Southern Safari Circuit: Explore Tanzania’s Untouched Wilderness with Northern Circuit Adventure
Southern Safari Circuit The Southern Safari Circuit in Tanzania offers some of the most captivating experiences among all our packages. This circuit reveals Tanzania in its purest form—untouched, off the beaten path, and far from tourist crowds and busy safari trails. Here, you’ll encounter abundant wildlife in a natural, undisturbed setting, gaze up at night skies filled with countless stars, and explore landscapes seemingly untouched by time. Discover the remarkable Selous Game Reserve, Mikumi National Park, Udzungwa Mountains, and Ruaha National Park through our unforgettable Southern Circuit safari packages. Northern Circuit Adventure Ltd has crafted a selection of enticing itineraries just for you.
📍Day 1: Selous Bound
Your adventure begins with a scenic morning charter flight from Dar es Salaam to the breathtaking Selous Game Reserve, a journey of approximately one hour. As you soar over the Tanzanian landscape, take in the stunning aerial views of vast savannahs, winding rivers, and scattered woodlands before descending into this remote and untouched wilderness.
Upon arrival at the airstrip, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to Rufiji River Camp, your base for an unforgettable stay in Selous. After a refreshing welcome drink and check-in, take some time to settle in and soak up the tranquil atmosphere of this riverside retreat.
Following a delicious lunch at the camp, embark on an exhilarating afternoon boat safari along the mighty Rufiji River, a lifeline for the abundant wildlife in Selous. Glide through the waterways, keeping your eyes peeled for pods of hippos, huge Nile crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, and an incredible variety of colorful bird species, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and bee-eaters. The boat safari offers a unique perspective of the reserve, allowing you to witness animals gathering at the water’s edge to drink and cool off.
As the sun sets over the river, return to camp and relax with a sundowner, listening to the symphony of the wild. Enjoy a delightful dinner under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Overnight at Rufiji River Camp, preparing for an exciting day of exploration ahead.
📍Day 2: Exploring Selous
Distance Covered During Game Drives: Approx. 40–60 km.
Spend the morning on an exciting game drive through the vast Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania’s largest protected wilderness and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you explore the diverse landscapes of open plains, woodlands, and winding riverbanks, keep an eye out for elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, and the elusive African wild dogs. Your expert guide will help track wildlife while sharing insights about the unique ecosystem of Selous.
After returning to camp for a delicious lunch and some relaxation, embark on an afternoon walking safari, offering a thrilling opportunity to experience the African bush from a different perspective. Accompanied by an experienced guide and an armed ranger, you’ll walk through the pristine wilderness, observing smaller details often missed on game drives, such as animal tracks, birdlife, and the region’s fascinating flora.
As the sun sets, return to camp and unwind with a refreshing drink while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of the Rufiji River. Enjoy a hearty dinner under the stars, listening to the distant calls of the wild. Overnight stay at Rufiji River Camp.
📍Day 3: More Adventures in Selous
Distance Covered: Approx. 10–20 km (walking and boat safaris).
Start your day with an exhilarating morning walking safari, an intimate and immersive way to experience the African wilderness. Accompanied by an experienced guide and an armed ranger, venture into the heart of Selous Game Reserve on foot, following ancient animal trails through the bush. Unlike a traditional game drive, a walking safari allows you to observe the smaller yet fascinating details of the ecosystem, such as animal tracks, diverse plant life, and the behaviors of smaller mammals and insects. Along the way, you may encounter giraffes gracefully browsing on acacia trees, zebras grazing in the distance, or even a herd of elephants moving silently through the woodlands. Your guide will share insights into the delicate balance of life in the bush, making this an unforgettable experience.
After a refreshing return to Rufiji River Camp, enjoy a well-earned lunch overlooking the river, where you can watch animals congregate at the water’s edge. Take some time to relax, perhaps with a book, or simply admire the tranquil surroundings before your afternoon adventure.
In the late afternoon, set out on another boat safari along the Rufiji River, delving deeper into the waterways that sustain Selous’s rich biodiversity. As you cruise past papyrus-lined banks and scenic sandbars, keep an eye out for hippos playfully submerging in the water, crocodiles stealthily gliding just below the surface, and an astonishing variety of bird species, from majestic fish eagles to vibrant kingfishers. The golden hues of the setting sun reflecting on the water create a magical backdrop for wildlife photography and a quiet appreciation of nature’s wonders.
