What You Need to Know: Our southern Tanzania safaris cover Nyerere (the former Selous), Ruaha, Mikumi and Udzungwa, starting in Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. Prices start from US$482 per person for a Mikumi day trip, US$964 for the 2-day Mikumi safari by train or 2 days in Nyerere, US$1,446 for 3 days in Ruaha, and US$3,374 for the 7-day southern circuit, per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level. June to October is the best time.
Southern Tanzania's Parks Compared
| Park | Known for | From Dar es Salaam | From (per person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nyerere (Selous) | Boat safaris, walking safaris, wild dogs | 45-minute flight or 4–5 hours by road | US$964 (2 days) |
| Ruaha | Big lion prides, kudu, remoteness | About 2 hours by air | US$1,446 (3 days, by road) |
| Mikumi | Open plains, easy access | 4.5–5 hours by road or SGR train | US$964 (2 days by train) |
| Udzungwa | Waterfall hikes, endemic primates | 5–6 hours by road | US$1,446 (3-day trek) |
| Saadani | Bush and beach | About 4 hours by road | Quoted on request |
| Kitulo | Highland wildflowers | Flight to Mbeya | Quoted on request |
Prices are per person, for 2 travelers unless stated; your written quotation gives the final price for your dates and group.
The 7-Day Southern Circuit
Nyerere for boats and walks, Mikumi for the plains, and Ruaha for predators, from US$3,374 per person, with 6 nights in tented camps and lodges, all meals, private transfers, park fees, and boat and walking safaris.
| Day | Plan | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drive from Dar es Salaam or Morogoro to Nyerere; afternoon boat safari on the Rufiji, sunset game drive | Nyerere |
| 2 | Morning walking safari with an armed ranger, game drive, afternoon boat safari | Nyerere |
| 3 | Transfer to Mikumi; afternoon game drive on the Mkata floodplain | Mikumi |
| 4 | Full day in Mikumi, with the Hippo Pools | Mikumi |
| 5 | Transfer to Ruaha via Iringa; afternoon game drive | Ruaha |
| 6 | Full day in Ruaha with a bush lunch | Ruaha |
| 7 | Morning game drive, transfer back to Morogoro or Dar es Salaam | — |
The transfers on days 3 and 5 are long; flying between Nyerere and Ruaha, with Auric Air, Coastal Aviation, ZanAir and Rainbow Air Charter, saves time and is quoted as an option.
Short Safaris from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar
- Mikumi day trip from Dar es Salaam, from US$482 per person; 2 days by SGR train, from US$964
- Nyerere 2-day safari from Dar es Salaam, from US$964 per person; 2-day fly-in from US$1,928
- Fly-in safaris to Nyerere or Ruaha from Zanzibar, from US$964 per person per day with flights; see our fly-in safari guide
Northern or Southern Tanzania?
| North | South | |
|---|---|---|
| Highlights | The migration, the Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti | Boat and walking safaris, wilderness, few vehicles |
| Getting there | Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport | Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar |
| Best for | First safaris | Returning visitors, or a safari from Zanzibar |
First-time visitors usually choose the north; see our northern Tanzania safaris. The south suits a second safari, or a trip that starts or ends on Zanzibar.
Combine Nyerere for boats with Ruaha for predators, or choose Mikumi for an easy short trip, and end on Zanzibar. Travel between June and October for the best game viewing.
When Is the Best Time for a Southern Tanzania Safari?
June to October is the dry season and the best time everywhere in the south. Many camps in Nyerere and Ruaha close from about April to May, during the long rains. Kitulo's flowers are the exception, best from December to April.
Southern Tanzania Park Fees
| Park | 2026 conservation fee |
|---|---|
| Ruaha, Mikumi, Udzungwa, Saadani, Kitulo | About US$35.40 per adult per 24 hours (incl. VAT) |
| Nyerere | Higher TANAPA rate, confirmed in your quotation |
Visitors to the mainland also need a Tanzania visa (US$100 for US citizens) and Tanzania's mandatory inbound travel insurance, US$44 per adult from October 1, 2026, which we can help you buy.
How We Run Southern Safaris
We run our southern and western safaris ourselves, with our own team, and book the light-aircraft flights for you. Jaynevy Tours is a licensed Tanzanian tour operator (TALA licence 014271), based in Moshi.
A 30% deposit confirms your safari and the balance is paid on arrival. Refunds: 100% if you cancel 60 days or more before arrival, 90% at 30–59 days, 60% at 15–29 days, 25% at 10–14 days, and nothing under 10 days.
Who Is a Southern Tanzania Safari For?
- Returning safari-goers who have seen the north
- Travelers starting or ending on Zanzibar
- Anyone who wants boat and walking safaris
- Guests who prefer fewer vehicles at sightings
Getting to Southern Tanzania's Parks
Southern safaris start from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. Light aircraft fly to Nyerere in about 45 minutes and to Ruaha in about two hours; Mikumi is reached by road or by the SGR train to Morogoro. Combining the parks by air saves long drives.
Common Questions About Southern Tanzania Safaris
How much does a southern Tanzania safari cost?
From US$964 per person for 2 days in Mikumi by train or 2 days in Nyerere, US$1,446 for 3 days in Ruaha, and US$3,374 for the 7-day circuit of Nyerere, Mikumi and Ruaha, for 2 travelers at mid-range level.
Can I do a southern safari from Zanzibar?
Yes: light aircraft reach Nyerere in about an hour and Ruaha in 2–3 hours, so the south is the easiest safari from the island.
Which southern park is best?
Nyerere for boats and variety, Ruaha for predators and remoteness, Mikumi for an easy, short safari.
Who runs the safaris?
We do, with our own team, and we book the flights.
Is the south good for a first safari?
Yes, especially combined with Zanzibar, though the north has more wildlife in a short time.
Can I fly between the southern parks?
Yes: light aircraft link Nyerere, Ruaha and Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, saving long drives.
The Bottom Line
The south is Tanzania's wild side: boats, walks and big prides with few other vehicles. Choose Nyerere and Mikumi for a short trip, or the 7-day circuit with Ruaha.
Send us your dates, the number of travelers and the parks you are interested in through the booking form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our team will reply with a written quotation.