Selous National Park Safari

8 Days Tanzania Southern Circuit Private Safari

Explore the 8 Days Tanzania Southern Circuit Safari covering Selous, Mikumi & Ruaha. Enjoy private game drives, Big Five wildlife, and authentic uncrowded safari experiences.

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Rede Nalisis
Prepared By: Rede Nalisis

A passionate Tanzanian tourism professional, entrepreneur, and travel specialist dedicated to showcasing the beauty of Africa to the world. (Rede Tours and Safaris)

Published on: 16th May 2026

8 Days Tanzania Southern Circuit Private Safari – Best Wildlife Experience

Explore the 8 Days Tanzania Southern Circuit Safari covering Selous, Mikumi & Ruaha. Enjoy private game drives, Big Five wildlife, and authentic uncrowded safari experiences.

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Introduction to 8 days Tanzania Southern Circuit Safari

This carefully designed itinerary was inspired by Redempotius Nalisis, a passionate Tanzania safari specialist who personally explored almost every corner of the country. During his journeys, Nalisis discovered that while the Northern Circuit is world-famous and often crowded, the Southern Circuit of Tanzania offers a more untouched, exclusive, and authentic safari experience.

He was deeply impressed by the vast wilderness, fewer vehicles in the parks, and the raw connection with nature. This inspired him to create and share this route with travelers who want something different — a safari that feels wild, peaceful, and truly African.

Unlike the Northern Circuit, the Southern Tanzania safari route is less crowded, giving guests a more private wildlife experience. You can still expect to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo), with the exception of rhino, which is mainly found in the Ngorongoro Crater in the Northern Circuit.

One of the highlights of this journey is the boat safari in Selous (Nyerere National Park), where you can see hippos, crocodiles, and incredible birdlife from the water — a rare experience not found in most safari routes in Africa.

This is not just a safari — it is a discovery of Tanzania’s hidden wilderness. Book this amazing adventure for your next unforgettable journey in Tanzania.

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Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam)

Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Dar es Salaam.

You will receive a full briefing about your upcoming adventure through the Southern Circuit and have time to relax after your international flight.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Dar es Salaam
Meal Plan: Full Board

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Day 2: Dar es Salaam – Drive to Selous (Nyerere National Park)

After breakfast, depart for Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere National Park), one of the largest protected wildlife areas in Africa.

Enjoy scenic views along the road as you enter the true wilderness of southern Tanzania. Arrive in time for relaxation at your lodge.

Accommodation: Mloka Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full BoardBlog image

Day 3: Full Game Drive in Selous (Nyerere National Park)

Spend a full day exploring the vast wilderness of Selous.

Expect to see:

  • Elephants in large herds
  • Lions and leopards
  • Buffalo and giraffes
  • Hippos and crocodiles along the Rufiji River
  • Rich birdlife and untouched landscapes

This park offers one of the most authentic safari experiences in Africa due to its low tourist density.

Accommodation: Mloka Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Morning Safari in Selous – Transfer to Mikumi National Park

Enjoy a half-day game drive or optional boat safari in Selous before departing for Mikumi National Park.

Mikumi is often compared to the Serengeti due to its open plains and abundant wildlife visibility.

Accommodation: Camp Bastian Mikumi
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Full Game Drive in Mikumi National Park

Today is dedicated to exploring Mikumi’s rich wildlife ecosystem.

Expect sightings of:

  • Lions, zebras, wildebeests
  • Elephants and giraffes
  • Hippos in pools
  • Diverse bird species

The Mkata floodplain offers excellent photography opportunities.

Accommodation: Camp Bastian Mikumi
Meal Plan: Full BoardBlog image

Day 6: Mikumi – Drive to Ruaha National Park

After breakfast, do Maasai Culture tour experience. Get to know deeply about the Maasai tribe, a pastoralist community that moves with their animals in search of pasture. Then depart for Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest and most remote national park.

Ruaha is known for its dramatic landscapes, baobab trees, and high concentration of predators.

Arrive in the evening and relax at your lodge.