Return to camp as twilight sets in, where you can unwind with a sundowner drink before enjoying a delicious dinner under the starlit African sky. Share stories of the day’s adventures around the campfire before retiring for the night at Rufiji River Camp, ready for another day of exploration.
📍Day 4: Scenic Drive to the Udzungwa Mountains
Distance: Approx. 340 km from Selous to Udzungwa.
Travel Time: 7 hours by road.
After an early breakfast at Rufiji River Camp, bid farewell to the wild landscapes of Selous as you embark on a scenic drive towards Udzungwa Mountains National Park. The journey takes you through the picturesque Uluguru Mountains, a breathtaking region of rolling green hills, rural villages, and lush vegetation. Along the way, you’ll get a glimpse of local Tanzanian life, passing farms, markets, and traditional homesteads.
Around midday, stop in Mikumi for a relaxing lunch, where you can stretch your legs and enjoy a meal before continuing your journey. The road to Udzungwa offers spectacular views, with the landscape gradually transforming into towering rainforests and misty peaks, setting the stage for the adventures ahead.
Arriving in Udzungwa Mountains National Park in the late afternoon, set off on a guided hike into this pristine wilderness, home to some of Tanzania’s most unique flora and fauna. As you trek along the lush forest trails, listen to the melodic calls of birds and watch for rare primates, including the endemic Udzungwa red colobus monkey and the playful Sanje mangabey. Your guide will point out fascinating plant species and share insights about the park’s remarkable biodiversity.
Enjoy a serene birdwatching session, where you may spot vibrant species such as the African pitta, green-headed oriole, and rufous-winged sunbird—making this a paradise for bird enthusiasts. As the sun begins to set, descend from the trails and transfer to Udzungwa Lodge, where a hearty dinner and a peaceful night’s rest await, preparing you for more adventures in this enchanting rainforest.
📍Day 5: Full-Day Udzungwa Hiking
Distance Covered During Hike: Approx. 6–10 km (depending on trail).
Wake up to the sounds of Udzungwa’s enchanting rainforest, where the calls of exotic birds and the rustling of tree canopies set the perfect tone for an adventurous day ahead. After a hearty breakfast at Udzungwa Lodge, set off on a full-day hike deep into the park’s lush and biodiverse terrain.
Accompanied by an experienced guide, trek through towering miombo woodlands, dense tropical vegetation, and ancient forests that shelter an array of rare wildlife. Keep an eye out for primates unique to this region, such as the Udzungwa red colobus monkey and the elusive Sanje mangabey, both found nowhere else in the world. Along the way, your guide will share insights about the diverse plant species, medicinal herbs, and fascinating insects that thrive in this untouched ecosystem.
Around midday, take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch in the mountains, surrounded by breathtaking views of the forested valleys below. After refueling, continue your journey to one of Udzungwa’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders—the Sanje Waterfall. Cascading from a height of over 170 meters, this stunning three-tiered waterfall offers a mesmerizing sight. Take a moment to soak in the beauty, capture incredible photos, and even dip your feet in the cool, refreshing waters at the base of the falls.
As the afternoon unfolds, begin your descent through the rainforest, taking in the serene atmosphere and perhaps spotting a few more colorful bird species along the way, such as the African pitta, Livingstone’s turaco, and palm-nut vulture. Return to Udzungwa Lodge in the evening, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures. Enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars before settling in for the night, ready for the next chapter of your journey.
📍Day 6: Travel to Mikumi National Park
Distance: Approx. 100 km from Udzungwa to Mikumi.
Travel Time: 2 hours by road.
Wake up to the crisp morning air of Udzungwa and enjoy a relaxing breakfast at Udzungwa Lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest. After breakfast, bid farewell to the enchanting mountains and embark on a scenic drive to Mikumi National Park, one of Tanzania’s most accessible and wildlife-rich reserves.
