Twelve days weave together the very best of southern Tanzania and the Indian Ocean. Begin on the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park with boat safaris and walking, journey by light aircraft into the elephant wilderness of Ruaha, then finish on the white sands of Zanzibar.
This ultimate itinerary blends wild game viewing with barefoot beach luxury, staying in exclusive tented camps and an elegant coastal retreat, guided by experts at every stage.
Fly from Dar es Salaam into Nyerere National Park, landing near the Rufiji River after a short flight. Your guide transfers you to a luxury tented camp on the riverbank. Settle in over lunch, then enjoy a gentle afternoon boat safari among hippos, crocodiles and elephants.
Spend the day on and beside the Rufiji River, with a morning boat safari through lakes and side channels alive with birdlife. Watch fish eagles, kingfishers and elephants along the shore. An afternoon cruise or drive completes a full day of water-focused wildlife viewing.
Explore Nyerere's plains and woodlands by four-by-four in search of lion, giraffe, buffalo and the park's celebrated African wild dogs. A bush breakfast or picnic lunch extends your time in the field. Return to camp for a riverside sundowner as the day cools.
Set out on a morning walking safari with an armed ranger, then visit the Lake Tagalala area and its natural hot springs. The afternoon is yours to relax at camp or take a final boat cruise. Enjoy your last evening in the wild heart of Nyerere.
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for a light-aircraft flight to Ruaha National Park at Msembe airstrip. Baobab-studded hills and the Great Ruaha River replace the waterways of the south. An afternoon game drive introduces this vast, remote wilderness.
Dedicate the day to Ruaha's dramatic landscapes, home to huge elephant herds and formidable lion prides. Drives along the Great Ruaha and its sand rivers reveal kudu, giraffe and abundant plains game. Return to your tented camp for dinner beneath the stars.
Combine a morning walking safari with an armed guide and an afternoon game drive into Ruaha's baobab country. Track big cats, watch elephants in the woodland and pause for a picnic in the shade. The park's remoteness offers a true sense of wild Africa.
Enjoy a final, unhurried day in Ruaha with morning and afternoon drives at your own pace. Seek out lingering wildlife along the river and soak in the scale of the landscape. A last bush sundowner marks the end of your time in the interior.
After a morning game drive and breakfast, transfer to Msembe airstrip for a light-aircraft flight toward the coast, connecting to Zanzibar. Trade dust for sea breeze as you arrive at an elegant beachfront retreat. The afternoon is free to relax by the Indian Ocean.
Take a guided tour of historic Stone Town, wandering its spice-scented lanes, old fort and bustling markets. Return to the coast for an afternoon of swimming, snorkelling or simply resting on the white sand. Watch the sun set over the ocean from your beachside retreat.
Spend a full day enjoying the island at your own pace. Snorkel over coral reefs, take a dhow cruise, visit a spice farm or unwind on the beach with a book. This is time to reflect on your safari and savour the tropical calm.
Enjoy a final leisurely morning by the sea before checking out. Transfer to Zanzibar airport for your onward flight home or to Dar es Salaam. Your ultimate southern Tanzania and Zanzibar journey comes to a close.
8 Days
6 Days
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