7 days from £3130pp plus international flights.
This one week safari takes you to two of southern Tanzania's best game viewing areas, Selous and Ruaha. Despite their rich wildlife, these parks are less visited than those in the north, so you'll be well away from the crowds.
We give you three nights at each camp, so you'll have plenty of time to unpack, settle in and get to know the camp layout. These are small camps, with just 12 tents, and you'll soon get to know your fellow guests and the staff. Generally you'll be out game viewing each morning and then again in the afternoon, leaving ample time in between to relax, socialise and enjoy some seriously tasty food. Both camps are in the heart of their respective reserves and you'll be able to sit back and watch wildlife from your own tent. Each evening you'll gather round the camp fire, reliving the day's highlights over a sundowner.
In Selous you'll have a choice of activities. Game drives are a great way to over a lot of ground and give you access to varied terrains and their diverse inhabitants. The camp is by Lake Manze and you can take boat rides for close up views of hippos, crocodiles and dozens of species of birds. If you go out in the late afternoon you get the bonus of a gorgeous sunset, too. In Ruaha, game viewing centres around 4x4 drives, taking in different areas of the park to add variety to your safari.
You will be met at Dar es Salaam and transferred to the domestic terminal for the flight to Selous, where your guide is waiting to drive you to camp, game viewing en route. Settle into your safari tent and relax for a while before setting off on your afternoon game activity. This will introduce you to the landscapes and wildlife of Selous Game Reserve, the largest reserve not only in Tanzania but in the whole of Africa. Have your camera at the ready to preserve those first precious wildlife encounters. You'll arrive back in camp in time to shower and change, enjoy sundowners and a tasty dinner. Lunch, dinner
You'll have a choice of activities today including game drives, walking safaris and boat trips. Game drives take place in the early morning or late afternoon, or you can opt for a full day's drive with a packed lunch. If you want to get close to nature, a walking safari with an experienced guide is just the thing. You'll learn how to examine tracks and spoor, to 'read' the bush. It's also an opportunity to see plants and trees up close and find out about their role in the environment. Guided walks are open to those aged 16 and over. A boat safari on the lake gives you the chance to observe hippo, crocodile and many species of birds. Full board
A second full day in Selous. You'll have the same choice of activities, so maybe now's the time to try a different activity from yesterday, to gain a different view of this varied reserve and its diverse animal life. Between activities you can unwind in the camp, admiring views of the lake and its attendant wildlife from your tent, savouring delicious meals and enjoying the company of fellow guests. Full board
After breakfast you'll be transferred to the airstrip for the flight to Ruaha. You'll be met by a guide from Mdonya Old River Camp on arrival and will enjoy a game drive transfer to the camp, arriving in time for lunch and a siesta. Later you can head out into the park for an afternoon safari. Ruaha has a mix of scenery with open plains, rocky outcrops, rivers and pools. It's remote and you'll see very few, if any, other vehicles. Return to camp to freshen up before dinner by candlelight. Full board
You'll be offered morning and afternoon game drives from camp. The wildlife at Ruaha is rich and varied, as this is a meeting point for species from south, west and east Africa. You should spot giraffe, elephant, buffalo and zebra and look out for leopard, sable and roan antelope. There are also large numbers of birds, with over 400 species having been recorded here. Your guide knows the area well and will share his knowledge with you, giving you an insight into the flora and fauna. Full board
You have another full day to enjoy all that Ruaha has to offer. No two game drives are the same and there are always surprises, so keep your camera ready! In the middle of day you're free to take it easy in camp, chatting with other guests in the lounge, browsing through reference books in the small library and enjoying a convivial lunch. In the evening you'll get back in time for camp fire sundowners and a communal dinner at the long table, set out beneath the stars. Full board
Enjoy a tasty breakfast this morning before setting off to the airstrip for the flight to Dar es Salaam, where te holiday ends. Breakfast
Guide price from (pp sharing): £3130 (ex. international flights) Price notes: 2020 guide price pp based on 2 sharing 10 Jan - 15 Mar 2020 from £3250 Includes: 6 nights accommodation on full board basis; twice daily game viewing at Lake Manze Camp and Mdonya Old River Camp; national park fees; domestic flights from Dar es Salaam to Selous, Selous to Ruaha and Ruaha to Dar es Salaam; airport transfer as per the itinerary. Excludes: International flights and taxes; visa; vaccinations; travel insurance; tips; items of a personal nature. Getting there: This holiday starts and ends in Dar es Salaam. Kenya Airways fly to Dar via Nairobi, and there are other options such as Turkish Airlines or Emirates. Flights will cost from around £700 pp upwards depending on season and availability. Departure dates: Since this is a private tailor made safari, we can plan this trip for you at any time you like - subject to availability. The camps are closed in April and May due to the rains. |
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Time: GMT +3 hours
Flight time: Flights from UK to Tanzania take about 9 hours direct or 10-11 with a brief stopover en route if from Europe.
Language: Kiswahili and English are Tanzania's official languages. Although most people in the cities speak some English, a few phrases of Kiswahili are useful in more rural areas.
Visas: Most nationalities require a Tanzania visa, obtainable from the High Commission in London (or on arrival into International Airport.
Health: Most nationalities require a Tanzania visa, obtainable from the High Commission in London (or on arrival into International Airport.