As you journey towards Mikumi, watch as the landscape transforms from lush green forests to the golden savannahs and acacia woodlands that define this incredible park. Upon arrival, check-in at your chosen accommodation—Vuma Hill Camp or Mikumi Wildlife Camp—where a delicious lunch awaits. Take some time to unwind and soak in the stunning surroundings before your afternoon adventure.
In the late afternoon, set out on an exciting game drive, exploring the vast plains of Mikumi’s Mkata Floodplain, often compared to the iconic Serengeti. This region is home to a diverse range of wildlife, and you’ll have the chance to spot large herds of elephants, towering giraffes, zebras, buffalo, wildebeest, and elands. Predators such as lions and leopards are also frequently seen, particularly around the waterholes where prey animals gather. Your guide will help track wildlife and provide fascinating insights into the behaviors of the park’s inhabitants.
As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the savannah, return to camp for a relaxing sundowner before enjoying a hearty dinner under the African night sky. Overnight at Vuma Hill Camp or Mikumi Wildlife Camp, where you’ll fall asleep to the distant calls of the wild.
📍Day 7: Full Day in Mikumi National Park
Distance Covered During Game Drives: Approx. 50–80 km.
Wake up to the sounds of birds chirping and the distant roar of a lion as you prepare for a thrilling day of safari adventure in Mikumi National Park. After an early breakfast at your camp, set off for a full-day game drive, exploring the park’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Begin your morning drive across the Mkata Floodplain, a vast, open savannah teeming with wildlife. This region is famous for its large elephant herds, graceful giraffes, and iconic zebra and wildebeest grazing against the backdrop of acacia trees. Your guide will help you spot elusive predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas, which often rest in the shade or prowl near waterholes.
As the sun climbs higher, take a break and return to camp for a relaxing lunch, or opt for a picnic lunch in the bush, allowing you to maximize your time in the wild.
In the afternoon, continue exploring different areas of the park, including woodlands, riverine forests, and seasonal swamps where hippos and crocodiles bask in the sun. Keep an eye out for the rare sable antelope and the powerful Cape buffalo, often seen in large herds. Bird enthusiasts will also be delighted by Mikumi’s incredible birdlife, which includes lilac-breasted rollers, bateleur eagles, and secretary birds. As the day winds down, enjoy a scenic sundowner while watching the sun set over the golden plains. Return to Vuma Hill Camp or Mikumi Wildlife Camp, where a delicious dinner and a peaceful night’s rest await, surrounded by the untamed beauty of the African wilderness.
📍Day 8: Final Game Drive & Return to Dar es Salaam
Distance: Approx. 320 km from Mikumi to Dar es Salaam.
Travel Time: 6–7 hours by road.
Enjoy a final morning game drive in Mikumi, followed by lunch at the camp. Depart for Dar es Salaam in the afternoon, arriving by evening to conclude your adventure.
Included:
-Transportation:
-Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing.
-Transfers between parks and to/from Dar es Salaam.
-Professional Guides:
-Experienced English-speaking safari driver-guide.
-Park Fees:
-All entrance fees for Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks.
-Conservation fees.
-Accommodation:
-4 nights’ stay in lodges or camps (based on your preference).
-Meals:
-Full-board meal plan (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the safari.
-Bottled drinking water throughout the trip.
-Game Drives:
-Morning, afternoon, and full-day game drives as per the itinerary.
-Optional night game drive in Ruaha (subject to lodge availability).
-Taxes:
-Government taxes and VAT.
Not Included:
-International and Domestic Flights:
-Flights to and from Tanzania.
-Optional domestic flight from Ruaha to Dar es Salaam.
-Travel Insurance:
-Comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
-Optional Activities:
-Night game drive in Ruaha (if not included in your lodge package).
-Personal Expenses:
-Alcoholic and soft drinks.
-Laundry services.
-Souvenirs or personal purchases.
-Tips:
-Gratuities for your safari guide and lodge staff.
-Visa Fees:
-Entry visa to Tanzania.
-Items of a Personal Nature:
-Anything not explicitly mentioned as included.
“Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure through Tanzania’s southern treasures! Secure your spot on the 8-Day Selous, Udzungwa & Mikumi Safari today and experience the wild like never before!”
