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Arusha National Park Lake Manyara National Park Mafia Island Mahale Mountains National Park Mkomazi National Park Mount Kilimanjaro Ngorongoro Crater Nyerere National Park Ruaha National Park Serengeti National Park Tarangire National Park Zanzibar
Northern Circuit Southern Circuit Western Circuit Eastern Circuit Coastal Circuit

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Honeymoon Escapes High-End Luxury Family Friendly

Adventure

Hot Air Balloon
Calving Season Jan - Mar (Ndutu) River Crossing Jul - Oct (Mara)

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Southern Circuit 4 Days

A 12 Day Southern Tanzania Wilderness Discovery

Starting from $1,658 per person

Multi-Destination
Private & Exclusive
Family

About this Journey

This 4-day itinerary is a focused and immersive Luxury safari experience into Tanzania's expansive and less-traveled Southern Circuit. Designed for travelers seeking an authentic wilderness encounter away from the more frequented northern parks, it features high-quality accommodations such as Dar es Salaam Serena and Rufiji River Camp, ensuring comfort in remote settings. The journey centers on an in-depth exploration of Nyerere National Park, one of Africa's largest and most biodiverse protected areas, renowned for its significant populations of wild dogs, elephants, and the rare black rhino. The itinerary offers a classic safari adventure with extensive game drives along the Rufiji River ecosystem, providing excellent opportunities to observe a wide array of wildlife and birdlife. While compact, this package delivers a profound sense of solitude and untouched natural beauty, making it an ideal choice for seasoned safari-goers or those looking to complement a northern circuit trip with a distinct and wilder Tanzanian experience.

Daily Schedule

4 Stops
Day 1

Day 1: Arrive Dar es Salaam.

Upon your arrival at Nyerere International Airport (time to be advised), you will be warmly welcomed by your guide, who will assist you with your luggage and ensure a smooth transfer to your accommodation. As you settle in, you will have the opportunity to relax after your journey and take in the surroundings. In the evening, a delicious dinner will be served, allowing you to savor local flavors and prepare for the exciting days ahead. After dinner, you can unwind and rest comfortably, enjoying a peaceful overnight stay in preparation for the adventures to come.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeMediterranean Hotel
LuxuryDar es Salaam Serena
Day 2

Dar es Salaam – Nyerere National Park.

We begin our adventure with an early morning departure from Dar es Salaam, heading southwest to Nyerere National Park, formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve. The journey spans about 230 kilometers and takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, including time for stops and park entrance formalities. Upon arrival, we enter the park and begin our first exciting game drive, exploring the diverse habitats ranging from woodlands and grasslands to the river systems of the mighty Rufiji River. Nyerere is one of Africa’s richest ecosystems and home to the Big Five, including the elusive black rhino. We enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park to maximize our time in the wild. In the late afternoon, we head to our lodge or tented camp within the park for dinner and an overnight stay, immersed in the untouched beauty of Tanzania’s wilderness.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeLake Manze Camp
LuxuryRufiji River Camp
Day 3

Nyerere National Park.

We spend the entire day immersed in further game drives and exploration within the vast expanse of Nyerere National Park. This park, with its rich network of rivers, open plains, and dense woodlands, offers some of the most diverse wildlife sightings in Tanzania. As we continue our search for the Big Five, including the elusive black rhino, we also have the chance to encounter wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species, particularly around the Rufiji River. The day includes a picnic lunch in one of the designated areas, allowing us to remain deep in the bush without returning to camp. After an exciting day of wildlife encounters and scenic landscapes, we return to our accommodation within the park for a well-earned dinner and overnight stay, enjoying the serenity of the African wilderness.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeLake Manze Camp
LuxuryRufiji River Camp
Day 4

Nyerere National Park – Mikumi National Park.

After an early breakfast, the day begins with a final morning game drive in Nyerere National Park, offering a last chance to witness the park’s rich wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and possibly even wild dogs. You’ll explore various areas of the park’s diverse terrain as the early light brings the bush to life. Following the game drive, you will enjoy a packed bush lunch in a scenic spot within the park. In the early afternoon, you will begin your drive back to Dar es Salaam, covering approximately 230 kilometers, which typically takes about 4 to 5 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions. The journey passes through rural villages and savannah landscapes, offering glimpses of daily Tanzanian life along the way. You are expected to arrive in Dar es Salaam in the early evening, in time to catch your international flight onward.
End of Itinerary
Accommodation Options

Package Inclusions

Included

  • * All transport, 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for game viewing
  • * Hotel and lodge accommodation as detailed
  • * All Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • * Bottled drinking water
  • * Services of various local guides
  • * All National Park entrance and camp site fees
  • * All food - breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals
  • * Donations and payments to local community projects

Excluded

  • * International flights
  • * Travel and personal accident insurance
  • * Visa, passport, vaccinations, and medicines
  • * Tips (While tipping is not obligatory, it is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for your guide's hard work and dedication in making your trip memorable. A recommended amount is US$30 per day per guest.)
  • * Expenditure on personal bar bills (including all additional drinks), souvenirs, personal items
  • * Optional excursions/activities not detailed in itinerary
  • * any additional services requested
Free PDF

Safari Packing List

Essential items, health tips, and travel advice prepared by our experts.

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2025/2026 Rates (USD)

Service Tier 1 Guest 2 Guests 3 Guests 4 Guests 5 Guests 6 Guests 7 Guests 8 Guests 9 Guests 10 Guests
Mid-RangeComfort Lodges $2,291 $2,060 $1,872 $1,779 $1,722 $1,685 $1,658 $1,779 $1,750 $1,722
LuxuryPremium Camps $2,297 $2,065 $1,877 $1,783 $1,726 $1,689 $1,662 $1,783 $1,754 $1,726

Frequently Asked Questions

Our safari prices typically include park fees, accommodation as per your chosen tier (Mid-Range, Luxury, or Exclusive), private 4x4 vehicle, professional English-speaking guide, all meals on safari, and Flying Doctor emergency evacuation cover. International flights, visas, tips, and personal expenses are not included.

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At Visit Tanzania, every itinerary is adjustable. Our specialists work closely with you to customize this trip to your exact preferences.

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