Southern Tanzania
Nyerere National Park
Tanzania’s largest national park, famous for Rufiji River boat safaris, wild landscapes, and diverse wildlife experiences.
Explore Park →Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s most iconic safari destination. It is famous for its endless golden plains and rich wildlife. The park is renowned for the Great Migration, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. It covers 14,750 km² and is one of the largest ecosystems on Earth. It is incredibly diverse. It is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) and over 500 bird species.
Ruaha National Park is widely rated as one of Tanzania’s most authentic safari destinations. Travellers highlight its vast wilderness, low tourist numbers, large elephant herds, and excellent sightings of lions, leopards, and wild dogs. Many describe it as a “true wilderness experience” with fewer vehicles and untouched landscapes compared to northern parks.
Read Full Reviews → Home to the Great Migration – Over 1.5 million wildebeest & zebras
Big Five safaris – See lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos & buffalo
Diverse landscapes – Grasslands, woodlands, rivers & kopjes
UNESCO World Heritage Site & Africa’s most famous safari park
Domestic Flights: There are daily flights from Arusha, Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam. These flights go to Serengeti’s Seronera, Kogatende, or Grumeti airstrips (1-2 hours).
International Flights: Arrive in Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR). Then, take a domestic flight to Serengeti.
From Arusha: A 7-hour scenic drive via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
From Mwanza: A 3-4 hour drive from Mwanza city (near Lake Victoria).
Serengeti is one of the best places on Earth for wildlife safaris, offering:
Lions (3,000+ population) – Found in Seronera, Moru Kopjes & Northern Serengeti
Leopards – Best seen in Central Serengeti & river line forests
Elephants – Found in Northern Serengeti & Grumeti region
Buffaloes – Large herds in Central & Southern Serengeti
Rhinos – Rare but spotted in Moru Kopjes
Over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and 500,000 gazelles migrate in search of fresh grasslands.
Great Migration Calendar: January – March: Calving season in Southern Serengeti (Ndutu region)
April – May: Migration moves to Central Serengeti
June – July: River crossings at Grumeti River (Western Serengeti)
August – October: Mara River crossings (Northern Serengeti)
November – December: Migration returns to Southern Serengeti
Experience morning and evening game drives for the best chance to see predators in action.
Best Areas for Game Drives: Seronera (Central Serengeti) – Lions, cheetahs & leopards
Moru Kopjes – Rhino sightings & scenic landscapes
Grumeti River (Western Corridor) – Hippos, crocodiles & migration crossings
Float over the endless Serengeti plains at sunrise, watching herds of animals from above. Includes a champagne breakfast after landing.
Best Time for Balloon Safari: Year-round, but best during Great Migration (June – October).
Guided walking safaris allow you to explore the wildlife, plants, and tracks up close, away from vehicles.
Best Areas for Walking Safaris: Moru Kopjes & Southern Serengeti
Spot leopards, hyenas, serval cats & porcupines on a night safari in Grumeti Reserve & private concessions.
Four Seasons Serengeti Lodge – Five-star luxury with infinity pools & spa
Singita Sasakwa Lodge – Exclusive lodge with private game drives
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge – Stunning views & traditional African design
Kati Kati Tented Camp – Best for immersive tented safari experiences
Serengeti Wild Camp – Affordable tented camp with great wildlife access
Public Campsites – Best for adventure travelers & backpackers
Best for the Great Migration: June – October (Mara & Grumeti River crossings)
Best for Predator Sightings: June – March (Lions, cheetahs, and leopards are highly active)
Best for Calving Season: January – March (Ndutu region, South Serengeti)
Annual Events in Serengeti:
Serengeti Marathon (November) – A unique race through the Serengeti
Photography Safaris (Year-Round) – Best for wildlife photography enthusiasts
Explore more of Southern Tanzania by combining Ruaha National Park with nearby wilderness destinations, chimpanzee trekking experiences, and classic safari circuits.
Tanzania’s largest national park, famous for Rufiji River boat safaris, wild landscapes, and diverse wildlife experiences.
Explore Park →
One of the most accessible safari parks in Tanzania, known for lions, elephants, giraffes, and open savannah plains.
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A hidden gem of Western Tanzania offering raw safari experiences, huge buffalo herds, hippos, and untouched wilderness.
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Discover rainforest trails, waterfalls, endemic primates, and scenic hiking adventures in Tanzania’s biodiversity hotspot.
Explore Park →Ruaha Safari Experts
Discover one of Africa’s most untouched wilderness destinations with a tailor-made Ruaha National Park safari. From luxury fly-in safaris and classic game drives to photography expeditions and Southern Tanzania combinations, Paka Adventures designs personalised Ruaha itineraries for couples, families, photographers, and wildlife lovers.
Start planning your Ruaha National Park safari today:
