Trip Highlights

Cultural Experience

Boat Safari

Game Drives

Whale Shark Experience

Tour Description

This 22-day itinerary blends Southern Tanzania’s rich wildlife with the calm of Mafia Island and the charm of Zanzibar. Enjoy extensive game drives across Mikumi, Ruaha, Udzungwa, and Selous, alongside nature walks, waterfalls, village visits, and a Rufiji River boat safari. The journey then eases into coastal relaxation with time in Kilwa and Mafia, including seasonal whale shark encounters, before ending in Zanzibar with cultural exploration and beachside leisure.

Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Dar es Salaam. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey. Overnight in Dar es Salaam.

  • Where you’ll stay: Fig Tree Residences
  • Experience: Unwinding

After breakfast, the journey continues inland to Mikumi National Park. On arrival, you settle into your lodge and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the park. Overnight in Mikumi.

  • Where you’ll stay: Camp Bastian Mikumi
  • Experience: Unwinding

A full day is spent exploring Mikumi National Park on game drives across open plains and woodland areas, home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, and abundant birdlife.

  • Where you’ll stay: Camp Bastian Mikumi
  • Experience: Scenic drive, wildlife spotting

Following breakfast, travel onward to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park. The drive reveals changing landscapes as you approach this remote wilderness.

  • Where you’ll stay: Hodi Hodi Bush Camp
  • Experience: Scenic drive, wildlife spotting

A full day is devoted to exploring Ruaha, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, large elephant herds, and powerful predators. The Great Ruaha River draws wildlife throughout the day, creating memorable sightings. Overnight in Ruaha.

  • Where you’ll stay: Hodi Hodi Bush Camp
  • Experience: Scenic drive, wildlife spotting

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive of approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to your hotel in Iringa. Relax upon arrival and take in the views of the surrounding landscapes. Overnight in Iringa

  • Where you’ll stay: Iringa Sunset Hotel
  • Experience: Scenic drive, Unwind

Continue your journey with a longer drive of about 6 hours 40 minutes to the Udzungwa Mountains. Overnight in Udzungwa.

  • Where you’ll stay: Hondo Hondo Udzungwa
  • Experience: Scenic drive, Unwind

A guided village visit and a hike to scenic waterfalls within the Udzungwa area, combining culture, nature, and light adventure. Overnight in Udzungwa.

  • Where you’ll stay: Hondo Hondo Udzungwa
  • Experience: Guided Walk, Hiking

After breakfast, continue to Morogoro. Later, enjoy a farm tour at Mbuyuni Farm, offering insight into local agriculture and rural life. Overnight in Morogoro.

  • Where you’ll stay: Mbuyuni Farm Retreat
  • Experience: Farm tour

The journey continues south to Selous Game Reserve. On arrival, you settle into your accommodations. Overnight in Selous.

  • Where you’ll stay: Sable Mountain Lodge
  • Experience: Unwind

A full day of exploration in Selous includes a classic game drive followed by a boat safari along the Rufiji River, known for hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. Overnight in Selous.

  • Where you’ll stay: Selous wilderness camp
  • Experience: Game drive, Boat safari

Another full day is spent discovering Selous’ diverse ecosystems and rich wildlife, with time to enjoy the remote atmosphere of this vast reserve. Overnight in Selous.

  • Where you’ll stay: Selous wilderness camp
  • Experience: Game drive

After breakfast, travel to the historic coastal town of Kilwa. The remainder of the day is relaxed, allowing time to enjoy the coastal setting. Overnight in Kilwa.

  • Where you’ll stay: Kilwa Beach Lodge
  • Experience: Unwinding

A full day at leisure to relax by the beach or explore Kilwa’s historical surroundings at your own pace. Overnight in Kilwa.

  • Where you’ll stay: Kilwa Beach Lodge
  • Experience: Unwinding

After returning to Dar es Salaam, enjoy a brief city and cultural tour before flying to Mafia Island. On arrival, transfer to your lodge and unwind. Overnight in Mafia.

  • Where you’ll stay: Big Blu Mafia Island Dive Centre
  • Experience: Guided Walk

A special day dedicated to swimming with whale sharks (seasonal), one of Mafia Island’s most remarkable marine experiences. Overnight in Mafia.

  • Where you’ll stay: Big Blu Mafia Island Dive Centre
  • Experience: Swimming

Enjoy a relaxing excursion to a sandbank, complete with an island-style lunch and time to swim or snorkel in crystal-clear waters. Overnight in Mafia.

  • Where you’ll stay: Big Blu Mafia Island Dive Centre
  • Experience: Snorkeling

After breakfast, fly to Zanzibar. On arrival, enjoy a guided Stone Town tour before transferring to your beach hotel in Nungwi. Overnight in Zanzibar.

  • Where you’ll stay: Kena Beach Hotel
  • Experience: Guided Walk

A free day to relax on Zanzibar’s beaches or enjoy optional activities at your own pace. Overnight in Zanzibar.

  • Where you’ll stay: Kena Beach Hotel
  • Experience: Unwinding

Two full days at leisure to enjoy the island’s beaches, ocean views, and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Overnight in Zanzibar.

  • Where you’ll stay: Kena Beach Hotel
  • Experience: Unwinding

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your Southern Tanzania, Mafia, and Zanzibar experience.

Inclusions

  • Return airport transfers (Dar, Mafia & Zanzibar)
  • Park fees
  • Concession fees
  • 4 x 4 Vehicle with driver and fuel for 14 days
  • Accommodation
  • Extra Lunch
  • Walking Tours
  • Boat Safari

Exclusions

  • Flights
  • Anything not mentioned above

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