6-Day Southern Circuit Safari

Tanzania's wilder, quieter parks — bigger elephant herds, fewer vehicles, and prices that reflect it.

Ruaha · Nyerere (Selous) · Mikumi 4.8 · 612 reviews
$1,850 From, per person

Overview

The southern parks see a fraction of the Northern Circuit's traffic, and it shows: bigger elephant herds, wild dog sightings, and hours of game viewing without another vehicle in sight. Six days across Ruaha, Nyerere (formerly Selous) and Mikumi, with boat safaris on the Rufiji River that simply aren't possible up north. Fly between parks to save a day, or drive it if you'd rather see the country in between.

Safari highlights

Boat safari on the Rufiji River — not possible in the northern parks
Guided walking safari in Nyerere, on foot with an armed ranger
Ruaha's big elephant herds and one of Tanzania's densest lion populations
Fly-in or drive between parks, priced either way
Whole days of game viewing without meeting another vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Fly into Ruaha National Park and head out on an afternoon game drive.

StayRuaha River camp MealsL, D

A full day among Ruaha's baobabs, big cats and some of Tanzania's largest elephant herds.

StayRuaha River camp MealsB, L, D

Fly to Nyerere (Selous) and take an afternoon boat safari on the Rufiji River.

StayRufiji tented camp MealsB, L, D

Walking safari and game drives across one of Africa's largest protected wilderness areas.

StayRufiji tented camp MealsB, L, D

Transfer to Mikumi National Park for an afternoon game drive along the Mkata floodplain.

StayMikumi lodge MealsB, L, D

Morning game drive, then transfer out to Dar es Salaam or Arusha.

Stay— MealsB

Where you'll stay 3 properties

Full-service mountain camps Camping · Crew-carried
Full-service mountain camps
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Kilimanjaro National Park Tented camps, fly-in options

Crew moves ahead each day and has camp standing before you arrive. Sleeping mats provided; bring your own bag.

4-season tents Mess tent Hot meals Private toilet tent
Serengeti Tented Camp Mid-range · Full board
Serengeti Tented Camp
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Central Serengeti Tented camps, fly-in options

Permanent tented camp with en-suite bathrooms, moved seasonally to stay close to the herds.

Hot showers Solar power Dining tent Laundry
Ruaha River Camp Mid-range · Full board
Ruaha River Camp
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Ruaha National Park Tented camps, fly-in options

Tented rooms on a rocky bend of the Great Ruaha, with elephants passing the deck most evenings.

Wi-Fi in lounge Hot showers Bar Guided walks

Safari gallery

What's included

  • All park and reserve fees
  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle and guide
  • Boat safari on the Rufiji River
  • Full board accommodation as listed
  • Bottled drinking water throughout
  • Ground transfers between parks

What's not included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Tips for guide and camp staff
  • Alcoholic drinks and laundry
  • Walking safari permits where extra

Why book with Perfect Kilimanjaro

Three Generations of Kilimanjaro Guides

Three Generations of Kilimanjaro Guides

Local guides have been at the heart of Kilimanjaro since Hans Meyer's first ascent in 1889, and our family has guided here since the 1970s. Priscus, our owner and guide, first climbed at 14, worked as a porter for seven years, and has now summited more than 350 times.

Safety First, Every Day

Safety First, Every Day

Every guide is Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified. We check your health every morning and evening with the Lake Louise Score and oxygen saturation readings. We carry emergency oxygen on every climb, and helicopter rescue is available with your travel insurance.

100% Locally Owned

100% Locally Owned

There is no income outflow. Everything is run in Tanzania, with Tanzanian guides, so your money supports local jobs, families, and communities.

Pioneers of Biking Adventures in Tanzania

Pioneers of Biking Adventures in Tanzania

We were the first to introduce Kilimanjaro biking expeditions in the early 2000s, from scenic rides around the mountain to cycling all the way to the summit.

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