Accommodation: Ruaha Hilltop Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 7: Full Game Drive in Ruaha National Park

Spend a full day exploring Ruaha’s wild terrain.

Highlights include:

  • Large lion prides
  • African wild dogs (rare sightings)
  • Huge elephant populations
  • Rugged landscapes and river systems

Ruaha offers a truly remote safari experience with very few visitors.

Accommodation: Ruaha Hilltop Lodge
Meal Plan: Full BoardBlog image

Day 8: Morning Game Drive – Return to Dar es Salaam

Enjoy an early morning game drive as the sun rises over Ruaha’s wilderness.

Later, begin your journey back to Dar es Salaam, arriving in the afternoon where your safari ends with unforgettable memories.

Safari Cost

8 Days Tanzania Southern Safari Cost

Safari Cost: USD 2,527 per person
(Based on 2 people sharing one room)

 

Experience the ultimate 8 Days Tanzania Southern Safari for only USD 2,527 per person(based on 2 people sharing) and discover the hidden beauty of Southern Tanzania’s untouched wilderness. This unforgettable Tanzania safari adventure takes you through world-famous destinations including Nyerere National Park, Mikumi National Park and Ruaha National Park, offering exceptional wildlife viewing, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic African safari experiences away from the crowds. Enjoy thrilling game drives in a private 4x4 safari vehicle, spot elephants, lions, giraffes, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and rare bird species, while staying in carefully selected safari lodges and tented camps with full-board accommodation. This Southern Tanzania safari package is perfect for couples, honeymooners, photographers, families, researchers, and adventure travelers seeking a unique and affordable Tanzania wildlife safari in 2026 and 2027. Book your Tanzania Southern Circuit Safari today with Rede Tours and Safaris and experience one of the best safari holidays in Africa.

Inclusions

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off (Dar es Salaam)
  • All park entry fees (Selous, Mikumi, Ruaha)
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Accommodation as per itinerary
  • Full board meals during safari
  • Unlimited game drives as per itinerary
  • Boat safari in Selous (Nyerere National Park)
  • Bottled drinking water during safari
  • All government taxes and VAT

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs)
  • Tips and gratuities for guide and staff
  • Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
  • Alcoholic drinks

Who Should Take This Safari?

This Southern Circuit experience is highly recommended for:

💍 Honeymooners

Perfect for couples seeking privacy, romance, and unforgettable sunsets in untouched wilderness. The quiet parks create an intimate safari atmosphere away from crowds.

🔬 Researchers & Wildlife Students

Ideal for studying ecosystems, predator behavior, birdlife diversity, and natural habitats in less-disturbed environments.

📸 Photographers & Filmmakers

A dream destination for capturing authentic wildlife moments, dramatic landscapes, and natural light without safari traffic interruptions.

🌎 Travelers from Around the World

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned safari traveler, this route offers a completely different side of Tanzania — raw, peaceful, and deeply immersive.

Why Choose This Southern Circuit Safari?

  • Less crowded parks compared to the Northern Circuit
  • Authentic and raw African wilderness experience
  • Big Five viewing (excluding rhino, mainly found in Ngorongoro)
  • Unique boat safari experience in Selous (Nyerere National Park)
  • Diverse landscapes: rivers, plains, baobab forests, and remote wilderness
  • Carefully designed route inspired by real field exploration by Nalisis

Final Message

This itinerary is more than just a trip — it is a journey through Tanzania’s untouched wilderness, carefully curated from real exploration and experience. If you are looking for something different from the usual safari routes, this Southern Circuit adventure is the perfect choice.

Book now and experience Tanzania the way few travelers ever do — wild, private, and unforgettable.

Book Now – Easy Reservation Process

To make your booking simple and fast, we have created an easy step-by-step reservation process for this 8 Days Tanzania Southern Circuit Private Safari – Best Wildlife Experience.

Contact & Booking Details

For quick booking and response:

📧 Email:redetours2005@gmail.com

or, nalisis@redetoursandsafaris.com 

📱 WhatsApp: +255 676 063 791