Ruaha and Nyerere National Parks: Southern Tanzania Safari Guide
Wilder and quieter than the north, the south offers boats, walks and few other vehicles.
Ruaha National Park is Tanzania's largest, with rugged hills, baobab-studded plains and the Great Ruaha River. It has many lions, elephants and kudu, and wild dogs in some seasons. Visitors are few, and the sense of space is part of the appeal.
Nyerere National Park, part of the former Selous Game Reserve, is centred on the Rufiji River. Boat safaris, walking safaris and fly-camping are available. Both parks are reached by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam or Arusha. See northern versus southern circuit.
This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Ruaha: Largest national park in Tanzania
- Nyerere: Rufiji River boat safaris
- Access: Light aircraft
- Best months: June to October
Ruaha
Big prides of lions, large elephant herds and rare antelopes such as greater kudu are highlights. Dry-season game viewing concentrates along the river.
Nyerere
Boat trips on the Rufiji and lakes bring hippos, crocodiles and birdlife close. Walks add a different perspective.
Planning
Combine the south with Zanzibar or the coast. Our 10-day southern safari is an example.
Adding Tanzania to a Uganda safari? Tell us your dates and we will arrange one itinerary with flights, transfers and lodges for both countries.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Tanzania Northern vs Southern Circuit: Which Safari Route Should You Choose?
- Tanzania Travel Guide: Where It Is, Capital, Map, Parks and Best Time to Visit
- Zanzibar and Stone Town: Beaches, History and Combining With a Safari
- Gombe and Mahale Chimpanzee Trekking in Tanzania: Lake Tanganyika's Remote Forests
- Kilimanjaro Routes Compared: Machame, Lemosho, Marangu, Rongai and Northern Circuit
- Kilimanjaro Best Time to Climb and Altitude Sickness: A Practical Guide
- Tanzania Safari and Travel Guides: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
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