Encompassing lesser-known parks, Tanzania’s Southern Safari Circuit is ideal for solitude and diverse wildlife. Have the wilderness seemingly all to yourself as you explore coastal forests, vast grasslands, and incredible lava flows.
With Mount Kilimanjaro as the backdrop, see huge herds of elephants making their way across the plains, as well as a variety of stunning bird species.
Must-Visit Areas in the Southern Safari Circuit
Hike through the African wilderness on a birdwatching safari and see a rare antelope species:
Chyulu Hills National Park: Rolling Green Hills of Africa
Known as the Green Hills of Kenya, Chyulu Hills National Park features rolling green hills, lava flows, and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. As this is a lesser-visited park, you can expect to have the vast expanse of wilderness here all to yourself while visiting on a Kenya safari. This is a fantastic area for bush trekking as well as birdwatching.
Shimba Hills National Reserve: Home of the Rare Sable Antelope
The beautiful coastal forests that make up this area are home to the last breeding herd of the rare sable antelope in Kenya. These forests also host a variety of bird species, making it an excellent stop for twitchers.
When’s the Best Time to Visit the Southern Safari Circuit?
December to March and June to September are the best times of the year for wildlife viewing on a Kenya safari, thanks to the drier conditions. April and May, as well as October and November, are months known for their lush greenery and flowered landscapes due to the high rainfall. You can also expect stunning birdwatching opportunities.
Wildlife Found in the Southern Safari Circuit
Sable antelopes roam this region, as do large herds of elephants. While on game drives here, you’ll also have the opportunity to spot buffaloes, waterbucks, giraffes, and bushbucks.
If you visit while on a Kenya birdwatching safari tour, you can see over 200 species here, including coastal endemics. The African fish eagle, yellow-throated longclaw, silvery-cheeked hornbill, Uluguru violet-backed sunbird, and more can be found here.
How to Get to the Southern Safari Circuit
The Southern Circuit is easily reachable from Nairobi or Mombasa via domestic flights to nearby airstrips.