This grand fifteen-day expedition traces the finest of southern Tanzania before unwinding on the Indian Ocean. Journey from the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park to the baobab wildernesses of Ruaha and the open floodplains of Mikumi, moving by light aircraft and private vehicle between luxurious camps and lodges.
Boat safaris, walking safaris, fly-camping and unhurried game drives fill the safari chapters, thoughtfully paced with rest days. A short flight then carries you to Zanzibar for a Stone Town wander and several barefoot days on white-sand beaches, the perfect luxurious finale.
Arrive into Dar es Salaam and are met by a Kori Safaris representative for a private transfer to a refined city hotel. Settle in and rest after your international flight. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed dinner and a briefing on the adventure ahead.
Take a short light-aircraft flight from Dar es Salaam into Nyerere National Park along the Rufiji River. Your private guide transfers you to a luxury riverside tented camp for lunch and leisure. In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive on the floodplain, closing with sundowners as hippos emerge at dusk.
Begin with an early game drive tracking lions, giraffe and buffalo through the open woodland. Relax at camp during the heat of the day. In the afternoon, drift along the Rufiji on the park's signature boat safari, passing hippos, crocodiles and elephants at the water's edge beneath circling fish eagles.
Head out on foot with an armed ranger for a guided walking safari, reading tracks and learning the details of the bush. Drive on to Lake Tagalala and its hot springs, watching large numbers of hippos and crocodiles along the shore. Return to camp for an afternoon of rest and a riverside dinner.
Spend the day on an extended game drive into remote corners of Nyerere, pausing for a bush lunch in the shade. This evening, leave the main camp for a private fly-camping experience under simple canvas. Dinner is served around a crackling fire beneath a sky thick with stars.
After a final Nyerere game drive, transfer to the airstrip for a light-aircraft flight to Ruaha National Park, landing at Msembe airstrip. Your guide meets you and drives to a luxury tented camp set among the baobabs. Enjoy lunch, then an afternoon drive along the Great Ruaha River.
Devote a full day to Ruaha's rugged wilderness, where large elephant herds move beneath ancient baobabs. Search out the park's big lion prides and scan the rocky outcrops for leopard. A bush lunch in the shade breaks the day before an afternoon of golden-hour game viewing.
Rise early to look for greater and lesser kudu, along with giraffe and buffalo gathering near water. Follow the Great Ruaha River where game concentrates in the dry season. After a restful midday break at camp, enjoy a final Ruaha drive and sundowners over the plains.
Take today at a gentler pace, with a leisurely breakfast and time to enjoy the camp's setting. Opt for a short guided nature walk near camp or simply relax with a book and the sounds of the bush. A single unhurried afternoon drive rounds out this restful day.
Transfer to Msembe airstrip for a light-aircraft flight toward Mikumi National Park, then continue by road to a comfortable lodge near the park. Settle in with lunch and a briefing on the area. In the afternoon, take a first game drive across the open Mkata Floodplain.
Spend a full day exploring the Mkata Floodplain, often likened to a miniature Serengeti for its sweeping grasslands. Look for lions resting in the open, elephants, zebra, wildebeest and abundant plains game. A picnic lunch in the field keeps you out among the wildlife through the day.
Enjoy an early morning game drive in Mikumi, catching the floodplain at its most active. After brunch, transfer by road back toward Dar es Salaam through the changing scenery of the south. Overnight at a comfortable Dar es Salaam hotel, resting ahead of the island leg.
Take a short flight from Dar es Salaam across to Zanzibar, the fabled Spice Island. On arrival, enjoy a guided wander through the historic lanes of Stone Town, taking in its carved doors, markets and waterfront. Transfer to a luxury beach resort for a relaxed evening by the ocean.
Spend a full day at leisure on Zanzibar's white-sand beaches, swimming in the warm Indian Ocean or lazing beneath the palms. Optional excursions include a spice-farm tour, a dhow sail or snorkelling over nearby reefs. Watch the sun sink into the sea before a fresh seafood dinner.
Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast and a last morning by the ocean before checking out. A private transfer takes you to Zanzibar airport in good time for your onward or international flight. Your Tanzanian journey ends with sand still on your feet and the wild south in your memory.
7 Days
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