Southern Tanzania Safaris with Twombili Tours
When it comes to authentic African safari experiences, few destinations match the breathtaking beauty and unspoiled wilderness of Southern Tanzania.
At Twombili Tours, we specialize in immersive, soul-stirring journeys that bring you face-to-face with nature in its purest form.
Imagine traversing golden plains in search of elusive leopards, drifting silently down the Rufiji River past crocodiles and yawning hippos, or walking through ancient baobab forests with a local guide who reads the landscape like a story.
This is the South. Wild. Intimate. Unforgettable.
Our safaris go far beyond sightseeing — they’re personal adventures rooted in deep local knowledge, cultural connection, and genuine hospitality. While our heart beats in the Southern Circuit, we also curate safaris to Northern Tanzania, Western chimpanzee territories, and the Coastal Circuit which includes the magical beaches of Zanzibar and Mafia Island as well as Bagamoyo and Tanga.
Let us guide you to a safari experience that feels like your own African story.
🦓 Why Choose Southern Tanzania?
Southern Tanzania is often called East Africa’s best-kept secret — and for good reason.
While the Northern Circuit dazzles with famous names, the South offers something rarer: space, silence, and safari magic without the crowds. It’s where seasoned travelers go when they want to see Africa as it truly is.
Here’s why more and more people are choosing Southern Tanzania Safaris:
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Fewer crowds, more intimate wildlife encounters
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Massive parks with diverse and untouched ecosystems
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Opportunities for walking, boat, and fly-camping safaris
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Exceptional birding, predator sightings, and seasonal migrations
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Eco-conscious lodges focused on sustainability and community partnerships
🌍 Top Parks in Southern Tanzania
Ruaha National Park
Tanzania’s largest national park is a land of rugged beauty and raw power. Elephants roam freely, lions rule the plains, and baobab trees tower like ancient guardians.
The Great Ruaha River draws animals from miles around, making it one of the best places in East Africa for predator sightings — including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and even the elusive African wild dog.
Story moment: One of our guests once spent a quiet hour watching a pride of lions nap beneath a baobab, only for them to spring into action when a herd of impala passed. That kind of cinematic moment is Ruaha’s signature.
Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous)
A vast mosaic of rivers, lakes, and miombo woodlands, Nyerere is perfect for water-based safaris. Glide silently past hippos on the Rufiji River, fish for tigerfish, or explore hidden backwaters teeming with birdlife.
It’s also one of the best parks for walking safaris — a true chance to feel the bush beneath your boots and hear the rustle of the wild all around you.
Best Time to Visit Southern Tanzania
Each season in Southern Tanzania offers a different safari experience — all of them extraordinary.
| Season | Months | Highlights |
| Dry Season | June – October | Peak wildlife viewing, minimal rain, easy access |
| Gree Season | November – March | Lush landscapes, great for birding & photography |
| Shoulder Season | May & November | Fewer tourists, excellent value, pleasant weather |
👉 Pro Tip: Shoulder months offer great value and fewer crowds, the dry season is ideal for game viewing, while the green season brings dramatic skies and vibrant life — perfect for photographers and adventurers alike.
🏕️ Safari Styles & Where to Stay
At Twombili Tours, we match you with experiences, not just lodges.
Whether you want barefoot luxury or an under-the-stars adventure, our handpicked safari partners deliver. You’ll find:
- Boutique eco-lodges with stunning views (e.g., Jabali Ridge, Roho ya Selous)
- Classic bush camps that take you back to safari’s golden age
- Mobile camps and fly-camping for the truly adventurous
All of our accommodation partners emphasize authenticity, comfort, and conservation.
✈️ Getting to Southern Tanzania
Reaching the Southern Circuit is easier than you think.
We arrange flights from Dar es Salaam to Ruaha (Msembe) or Nyerere (Siwandu/Sand Rivers). Safari starts the moment you touch down — no stress, no delays.
Coming from Arusha or Zanzibar? No problem. We handle all transfers seamlessly.
📅 Sample Itineraries We Recommend
Here are a few guest favorites:
- 7-Day Southern Explorer: Ruaha + Nyerere combo — two parks, two perspectives.
- 10-Day Safari & Zanzibar: Safari meets the sea — perfect for honeymoons or slow travel.
- 12-Day Southern + Northern: Compare Tanzania’s two faces: raw wilderness vs iconic savannahs.
- Custom: Tell us your dream. We’ll design the rest — photographers, families, solo travelers welcome.
🌐 Combine with Other Circuits or Zanzibar
Southern Tanzania is our soul, but your journey doesn’t stop there.
We can easily link your trip with:
- Northern Circuit: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire
- Western Circuit: Gombe & Mahale (for chimpanzee tracking)
- Zanzibar: End your safari with turquoise waters and Swahili charm
Every route is custom-built. We don’t do copy-paste packages.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Southern Tanzania good for first-time safari-goers?
A: Absolutely! You’ll enjoy a quieter, more immersive experience that’s perfect for couples, solo travelers, and families alike.
Q: Can I see the Big Five here?
A: Yes. While rhinos are rare in the south, you’ll find elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo in abundance — and likely more thrilling experiences than in busier parks.
Q: Are Southern safaris more expensive?
A: Actually, they’re often better value — especially when you factor in exclusivity, authenticity, and the quality of wildlife encounters.
💬 Ready to Plan Your Safari?
At Twombili Tours, we don’t just offer safaris — we craft life-changing journeys.
Our team of local experts handles every detail with care, insight, and heart. Whether you’re on your first safari or your fifth, we’ll make it feel like your own personal expedition into the wild.
👉 Contact us today to start planning your Southern Tanzania Safari.
