Southern Tanzania: Let Us Take You Off the Beaten Track!
Safari Dreams are Made of This…
90% of trips to Tanzania visit the classic destinations in the north (like the Serengeti), but what many don’t realise is that the south offers just as much (if not more!) variety and adventure, without being over-crowded by the masses.
The Marvel of the Mainland: Wildlife Viewing in Southern Tanzania
Southern Tanzania offers wildlife enthusiasts access to diverse landscapes, a great variety and density of game, and unforgettable drives in open-sided safari vehicles (while closed-sided vehicles are generally used in the north).
It’s home to some incredible national parks…
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is the largest national park in Tanzania, and one of the biggest in Africa. Not only does it cover more than 20 000km², but the wider Ruaha area is home to 10% of the world’s lion population!
Where to Stay in Ruaha National Park
Jabali Ridge – Pure Wilderness Luxury
Set amongst the giant granite boulders in Ruaha National Park, and home to a large number of lion, elephant, buffalo and the endangered African wild dog, is Jabali Ridge. With eight suites, guests can enjoy relaxing on the wooden deck, cooling off in the infinity pool and tracking game by foot or behind the wheel during sunset.
Mufindi Highland Lodge – Embedded in an Ancient Landscape
Set along the cool hills of the Southern Highlands and surrounded by pristine ancient forests, rural villages and rolling tea plantations, Mufindi Highland Lodge shows off the area’s unique natural splendour. With 10 cosy wooden chalets, the lodge is perfect for honeymooners and families with small children. Guests can enjoy horse riding, fly fishing, birding, tennis, croquet, kayaking, cycling and much (much) more.
Ruaha River Lodge – Riverside Splendour
Marvel at the sprawling expanse of the Great Ruaha River, and spot all the wildlife who call it home from the comfort of your private veranda at the luxurious Ruaha River Lodge. The unique lodge consists of 24 stone chalets, each with undisturbed views, lush interiors and comfy furnishings. Be spoiled for choice for activities during your stay when taking game drives, balloon safaris, bush breakfasts and more.
Jongomero Camp – Deep into the Bush
Jongomero Camp sits tucked away in a remote corner of the Ruaha National Park, 40 km away from the nearest camp, under the shade of ancient trees and along the banks of the seasonal Jongomero River. With 10 tented suites adorned with individual private decks overlooking the riverbed, guests can enjoy the ultimate remote safari experience while watching animals ambling past their rooms.
Nyerere National Park (aka Selous)
Nyerere National Park (formerly known as Selous Game Reserve) is a protected area in southern Tanzania that covers a total of 50,000 km², with additional buffer zones. It boasts an abundance of wildlife, including large elephant and rhino herds – with almost no tourism or human interference. Thanks to its wildlife diversity and undisturbed nature, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
Where to Stay in Nyerere National Park
Rufiji River Camp – Water, Wildlife & Wonderment
Rufiji River Camp is the perfect sunset location as it is set up high on the banks of the Great Rufiji River. Stay in one of the 11 individual classic tents along the river bank or one of the three suites, each consisting of 2 large tents and a private plunge pool. Guests can look forward to exploring the wildlife-rich surrounds by foot, car or boat.
Roho ya Selous – An Authentic and Traditional Safari
Roho ya Selous lies in the heart of the Nyerere National Park, overlooking Lake Nzerakera. Positioned perfectly for game viewing, including pods of hippo, more than 400 recorded bird species, giraffe, leopard, wild dog and impala – just beyond your very own luxurious tent. Enjoy an authentic safari experience in the morning, cool off in the pool in the afternoon and gather around the campfire in the evening, surrounded by the sounds of the bush.
Siwandu Camp – Immaculate Bush Viewings
Offering an intimate bush experience, Siwandu Camp allows its guests to immerse themselves in unspoilt nature, while simultaneously indulging in pristine luxury. Set along the shores of Lake Nzerakera in Nyerere National Park, guests are sure to set their eyes on some of the over 2 100 species of plant, 400 varieties of bird, and over 120 000 buffalo.
Combine Wildlife with Waves on these Hidden Island Gems
Lazy Lagoon Island Lodge on the Tanzanian Coastline
Set on a private island with 9 km of uninterrupted beach along the Tanzanian Coastline, Lazy Lagoon Island Lodge allows guests to get away from it all and relax in privacy and style. Feel like you have the island all to yourself as you spend your day lazing about on the beach, or take advantage of all the exciting activities on offer – including snorkelling, sailing, kayaking, swimming, historical trips, Bagamoyo and sun-drenched dhow trips to feel a greater connection to your surrounds.
Fundu Lagoon on Pemba Island
Located on the south western shores of Pemba Island – with beautiful mangrove-fringed beaches and remote jungles – Fundu Lagoon combines luxury with a distinct tropical atmosphere. Fill your day with an itinerary of exciting experiences including world-class diving, restorative spa treatments, Swahili cuisine, dolphin safaris, as well as walks through jungles that house bush babies, flying foxes and vervet monkeys.
Fanjove Lodge on Fanjove Private Island
Enjoy the palm-fringed, powder-white beaches and shimmering waters of the unadulterated paradise that is Fanjove. This secluded and exclusive island offers an idyllic tropical experience, prolific wildlife viewing opportunities of dolphins, humpback whales and turtles, and 10 private beach villas, with uninterrupted ocean views.