Day 1
Arrive Dar Es Salaam
On arrival at Dar es Salaam Airport, you will be met by your driver who will transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy a good night’s sleep before your safari.
Explore the rugged and wild frontier of southern Tanzania on this wildlife-rich African adventure that combines the expanses of the Selous Reserve with roaring lions in the remote Ruaha National Park, culminating with the tropical underwater beauty of the Indian Ocean. These southern parks and reserves are some of the least explored and largest conservation areas in Africa.
From remote eco-camps, you’ll be guided by expert safari guides while enjoying daily walks and drives through massive granite outcrops and past enormous Baobabs. From a boat in the Selous, you’ll encounter snorting hippos and sunbathing crocs. In both Ruaha and Selous, you’ll be on the lookout for lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs who roam these untouched wildlife refuges.
Using light aircraft “bush flights” between camps allows you to maximize your time out in the wild. Trade safari khaki for a swimsuit at the end of your trip for a swim in the tropical blue waters of Pemba Island. This laid-back island getaway stands in contrast to the crowds of its overdeveloped neighbor, Zanzibar, to the south. Spend a night in the most exclusive room in Africa: the Underwater Room, where you’ll sleep with 360-degree views of the tropical reef ten feet below the surface of the Indian Ocean.
On arrival at Dar es Salaam Airport, you will be met by your driver who will transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy a good night’s sleep before your safari.
You will be driven to Dar airport this morning for your light aircraft flight to the Selous, one of Africa’s greatest game reserves. On arrival, you’ll meet your guide and be oriented to the camp before enjoying a delicious, fresh lunch. Located in the heart of the Selous Game Reserve, Roho ya Selous is tucked into a shady grove of trees, close to the northern end of Lake Nzerakera. After lunch, depart on an afternoon game drive. The reserve is home to a wide variety and high density of wildlife, making a safari here immensely rewarding.
Your days on safari offer plenty of flexibility, with a range of safari activities to choose from each morning and afternoon. Enjoy morning walking safaris, exploring the miombo woodland environment with your guide while looking for tracks of wildlife that have come near camp overnight. In the afternoon, take a boat safari to encounter wildlife coming to the water’s edge to drink- keep an eye out for hippos and crocs! Game drives are the best way to travel further afield and see the predators. The Selous is home to the largest populations of wild dogs in Africa, which are a real highlight if you are lucky enough to encounter a pack.
Today, you’ll fly to Ruaha National Park after your morning game drive. On arrival at Msembe Airstrip you will be met by your expert naturalist guide and head out on a game drive en-route to your amazing camp for the next few nights. Ruaha is home to one of the largest populations of elephants on the continent, vast herds of buffalo, and super prides of lion. In fact, 10% of the world’s lions are in Ruaha! Perched on a rocky outcrop in one of the best locations the park has to offer, Jabali Ridge is a sophisticated retreat with spectacular views of riverbeds studded with tropical palms and massive baobabs. It is an exclusive base from which to discover Ruaha on day and night game drives and walking safaris.
A walking safari is a great way to greet the day, getting out early and exploring the local habitat on an equal footing with the wildlife. There are also options for morning game drives with picnic breakfasts. For those who want to range even further, a full day game drive can be arranged with a picnic lunch. It’s also possible to just spend the day in camp, enjoying the pleasures of the spa and unwinding at the swimming pool before venturing out on a night game drive. Your preferences lead the way and your guide will fill you in on all of the options.
After breakfast and a morning game drive, pack your bags and say your farewells as you depart to Dar Es Salaam and on to Pemba Island. On arrival, you’ll be met by your driver for the bumpy but scenic ride to Manta Resort, located on the northernmost tip of the island. Pemba is as far away from civilization as you can get and the Manta Resort offers something different from most tropical islands. The resort exudes serenity, allows for close encounters with nature, and is run by a family of staff. Switch off from the noisy electronic world and enter a completely different one, as a guest with simple needs: sunshine, fresh air, natural food, a comfortable bed, and friendly company.
Take off your safari shoes and relax in a hammock watching dhow fishing boats sail by. The next few days are yours to do as much or as little as you like. Kayaking, snorkeling, diving (at additional cost), fishing, and sailing on a dhow are all options for leisure. Retire at night to your private seafront villa and drift off to the sound of the Indian Ocean lapping the shore. One of your nights you’ll have the option of sleeping out in the Underwater Room. This private room is anchored offshore with 360-degree underwater views of a tropical reef – it’s the most exclusive room in all of Africa! There is no finer way to punctuate your African adventure than with a stay in one of the world’s most unique and memorable rooms.
Pack up your bags, transfer to the Pemba airstrip, and fly back to Dar in time for your international departure.
Other accommodations are available. Please call to see what may fit your style of travel best.
