Southern Tanzania - Ruaha and Selous
Southern Tanzania arguably has more in common with Southern African countries like Zambia, than it does with Northern Tanzania and the rest of East Africa. The southern parks Ruaha and Selous aren't as well known, or as much visited as the north, but to say that they're anybody's secret is probably sadly no longer true.
However, the very different style of safari on offer here, in combination with the excellent game viewing, make the south well worth a visit, particularly during the dry season months between June and October. At this time game viewing in Ruaha in particular can be superb; large herds of buffalo and elephant and plenty of lion and even leopard. If you're after the best from Ruaha then we'd recommend somewhere like Mwagusi Safari Camp - it's a great little camp with lots of character in one of the best locations in Ruaha. Alternatively, if you're after something more luxurious, Jongomero in the far west of the park is a little quieter game-wise but offers good walking.
In the Selous there are a number of good options to look at. On the main Rufiji River and probably the best located of any of the camps are Sand Rivers and, if you'd like total privacy, its small totally private sister camp Kiba Point. A few miles to the north and situated on a game rich sand river is Beho Beho, which has earned itself a superb reputation for its excellent standards throughout.
Further east in the Selous, the river divides into numerous small channels where you'll find the excellent Selous Impala, which we really like and which isn't ludicrously expensive, as well as Selous Safari Camp.
Unlike the north, where most people drive between the different areas with a private vehicle and guide, in the south the greater distances and lack of infrastructure, mean that the majority of people fly between camps. One obvious upshot of this is that there is less traffic, and this is immediately obvious in certain parts of Ruaha and Selous (although even here there are parts to avoid).
In simple terms, the south is about small bush camps, a feeling of wilderness and a grass roots level of experience. The Selous in particular offers a great variety of different ways of seeing the wildlife and this is one of the main reasons to visit. Boat safaris, walking safaris, sleeping out under the stars are just some of the things that on offer.
Having lived in Southern Tanzania - both Ruaha and Selous - for many years, our advice would be that these are not places to be rushed. If you give your self time (don't try to do less than 3 days in either park) then the experience of the game in these parks can be second to none.
When is the best time for a safari to Tanzania?
Which are Tanzania's best game parks?
What are Tanzania's main safari Highlights?
An overview of Northern Tanzania - Serengeti and the rest
Why Tanzania is so good for a family safari
Combining a safari and time on the beach
A few of Tanzania's best small camps
More articles that you might find helpful
Walking Safaris in the Selous (video)
Under the stars
When's the best time to visit Ruaha?
Tanzania visa requirements
For videos, articles, ideas and news from Africa:
Have a look at our blog at safarigeek.com
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