Southern Tanzania safari: Ruaha and Nyerere
Ruaha and Nyerere offer genuine wilderness and far fewer camps than the northern circuit, for travellers who prioritise solitude over convenience.
Ruaha National Park · Nyerere National Park · southern Tanzania safari
Southern Tanzania's parks are enormous and lightly visited compared with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Ruaha and Nyerere, formerly known as Selous, reward you if you want a quieter, more remote safari and don't mind the extra flight time to reach them.
Southern circuit versus northern Tanzania
| Circuit | Strength | Visitor density |
|---|---|---|
| Ruaha/Nyerere (south) | Remote, boat and walking safaris | Low |
| Serengeti/Ngorongoro (north) | Migration, resident predators | Higher |
| Tarangire/Manyara (north, lesser-known) | Elephants, varied scenery | Moderate |
Highlights
- Ruaha
- Nyerere
- Getting there
01
Ruaha
Ruaha National Park holds large lion prides, substantial elephant herds and baobab-studded landscapes, and because it sees relatively few vehicles, sightings often feel private rather than shared.
02
Nyerere
Nyerere's size allows for boat safaris on the Rufiji River and guided walking safaris, adding variety that game drives alone can't provide.
03
Getting there
Both parks are reached by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, which makes combining a southern safari with a Zanzibar beach stay logistically straightforward.
Dos
- Wear neutral colours — khaki, olive, sand
- Pack layers for cold early game drives
- Stay seated and keep voices low near animals
- Follow your guide's instructions at all times
- Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen
Don'ts
- Don't wear bright colours, white or camouflage
- Don't feed or call to animals
- Don't leave the vehicle unless your guide says so
- Don't use drones — they need special permits
- Don't bring plastic bags (banned in Kenya and Tanzania)
What's usually included
- Accommodation in your chosen level
- Meals as listed in your itinerary
- Game drives with a professional guide
- Park and conservancy entry fees
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Usually not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and camp staff
- Personal items and souvenirs
- Premium drinks unless all-inclusive
- Optional activities not in your itinerary
Keep exploring
Published fees to plan around
Sources checked 7 October 2026 · US dollars · fees only, not full safari prices
| Fee | Published amount | Who and when |
|---|---|---|
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area · adult entry | US$70.80 | Non-East African citizen aged 16 or above, per person. Published permit is valid for one entry within 24 hours. Accommodation and vehicle charges are separate.Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority tariffs |
| Ngorongoro · crater service | US$295 | Non-East African citizens, per vehicle per crater trip, not per person. This is additional to conservation-area entry.Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority tariffs |
Your accommodation and flights need a quote for your dates, room arrangement and availability. Compare the full journey total, not a nightly headline: meals, transport, guiding, entry fees and optional activities should be clear. Published tariffs may change; we reconfirm the applicable fees before you book.
Our editorial values
Original travel guidance by Dennis Njoroge, CEO of Perch Africa Safaris. Wildlife and weather are never guaranteed. Published fees link to their authority sources; camp and flight prices are confirmed for your own journey. You receive your full itinerary and matching proforma before payment.
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Frequently asked questions
Is southern Tanzania good for a first safari?
It suits travellers who value solitude above all else; first-timers mainly wanting the Great Migration should start with northern Tanzania instead.
