Oliver Fox of Foxes Safari Camps, one of the pioneering operators in Southern Tanzania, joins us to uncover the secrets of the uncrowded wilderness found here. You’ll discover why places like Ruaha, Nyerere, and Katavi offer an immensely private safari experience, hosting just 20,000 visitors a year versus half a million in the north, and how this exclusivity allows you to feel more like an explorer than a tourist. Learn about the south's spectacular wildlife, including Ruaha's record-setting lion density (over 10% of Africa's population) and Nyerere's stronghold for wild dogs.
Time Stamps
| 00:31| Southern vs. Northern Tanzania: Oliver explains the biggest difference between the safari experience in the south versus the north.
| 02:17 | Exclusivity & Guiding: The vast protected areas in the South and the feeling of being an explorer rather than just an observer, relying on old-fashioned tracking skills.
| 06:40 | Wildlife by Park: Highlighting specific wildlife strongholds: Nyerere (two-thirds of world's Wild Dog), Ruaha (highest density of Lion in the world, prides over 20), Katavi (massive herds of Buffalo over 1,000).
| 08:23 | Wild Dog Stronghold: Discussion on Southern Tanzania being Africa's best stronghold for Wild Dog (Painted Wolf), with Nyerere having the highest density, and the prevalence of sightings across all Southern parks.
| 11:32 | Logistics and Travel: How to travel the Southern Circuit. Bush flights are common due to distances but road safaris are possible (approx. 7 hours between parks).
| 14:38 | The Green Season (Nov-May): Discussion on the best time to visit; the Short Rains are the "best of both worlds" (lush, dramatic skies, good wildlife viewing) vs. the Long Rains of March-May.
| 19:19 | Biggest Misconception: The misconception that Southern Tanzania is not suitable for first-time safari-goers.
| 22:36 | Quiet Areas Appeal: Many new safari-goers are actively seeking less crowded, quieter destinations.
| 23:11 | Foxes Camps Origin Story: Oliver discusses the challenges and rewards of being one of the first operators (starting in the 1960s/70s/80s) during the era of socialism and self-reliance.
| 24:28 | Self-Reliance & Responsible Tourism: Explanation of how initial logistical challenges led to establishing their own farm, forestry, and processing their own timber, resulting in Fox's being the first carbon-negative airline in Africa.
| 26:00 | Conservation Impact: Discussing the reward of seeing tourism drive conservation, including his grandfather co-founding Friends of Ruaha Society and the family's role in the creation of Sadani National Park.
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