South And West Tanzania
South and western Tanzania are often overlooked by those intent on visiting the more famous northern parks, yet the merits of these regions are widely regarded among passionate safari-goers. The southern parks of Selous and Ruaha have seriously good wildlife, a wider choice of activities than the north, and are good value for money. The Western parks, Mahale and Katavi, are expensive to get to, but are a league of their own, with very individual safari opportunities. South and west Tanzania are underused yet exceptional safari areas – this is their charm.
Southern Tanzania
This region includes the Selous Game Reserve, and Ruaha National Park. The Selous, a great favouite of ours, is Africa’s largest and oldest game reserve. It is a stunning, riverine landscape with huge numbers of animals, yet remains remarkably unknown. Boating safaris and guided walks here are some of the best. While Selous is essentially green, dense bush and watery, Ruaha is by contrast dry, red-earth, ancient plains. Here, buffalo from vast herds duel with lion prides, and elephant concentrations are among the highest on this incredible continent. There are superb accommodation options in both parks. Western Tanzania Katavi National Park takes Ruaha’s wild to a completely different level. Often referred to as one of the few remaining areas of pristine wilderness, this is a destination for passionate safari-goers; no fancy honeymoon stuff here! Katavi is all about Africa’s Big Game, with options for camping, walking and experiencing the wild side. Mahale Mountains National Park, on the banks of Lake Tanganyika, is both stunning for its wildlife and location and for the incredible accommodation from which to enjoy it, at the ultimately stylish and luxurious Greystoke Camp. Here is the best chimpanzee viewing in Africa. South and West, or the Serengeti? All the safari regions of Tanzania are sure to take your breath away. The Serengeti and the Northern Circuit are popular for a reason – they are outstanding parks, and the Great Migration is an awesome spectacle to witness. We wholly encourage all Serengeti dreams! But if the Serengeti is not your main focus, and you just want to experience fantastic African wildlife, then consider heading South – especially between July and October. In all of the years that we have been operating, we have organised thousands of safaris for first-timers and experienced safari-buffs, and we have all travelled to both areas ourselves on a number of different occasions…and, overall, we prefer the south. There are two main reasons; first, southern and western safaris are quieter and more personal. It is genuinely possible not to see another vehicle down here. Second, and equally valid, you don’t have to sit in a 4x4! All the parks in the south and west offer a range of activities that the northern safari parks cannot, such as boating, walking and fly camping. Also consider these parks are better value for money, as the guiding tends to be of a better standard, due to the fact that the guides here live in their camps. Please feel free to phone us up to discuss the differences; we have been everywhere and pride ourselves on offering impartial advice – unlike many other companies! Please see our testimonials page for more feedback in this regard. 
Ruaha is the 'other park' in the southern circuit and really provides a great sense of raw African wilderness. The game-viewing here is excellent, with large prides of lion and good numbers of elephant. It works well in conjunction with Selous as a different landscape and safari experience. 
Katavi is one of Africa’s most remote locations, and a location that hosts incredibly high densities of Africa’s largest game. Huge buffalo herds, massive lion prides and a density of elephant, hippo and crocodile that is hard to match make Katavi a very rare little gem of a park.
Regarded by many as one of Africa’s finest destinations, Mahale is one of those once in a lifetime locations. Stretching out along the shore of Lake Tanganyika, the Mahale National Park Mountain range is home to families of chimpanzees that provide for the world's finest chimpanzee viewing. 
Selous is Africa’s largest and oldest game reserve, and one of its most scenic wildlife destinations. With its rivers and lakes, open vistas and green woodlands, Selous is utterly beautiful. The beauty of the reserve is matched by the quality of safaris here; boating safaris, walking and fly camping compliment standard game driving in areas with masses of wildlife action.
Recommended in this area:
Mahale Mountains
Greystoke is a 'nowhere else in the world' place. A 'nothing touches this' spot. On the shores of lake Tanganika and beneath the towering peaks of Mahale Mountains, this is a beautiful, bohemian hideaway, perfectly situated for watching chimps.
Selous
We really like Beho Beho, and not just for the luxury! It combines all the elements that make the safari experience memorable, with beautiful views, great game and fantastic guides. In our view, it is easily the best lodge in the park and one of the top 3 in Africa! Ruaha
In the north of Ruaha National Park, Mwagusi is a rare gem on the safari circuit, a privately owned lodge in possibly the best game area of Ruaha. If you are looking for a serious big game safari, look no further.
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