Southern Tanzania safari and Zanzibar
Itinerary
Day 1 & 2 – Overnight flight from the UK – Dar es Salaam airport
After your international flight, you will arrive at Dar es Salaam airport and be met by one of our team and transferred to your accommodation. The warm climate and cheerful people ensure a warm welcome, and you have the rest of the day to relax at your hotel and get on African time!
Day 3 – Arrival in Mikumi National Park
After arriving in Dar es Salaam, you’ll leave the former capital and head into the greener, lesser-known region of South Tanzania. With binoculars in hand, you’ll spend the next few days searching for the Big Five in two of the best national parks around. The 4×4 vehicle you will be travelling in is equipped with everything you will need for the ultimate safari experience including the bonus of a fridge to keep your food and drinks cool. Before the sun sets, you will have time for a short game drive in Mikumi National Park, which is often compared to the Serengeti due to the Mkata Floodplain. You’ll be surrounded by breathtaking open landscapes, dotted with acacia, baobab and tamarind trees. Keep an eye out for wildlife including elephants, lions, giraffes and zebras. The following day you will have the whole day for further safari adventures.
Day 4 – Safari in Mikumi National Park
This morning, after a tasty breakfast, you’ll head out on a safari in Mikumi National Park. After getting acquainted with the park yesterday, today you’ll get a full day to experience the incredible wildlife and breathtaking scenery at your own pace. Along with a guide, you can observe over 400 species of birds such as ostriches, pelicans and vultures, and if you tell your guide which animals you’d like to see, they will try their best to find these animals for you. Of course, a little luck is also involved and sightings are never guaranteed.
In the evening you return to your comfortable tent camp. Here you can reflect on the day’s experiences while enjoying dinner in the restaurant or relaxing by the small swimming pool, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Day 5 – Onto Nyerere National Park
The journey to your next destination is an adventure in itself, with landscapes changing from the majestic, misty Uluguru Mountains near Mikumi, to green valleys and tropical forests as you get closer to Nyerere National Park. The road conditions are also changeable, starting off on paved roads and continuing onto dusty dirt tracks that wind through remote villages and open savannahs. Your tented camp for the night is simple but idyllically located, offering sweeping views over the national park from a hilltop.
Day 6 – Away from the crowds in Southern Tanzania
Today, you will be exploring one of the largest game reserves in the world, which is rarely visited due to its isolation. A huge variety of animals call this area home, including wildebeests, giraffes, leopards, and rhinos. There is so much to discover here.
After an exciting day of game drives, you will spend the next two nights at a riverside lodge. You will stay in a homely cottage with a veranda, an ideal place to relax and listen to the sounds of the wild.
Day 7 – Rufiji River safari
Another day of safari awaits today, during which you will travel along the Rufiji River (the largest river in Tanzania) and discover the diverse wildlife and changing landscapes from the water. Gliding along the river’s channels, you’ll likely encounter hippos wallowing in the water and Nile crocodiles basking in the sun, as well as spotting elephants, buffaloes and antelope having a drink along the banks. The Rufiji River is also a haven for bird-watching, with a huge variety of bird species to be found here, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons and bee-eaters. Your knowledgeable guide will help you to identify different species and give you insights into the animals’ behaviours, sharing fascinating facts about the ecosystem along the river.
Day 8 – Panoramic flight back to Dar es Salaam
On your final day, you will be collected and taken to the nearby Selous airfield, where you will be taking to the skies on a small propeller plane. Once in the air, you’ll experience a unique perspective of Tanzania’s vast wilderness, with breathtaking views of the river channels below, surrounded by savannahs, woodlands and wetlands. Once back on the ground in Dar es Salaam, you’ll be taken to your accommodation and have the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 9 – Arrival in Zanzibar
You’ll be travelling from Dar es Salaam to reach Zanzibar. On arrival, you will be met at the airport by one of our friendly representatives, who will take you over to the East Coast. Driving through the lush green interior of this beautiful island, you’ll pass swaying coconut palms and dense banana groves, with glimpses of daily life in small villages as you go.
The east coast of Zanzibar is known for its incredible beaches, vibrant marine life and rich cultural heritage. We have selected some of the most beautiful beach hotels for you, with friendly and accommodating staff. The bungalow resorts are also located directly on the beach (see photos at the end of the page), so it’s the ideal place to end a special trip through Tanzania.
Days 10 & 11 – Free time in Zanzibar
We have not planned anything for the next two days, so you can spend them however you wish. Unwind and read a good book in your hammock, or have a dip in the calm azure waters. However, if you’d like to do something a bit more active, there are plenty of activities you can arrange at reception. Explore the underwater world on a snorkelling trip and discover the vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life with crystal-clear waters and warm sea temperatures year-round. For around $15, you can take a boat to a nearby reef, or spend a bit more ($80) and visit the tropical islands of Memba or Fumba, where there are some fantastic diving opportunities. One thing is for sure: you will not be bored during your stay in Zanzibar!
Day 12 – Overnight in Stone Town
After breakfast, you will be collected by our driver and say goodbye to this tropical paradise. If you would like a longer stay here, just let your travel specialist know. Next, you’ll be heading across the green island to Zanzibar City. Hundreds of years ago, Zanzibar City was the lively trading center between Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Today, it still has a mystical, Arabian charm, with its winding streets and warm, welcoming locals.
We have chosen a beautiful and authentic hotel in the middle of the old town, where you can easily spend hours strolling through the small alleys and browsing for souvenirs. If you’re a fan of coffee, ask for directions to the Zanzibar Coffeehouse, where they also serve delicious brownies. It’s easy to get lost in the maze of narrow alleys, but don’t worry, the friendly locals are always happy to help point you in the right direction. You can book a guided tour of all the historical sights and discover Zanzibar’s mysterious past, ending the day enjoying a delicious dinner at one of the local waterfront restaurants.
Day 13 – Departure from Zanzibar
After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport, which takes roughly 10 minutes. From here, you can catch an international flight back to the UK, or head on to your next destination in Tanzania.
Accommodation
