dolphins in Zanzibar. The hot air balloon exceeded all expectations. THANK YOU "
Mr & Mrs H via Free Spirit Holiday
"We had a wonderful safari, found all the accommodation/lodges really good, the guide was brilliant and we saw a lot of good game including the migration."
Mr & Mrs C
We had a wonderful holiday. Accommodation all very good. Although tented in some places, they were definitely glamping. We could watch elephants from our decking and it was obvious at night they come right up to tent! (There were always Masaai security guards keeping watch). We saw the Wildebeest migration which was a big plus and unexpected as early this year. Until the next time...
Mr & Mrs F via Personal Travel Agent
"Great holiday! Our safari guide was really good, knowledgeable, polite and sensible. The Lodge was really good, which offset Janes worries about a tent... but plush tent with ceramic loo! We saw the big 5 and scenery was amazing. Video of hippos still makes us laugh and warthogs really do hop like the cartoon Lion King. "
Mr & Mrs F via Hays Travel
"We had an amazing holiday – more than we could have ever hoped for! We absolutely loved Tanzania. Our guide was fantastic. This was a first-time safari, so were very nervous but now want to go to Africa again!"
Mr & Mrs F via Travel Counsellors
"We were delighted with our holiday and the meticulous organisation."
Family N
Travel the Southern Parks Your Way
Flying
Due to their very location and remoteness, access to the southern parks is best done by a light aircraft transfer. Flights operate into both parks from Dar-es-Salaam, however it is possible to do a circuit between the two parks starting and ending in Dar, proving a fabulous safari experience. Speak to the team at African Pride for details of the services available.
Long Distance Journeys
Nyerere is often included as a stopping point for some long distance journeys that take in numerous countries and experiences as they travel through the African continent. Most notable is Rovos Rail’s Cape Town to Dar-es-Salaam journey.
Lodge Activities
Each lodge in either Ruaha or Nyerere will offer daily game viewing drives, however aside of these, many will also have access to a variety of additional activities. These can range from boat trips in Nyerere, multi-day walking safaris in Ruaha or a hot air balloon at sunrise over the plains of Ruaha - a memorable experience.
Be inspired...
From £5,579
15 Nights
Classic Tanzania & Zanzibar
The best of Tanzania on a small group safari with Zanzibar beach extension
Discover
From £5,449
12 Nights
Tanzania Southern Explorer
Get off the beaten track with uncrowded safaris in Tanzania's southern parks
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From £10,999
16 Nights
Tanzania Adventure Safari
Combine the rugged, raw southern safari parks of Tanzania with an exotic beach break.
DiscoverWhen to travel to the Southern Parks
The best time to visit the Southern Parks is in the dry season from June to October when wildlife is easier to see in the thinning vegetation and animals gather by the rivers and waterholes. From November to May, during the wet season, wildlife viewing can be challenging and the heat and humidity are high. Many lodges are closed from March to May.
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The Southern Parks
Tanzania's Southern Parks of Ruaha and Nyerere are vast offering a variety of landscapes.
Why Travel with African Pride?
Be inspired by the African Pride Brochure
Explore some of the best experiences that Africa and the Indian Ocean has to offer in the African Pride brochure.
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How to plan a holiday
Your choice of holiday and safari to Africa & the Indian Ocean will be unique to you.
Using our extensive knowledge, experience and passion for Africa built up over many years, we are perfectly placed to tailor your personalised itinerary.
Choose your preferred destinations or experiences to include in a holiday
Talk to your travel adviser or us about your holiday requirements
We use our expertise to design an ideal holiday based on your preferences
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