Selous and Zanzibar

Selous, Ruaha and Zanzibar Lodge Safari Safari to Selous Game Reserve, Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks with four days on Zanzibar at the end of the safari. This is a safari which mixes parks visits with sightseeing in areas not often traveled by tourists.

Most tourists visiting the southern parks choose to fly. This safari provides an insight into the African way of life and reduces costs by driving from park to park. Journey times are longer, but the cultural value of the safari is significantly enhanced as a result. The itinerary takes in some of the less visited parks in Tanzania. Drive one way and fly back to avoid repeating the journey. River excursions, walking and diving, add fantastic adventures to the safari.

 ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in Dar Es Salaam international airport. Transfer to Courtyard Hotel on the north coast in the Dar Es Salaam suburbs to relax and find your feet before heading out on safari. Day at leisure in Dar Es Salaam.

 Day 2: Dar Es Salaam-Selous Game Reserve
After breakfast, load up the vehicle and head to Selous Game Reserve, a 7 to 8 hour drive south. Pass through Dar Es Salaam's poorer suburbs and past small villages where subsistence agriculture and coconut plantations are the predominant features. Arrive at Kibiti, the last village before heading onto smaller tracks and fuel up before heading on to Africa's largest wildlife reserve.
The small track heading through the increasingly dense woodland, starts to yield signs of forest dwelling antelope, baboon and elephant mingled with locals carrying firewood on their heads or families on bicycles. Pass many remote villages where countless children sing and chant as you go past.
Afternoon arrival at the Reserve gate where you start to encounter sizeable concentrations of game and the magnificent Rufiji River. Game drive on the way to Selous Impala Camp, some 15 km inside the reserve for a late afternoon arrival. Selous Impala Camp

Day 3-4: Selous Game Reserve
Explore the photographic section of the Selous Game Reserve, north of the Rufiji River. Most of the Reserve is off-limits to regular tourism due its remoteness and remains relatively undeveloped.
A boat excursion on the mighty Rufiji River is highly recommended as it brings you into close contact with hippo, crocodile and fantastic birdlife. Animals make their way to the river to drink and boats may approach elephant, lion, buffalo, giraffe, waterbuck and other game on the river banks to within a few meters. Crocodile glide into the water as your boat approaches and hippo appear in frightening proximity, grunting and blowing steam.
Game walks with armed rangers can last a few hours or take the whole day. For early risers, a full English breakfast on the banks of the Rufiji after encounters on foot with elephant, monkeys, giraffe and other game is an experience to remember.
The sheer size of the Selous Game Reserve means that game drives are conducted in near privacy, without only the rare encounter with other tourists the entire day. Unlike the northern parks, Selous remains relatively unknown, yet has an incredible concentration of wildlife.Selous Impala Camp

Day 5:Selous-Mikumi National Park
Head on to Mikumi National Park to the north west. This is a full days drive put through the western gate of the Selous Game Reserve at Matambwe. The main road through the Selous has recently been repaired and the going is good. From Matambwe, the road follows the railway and heads up along the southern edge of Mikumi and along the Uluguru mountains. Passing villages and fields on the way, the route winds its way up through the mountains and passes through the catchment forest where Colobus and other monkeys are seen. Descend to Morogoro, a sizeable bustling town on the Tanzania - Zambia highway. From Morogoro, follow the highway into Mikumi, about one hour from Morogoro. The highway passes through Mikumi park. Stop here for the night at Vuma Hills Tented Camp.

Day 6:Mikumi-Ruaha National Park
Morning game drive in Mikumi and onto the Mkata floodplain. Good prospects for sighting lion. Mikumi is a popular park for visitors from Dar Es Salaam and so, we will not spend much time here, but head on towards Iringa and Ruaha National Park as soon as we reach the park gate.
Follow the highway to Iringa, passing the Ruaha River gorge and the Udzungwa Mountains across the river. The road is spectacular and wild, passing through Baobab Valley before heading into the southern highlands. The drive to Ruaha is a full days excursion and it is only in the late afternoon that we arrive in Ruaha National Park, after following the never ending road leading to Ruaha from Ruaha - a red earth road, cushioned on both sides by never ending bush. Once in Ruaha, head to Ruaha River lodge, south of the entrance gate and unpack for the evening, relaxing after the long drive.Ruaha River Lodge

Day 7, 8: Ruaha National Park
Full days exploring Tanzania's second largest park. Optional game walks along the Ruaha River are well worthwhile. Alternatively, make your way in your vehicle through the network of roads in search of game. Ruaha boasts some of the largest herds of elephant and buffalo in Tanzania, and also offers excellent possibilities for encountering lion, leopard and cheetah. Furthermore, Sable and Roan antelope are found here as well as both species of kudu. Spend the whole day out with a picnic lunch or return to Ruaha River lodge for lunch,Ruaha River Lodge

Day 9: Ruaha National Park-Zanzibar
Morning game drive, followed by charter flight to Zanzibar. In Zanzibar, you will be met and transferred to the East Coast each of Matemwe. Here the white sand is like flour and the sea, turquoise-blue. The beach is lined by coconut palms and almost devoid of other tourists. Spend the next 4 nights here. MatemweBeach Village

Day 10, 11 and 12 Zanzibar
Full days on Zanzibar. If you are a diver, Matemwe Beach Village has one of the best dive centers on the island. Fully equipped, all you need bring is your diving certification. Non-divers may also take lessons. Excellent diving is available nearby off the Mnemba Atoll. Other activities include lazing on the amazingly beautiful beach, doing a spice tour or a day-trip to Stone-Town, the capital of Zanzibar which is one hour away Matemwe Beach Village

Day 13: Zanzibar to Airport
Morning departure for the airport, passing stone-town en-route. Time for shopping and a look around before heading for your flight to Dar Es Salaam and onward flight.