The very best of Tanzania and Zanzibar
Tanzania has long been regarded as the best safari country in Africa.
Its jaw-dropping showpieces include the largest herds on the planet and the highest concentrations of predators in Africa, the largest volcanic caldera at Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, the endless plains of the Serengeti, the historic shores of Zanzibar island… the list goes on. As well as least three of Africa’s top five destinations its quieter parks have arguably even more charm – Mahale, Ruaha, Katavi and Selous are exceptional destinations.
We create the finest safaris to Tanzania and the Indian Ocean islands. Whether a simple island beach break, a pan-African helicopter adventure or a private safari to the heart of the Serengeti’s Great Migration, all of our itineraries are entirely tailor-made. Our dedicated team has gained an awesome combined knowledge over many decades of arranging safaris for the most demanding of clients, and we can guarantee the very best and most up-to-date safari advice. Our credentials could not be better: our M.D. is a judge of The Good Safari Guide, whilst our Tanzania director is the author of the Cadogan Guide to Tanzania and all of our team have worked, lived or travelled extensively in their specialist African countries.
We have detailed below a possible itinerary to Southern Tanzania but strongly recommend you contact us for a personal presentation and we will create the perfect trip for you
Day 1 to 3 – Siwandu – Selous Game Reserve
Siwandu tented suite
Your safari will start with a short flight out to Selous, Africa’s largest (and oldest) game reserve. The top of the park is the most attractive, where the massive Rufiji River runs through from West to East, giving life to a network of channels and lagoons that make up an exceptional eco-system – one of Tanzania’s three world heritage sites! Selous has excellent game viewing with a fraction of the tourists in the Serengeti to share it with. Although rhino and cheetah are exceptionally rare here, Selous is home to several packs of Wild Dog, the Ace of spades to safari enthusiasts. As well as standard game drives, Selous offers boating, walking and even camping out under the stars. An exceptional park.
The best lodge in the park is undoubtedly Siwandu. Each room has uninterrupted views down onto the private lake, itself the epicentre of game viewing in Selous. After a couple of game drives, a lazy afternoon on the water, where you see a different side to the park, is a must. The thirteen rooms are enormous and perfectly exemplify how to elegantly decorate a safari tent. The guiding, the food and the service are all top class. It gets everything just right and deservedly receives consistently glowing reviews.
Days 4 to 6 – Jongomero – Ruaha National Park
Hot Air Balloon
After three nights in Selous we’d fly you further into the wilderness to Ruaha, Selous’ less visited sister park. In Ruaha you have Africa as it was 20 years ago. There are vast quantities of game and very few other camps. Despite being just 90 minutes from Selous, it’s a completely different landscape with scorched red earth and baobabs dotting the landscape. Expect big prides of lion, huge herds of buffalo and, absent from Selous, cheetah.
Ruaha lacked a top lodge until Jongomero. The tented rooms all look down onto the river, alive with activity whether full or dry. The vehicles are brand new and very comfortable.
Meals are eaten privately, sometimes out under the stars, and the food is excellent. It benefits from being away from the central hub of camps, affording a level of exclusivity hard to find in Africa nowadays. The best lodge in Ruaha and deserving of three nights.
Days 7 to 10 – Ras Nungwi – Zanzibar
Zanzibar
After almost a week on safari it’s time for some rest and relaxation on the beach. Four nights at Ras Nungwi is an office favourite. This hotel is perfect for those wanting resort facilities with the feel of an intimate hotel. Just 20 detached rooms on a small cliff overlooking a great beach free from hawkers, Ras Nungwi is a hidden gem. It has an excellent on-site PADI dive centre and serves excellent food with a panoramic view from its restaurant.
Days 11 to 12 – Serena Inn – Zanzibar’s Stone Town
To complete your trip we recommend a night of culture in historic Stone Town. A 1 km² World heritage site with a very Arabic feel, the narrow tall streets, markets, lovely little restaurants, history and culture are well worth exploring. Knowledgeable local guides are brilliant at bringing the town to life. The best accommodation is the Serena Inn, the only hotel on the coastline with great views and facilities such as a pool. A sunset dinner at a local rooftop restaurant brings the curtain down on a fantastic trip.
More details on this itinerary are to be found here, and the price is from £4,300 per person excluding international flights
For more information visit www.africaodyssey.com/tanzania , email us at [email protected] or telephone 020 8704 1216
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