Why the South?
Posted on Tue June 23, 2026.
Mythbusting Southern Tanzania with Foxes Safari Camps.
In 2025, Foxes Safari Camps launched a series on ‘Myth-busting Southern Tanzania’. We released five short films that share the magic of a safari in southern and western Tanzania and the best ways and times to travel through our favourite part of the country.
In our series, we tackle the following topics to highlight this beautiful part of
- Southern Tanzania as a destination to visit
- Wildlife you can expect to see in the south
- Our seasons and what they each offer
- The Southern circuit and its accessibility
- Adventures and activities in the south
'Why the South?’ Mythbusting Southern Tanzania
“It needs to be noted that there is an entire south of Tanzania with over half of Tanzania’s protected lands in it” - Oliver Fox, Operations - Fox Safari Camps.
From diverse wilderness areas to unique endemic species, Southern Tanzania is not to be underestimated.
It has a high population of wildlife, the country’s two largest national parks, and low visitor numbers, making it the ideal safari destination.
Southern Tanzania delivers that “old-school safari feeling” of being explorers in an untouched land.
You can drive for hours and not see another car, stop to identify animal tracks in the sand, or be the only game vehicle at an elephant sighting, allowing you to sit and experience these gentle giants existing in their natural habitats.
'Why the South?’ Mythbusting Southern Tanzania - Wildlife Edition
Southern Tanzania has the greatest diversity of wild animals, not to mention the extensive bird species found here.
Our national parks each have their own unique landscapes, where visitors have the chance to see everything they would expect to see on safari.
Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) is home to the largest population of African wild dog in the world, while Ruaha has the country’s highest density of lion.
Besides the amazing big cats, elephant, and buffalo, there is a diverse range of antelope that can be seen as well as thriving bird life.
'Why the South?’ Mythbusting Southern Tanzania - Seasons Edition
There are distinct seasons in Southern Tanzania, which offer different experiences for safari goers.
The dry season is popular for its clearer visibility as the bush thins out without the rain, and the wildlife tends to congregate around the last remaining water sources.
The green season is a time of lush vegetation, calving season, and incredible birding opportunities as migratory birds return to the national parks.
There is a worthwhile reason to visit Southern and Western Tanzania in each of its seasons.
'Why the South?’ Mythbusting Southern Tanzania - The Southern Circuit
Tanzania's southern and western parks can be reached by our very own airline, Safari Air Link, or road transfers. Dar es Salaam is the main point of entry for the south, with cheaper international flight connections and more options.
“The most popular combination is three nights in two to three different national parks of the south, and most people like to enjoy a beach element at the end. There’s a lot of different options, from Zanzibar, Mafia Island, and Swahili Coast of mainland Tanzania where we have Lazy Lagoon Island Lodge. The amazing thing about the islands and the southern circuit is that they are so close to each other.” - Oliver Fox, Operations
Guests can fly between the southern and western national parks and then end their time with a beach element, as Zanzibar, Mafia Island, and the Swahili Coast are much closer to the southern circuit.
As Foxes Safari Camps handle all elements of the southern and western circuit, all of your bush and beach adventures are under one roof.
'Why the South?’ Mythbusting Southern Tanzania - Activities Edition
From classic game drives to unique river boat safaris, there is almost too much to fit into one itinerary.
A few highlights that we have in each of our lodges:
- Ruaha National Park: Game drives, guided walking safaris, fly camping, hot air balloon safaris, bush breakfasts, and sundowners along the river
- Mikumi National Park: Game drives, Udzungwa Excursion, bush breakfasts, and waterhole sundowners
- Lazy Lagoon Island Lodge: Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, Bagamoyo town tour, and a sandbar excursion
- Katavi National Park: Game drives, an excursion to the iconic Lake Katavi, guided walking safaris, picnic lunches in the bush
- Mufindi Highlands Lodge: Fly fishing, kayaking, horse riding, walking, lawn sports and montane forest exploration
- Nyerere National Park: River boat safaris on the great Rufiji River, game drives, guided walking safaris, bush breakfasts, and riverside sundowners
Experience our part of the country through hot air balloon rides, walking safaris, snorkelling along the Swahili coastline, or riding through the tea fields on horseback.
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