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Three giraffes standing in golden African savannah grassland at dawn
Vurara SafarisSafarisTanzania Southern Circuit
Vurara Safaris Operated

Tanzania Southern Circuit

Remote wilderness away from the crowds

Tanzania9–14 daysLuxury$10k–$18k/ppJun–Oct

Core destinations

Ruaha National ParkSelous/NyerereKatavi National Park

Is this right for you?

Best for

Experienced safari travelers seeking genuine remoteness, lower visitor density, and walking safari opportunities.

repeat visitoradventurephotography

Trade-offs

  • Limited infrastructure means fewer accommodation options
  • Longer transfer times and typically requires charter flights
  • Less predictable wildlife concentrations than northern circuit

Not for you if

  • Your total budget is under $10,000 per person
  • You prioritize value over comfort and exclusivity
  • You prefer minimal physical activity on holiday
  • You prefer to experience wildlife without a camera
  • You want the classic, well-trodden safari route

These are filters, not judgments. The right trip exists for every traveler. Browse other options

Looks like a fit?

We'll customize this around your dates and preferences

Plan this safari

What your days look like

A typical day on safari in Tanzania

Dawn

5:30am wake-up call, coffee on the veranda as the sky lightens

Morning

6:00am game drive departing camp, searching for predators on the hunt

Midday

Return to camp for brunch, siesta during heat of day, optional pool or spa

Afternoon

4:00pm afternoon drive, sundowner drinks as the light turns golden

Evening

Return for dinner under the stars, sharing stories of the day's sightings

Night

Fall asleep to hyena calls and lion roars echoing across the plains

Great Migration River Crossings

Witnessing hundreds of thousands of wildebeest plunge into the Mara River, facing crocodiles and currents. Tanzania's northern Serengeti offers the most dramatic crossings from July through October.

📷 Massive wildebeest herd crossing crocodile-infested Mara River with spray and drama

Where you'll stay

All accommodation types

Accommodation styles available in Tanzania for this trip type

Classic Safari Lodge

$$$Widely available

Permanent structure with individual rooms or suites, typically stone or thatch construction. Common areas include dining room, lounge, pool. Full service with staff.

Best for:

First-time safari visitors; those wanting reliable comfort; families; couples

+ Consistent comfort
- Less intimate than camps

📷 Stone and thatch safari lodge with swimming pool overlooking African savanna at sunset

Permanent Tented Camp

$$$Widely available

Canvas tents on raised platforms or concrete bases, with en-suite bathrooms, proper beds, and often verandas. Combines outdoor immersion with comfort.

Best for:

Those wanting bush atmosphere with comfort; second-time safari visitors; photographers

+ Authentic bush feel
- Canvas offers less insulation

📷 Luxury canvas tent on wooden platform with private deck overlooking river at dawn

Mobile Tented Camp

$$$Available

Lightweight camp that moves seasonally to follow wildlife. Canvas tents with camp beds, bucket showers, and bush toilets. Staff-to-guest ratio often 1:1.

Best for:

Adventure-oriented travelers; those following migration; experienced safari-goers

Migration-following camps in Serengeti

+ Follows the action
- Basic amenities

📷 Small tented camp setup in remote bush with safari vehicle and wildebeest migration in background

Fly Camp / Sleep-out

$$$Available

Single-night experience sleeping under stars or minimal canvas, away from main camp. Bedroll, mosquito net, armed guard. Maximum wilderness immersion.

Best for:

Adventurous travelers; repeat safari visitors; those seeking transformative experiences

Southern circuit

+ Unfiltered wilderness
- Minimal comfort

📷 Bedroll under mosquito net with African night sky full of stars and distant campfire glow

Note: Vurara Safaris doesn't list specific lodges or camps. We select properties based on your preferences, timing, and availability during trip planning.

Typical cost range

$10k–$18k/pp

Per person, land costs

Excluding international flights, includes charter flights

What affects this range
Pushes cost up
  • +Peak season (Jul-Oct) adds 20-40% to accommodation rates
  • +Charter flights between camps (often $300-600 per segment)
  • +Exclusive-use or small-camp positioning
Reduces cost
  • Larger groups (4-6 people) reduce per-person costs significantly
  • Green season rates (if available) can reduce costs 20-40%
  • Stepping down to quality mid-range camps

These are cost bands, not quotes. Vurara Safaris provides custom pricing based on your specific dates, group size, and accommodation preferences. Ranges reflect 2024-2025 operator rates and are updated periodically.

Before you book

Variants

The same route can work at different comfort levels

This trip shape

Premium Experience

9–14 days covering Ruaha National Park, Selous/Nyerere, Katavi National Park. Premium camps with private guiding.

Exclusive camps, private vehicles

Mid-Range Alternative

Similar experience with well-regarded lodges at more accessible pricing.

Good value, solid experience

High-stakes decisions ahead

Consider Decision Assurance for evidence-backed guidance

Learn more