Welcome to Southern Highlands

Tanzania’s Southern Highlands officially begin at Makambako Gap, about halfway between Iringa and Mbeya, and extend southwards into Malawi. Here the term encompasses the entire region along the mountainous chain running between Morogoro in the east and Lake Nyasa and the Zambian border in the west.

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The highlands are a major transit route for travellers to Malawi or Zambia, and an important agricultural area. They are also wonderfully scenic and a delight to explore, with rolling hills, lively markets, jacaranda-lined streets, lovely lodges and plenty of wildlife. Hike in the Udzungwa Mountains, watch wildlife in Mikumi or Ruaha National Parks, get to know the matrilineal Luguru people in the Uluguru Mountains, or head well off the beaten track to the heart of the Southern Highlands in Tanzania’s southwesternmost corner. Here wild orchids carpet sections of Kitulo National Park and verdant mountains cascade down to the idyllic shores of Lake Nyasa.

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Top experiences in Southern Highlands

Travel guides

Starting at $36.39

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Southern Highlands activities

$4929.15 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Cape Town to the Serengeti

Marvel at the world's highest sand dunes, float through the Okavango in a dugout "mokoro" canoe, and meet the San Bushmen in the blazing Kalahari Desert on this epic overland adventure. Journey across nearly half of the African continent — from the southern tip of Africa to Kenya — and soak up the vibrant colours, culture, and scenery of eight countries. Our Landos (overland adventure vehicles) are an adventurous and affordable way to enjoy the region’s intriguing combination of wilderness and rural villages while camping under Africa’s big sky will provide a unique perspective. Take the road less travelled and come away with jaw-dropping photographs and a deeper understanding of this incredible continent.
$4559.20 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Serengeti, Falls & Cape Town Adventure

Marvel at some of the world's highest sand dunes, float through the Okavango Delta, and meet the San Bushmen in the blazing Kalahari Desert on this epic overland adventure. Explore eight countries all in one 40-day trip, beginning in Kenya and moving down towards Africa's southernly tip. Our Landos (overland adventure vehicles) are an adventurous and inexpensive way to enjoy the region’s intriguing combination of wilderness and rural villages, while camping under Africa’s big sky will provide a unique perspective. Take the road less traveled and come away with jaw-dropping photographs and a deeper understanding of this incredible continent.
$8499 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Ultimate Africa

Spanning nine countries, this journey is full of diverse cultures, abundant wildlife, spectacular landscapes, stunning beaches, and loads of adventure. Track the Big Five across open savannah, explore the Okavango Delta in a dugout mokoro canoe, encounter gorillas deep in the Ugandan wilderness – do it all on this ultimate 52-day adventure and get a real feel for how large Africa truly is. Travel aboard our rugged overland adventure vehicle (OAV) is well-paced and wilderness camping will bring you closer to the region’s wildlife. Encounter rare wildlife and real people on this unique and cost-effective journey through the stunning scenery of Southern and East Africa.
$2719.20 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Serengeti to Victoria Falls Adventure

Inhale the fragrant perfume of Zanzibar’s spice plantations, hunt for the perfect snapshot of the ever-elusive Big Five across the Serengeti, feel the thunder of Victoria Falls – uncover the spectacular highlights of five African countries on this stellar 20-day adventure. Enjoy the stunning wilderness and rural villages from the comfort of our overland adventure vehicle (OAV) and camp under the big African sky for a unique perspective of this majestic land. With a unique itinerary that offers plenty of options, uncover all that this diverse region has to offer.
$3781.65 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Falls, Beaches & Serengeti Adventure (Northbound)

Connecting two major hubs, this overland journey will take you from Johannesburg to Nairobi and into the stunning wilderness of the seven countries that lie in between. Track Africa’s Big Five on safari drives in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro and head to the Okavango Delta for a wildlife walk and mokoro canoe excursion. Inhale the mists of Victoria Falls and the fragrant air of spice plantations in Zanzibar. You'll make your discoveries from a rugged Lando, ready to take on Africa. Combine this with bush camping, a social atmosphere, and a comprehensive itinerary and you have one hell of an adventure.

$2436.75 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Victoria Falls and Serengeti Adventure

Inhale the fragrant perfume of Zanzibar’s spice plantations, hunt for the perfect snapshot of the ever-elusive "big five," feel the thunder of Victoria Falls. Uncover the spectacular highlights of five African countries on this stellar 20-day adventure. Enjoy an intriguing combination of stunning wilderness and rural villages from the comfort of the Lando (overland adventure vehicle) and camp under the big African sky for a unique perspective of this majestic land. With a unique itinerary that offers plenty of options, uncover all that this diverse region has to offer.
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