RoadAtlas
Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous — Tanzania — Wildlife
Africa

Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous

Tanzania

In short: Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous is a 1,050 km wildlife road trip in Tanzania, typically driven over 10-14 days, best in June-October. Highlights: Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park, Iringa.

Distance
1,050 km
Duration
10-14 days
Best Season
June-October
NotableModerate4WD onlyWildlifePermit required

This southern Tanzania safari drive links Dar es Salaam with the country’s quieter wildlife strongholds, from Mikumi’s open plains to the baobab-studded baobab woodlands of Ruaha and the river-and-lake landscapes around Nyerere, formerly Selous. It is a long, rewarding circuit of game drives, bush camps, and remote park roads.

~1 refuel
~3 charges
Practical notes
A 4WD is strongly recommended because park roads can be rough, sandy, and slow, especially after rain. Carry extra fuel and cash, and confirm gate hours and park fees before departure. In the wet season, some tracks and ferries may become impassable.
Explore on the interactive map →

Plan this trip

Self-guided audio toursExplore local stories near city stops Hotels for this tripCompare stays before you go Flights for this tripCompare flight options before you go Car rental for this tripCompare rental options before you drive

Third-party planning links may be affiliate links. RoadAtlas stays independent, and you should verify details with the provider.

Stops along the route

Dar es Salaam — Departure — Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous — Tanzania
Departure
Dar es Salaam
Busy coast city and the launch point for the southern safari drive. Stock up before heading inland.
Iringa — City — Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous — Tanzania
City
Iringa
Hill town with cool air, lodges, and a useful refuel break. It is a practical gateway to the Ruaha road.
Dar es Salaam — Arrival — Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous — Tanzania
Arrival
Dar es Salaam
Return to the coast after the long safari loop. Finish with fuel, a meal, and a flight or beach extension.

Things to Do

Mikumi National Park — Nature — Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous — Tanzania
Nature
Mikumi National Park
Open plains and roadside wildlife make Mikumi an easy first safari stop. Giraffe, zebra, and elephants are often close to the road.
Ruaha National Park — Nature — Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous — Tanzania
Nature
Ruaha National Park
Remote baobab country with big skies and fewer vehicles. Expect long game drives through dry riverbeds and wild savanna.
Msembe Airstrip — Landmark — Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous — Tanzania
Landmark
Msembe Airstrip
Small bush airstrip near the park hub and camp area. It is a useful reference point for reaching Ruaha lodges.
Nyerere National Park — Nature — Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous — Tanzania
Nature
Nyerere National Park
A huge river park with floodplains, lakes, and boat safari country. Wildlife viewing here feels broad, quiet, and remote.
Matambwe Gate — Landmark — Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous — Tanzania
Landmark
Matambwe Gate
One of the access points into the Nyerere wilderness. It marks the shift from town roads to park tracks and river country.
Game Drive in Mikumi National Park — Safari — Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous — Tanzania
Safari
Game Drive in Mikumi National Park
Scan the open plains for elephant, buffalo, lion, and large antelope. It is one of the easiest places on the route for classic safari viewing.
Ruaha National Park Game Drive — Safari — Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous — Tanzania
Safari
Ruaha National Park Game Drive
Explore baobab hills, dry riverbeds, and remote tracks by 4WD. The park is known for big cats, elephants, and dramatic scenery.
Great Ruaha River Viewpoint — Nature viewpoint — Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous — Tanzania
Nature viewpoint
Great Ruaha River Viewpoint
Watch for animals at the riverbanks and broad floodplain edges. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to stop.
Boat Safari on the Rufiji River — Boat safari — Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous — Tanzania
Boat safari
Boat Safari on the Rufiji River
Cruise the river channels and look for hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. This is one of the signature experiences in Nyerere.
Stiegler's Gorge Viewpoint — Landmark — Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous — Tanzania
Landmark
Stiegler's Gorge Viewpoint
Visit the dramatic gorge area for wide river scenery and a remote park feel. It adds variety to the safari drive with a striking landscape stop.

Where to Eat

Akemi Revolving Restaurant — International — Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous — Tanzania
International
Akemi Revolving Restaurant
Classic Dar es Salaam stop for a pre-trip meal with city views. Good for a relaxed lunch or dinner before the drive inland.
Mamboz Corner BBQ — Tanzanian barbecue — Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous — Tanzania
Tanzanian barbecue
Mamboz Corner BBQ
Popular grilled meat stop in Dar es Salaam with a casual roadside feel. A solid place to grab nyama choma before departure.
Fifi's Restaurant and Cafe — Cafe and Swahili — Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous — Tanzania
Cafe and Swahili
Fifi's Restaurant and Cafe
Well-known stop in Morogoro for coffee, pastries, and simple meals. Useful for breaking up the inland drive with a clean sit-down meal.
The Ruaha River Lodge — Lodge dining — Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous — Tanzania
Lodge dining
The Ruaha River Lodge
Remote safari lodge dining near Ruaha with hearty meals after game drives. Book ahead if you are not staying overnight.
Southern Sun Dar es Salaam — Hotel dining — Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous — Tanzania
Hotel dining
Southern Sun Dar es Salaam
Reliable city restaurant for a final meal on the return leg. Good for a comfortable dinner after the long drive back.

Explore related routes

Tanzania road trips Notable Wildlife & Safari Drives Africa routes

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous drive?

The Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous covers 1,050 km from start to finish.

How long does the Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous take to drive?

Most travellers spend 10-14 days on the Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous?

The recommended season for the Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous is June-October.

What are the main stops on the Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous?

The Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous passes through Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park, Iringa.

How difficult is the Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous to drive?

The Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous is rated moderate and is best handled with 4wd only.

Do I need a 4WD for the Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous?

Yes — the Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous includes off-road or rough sections that require 4wd only.

Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous?

Yes — the Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: A 4WD is strongly recommended because park roads can be rough, sandy, and slow, especially after rain. Carry extra fuel and cash, and confirm gate hours and park fees before departure. In the wet season, some tracks and ferries may become impassable.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous?

Plan around 1 refuels (or about 3 EV charges) along the Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous, based on its 1,050 km length.

Is the Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous safe to drive?

A 4WD is strongly recommended because park roads can be rough, sandy, and slow, especially after rain. Carry extra fuel and cash, and confirm gate hours and park fees before departure. In the wet season, some tracks and ferries may become impassable.

What scenic tier is the Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous?

The Tanzania Southern Circuit Ruaha and Selous is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.