Southern Tanzania Parks and the forgotten Island of Mafia
After a short 1hr 30mins scenic flight you will be delivered to the heart of Selous game reserve. Here the mighty Rufiji rivers meanders its way through to the Indian ocean like a possessed serpent twisting and turning through the expanse of changing habitats of grassland, typical acacia savanna bush, wetlands and extensive Miombo woodlands scattered with borasis palm. After the rains the Rufiji River swells beyond capacity and floods varying catchments to create excellent water holes once the season of change has brought on the dry periods. Wildlife viewing is special to say the least!! You have all choices of game activities available from any of the luxury tented camps that are mostly located in prime sites overlooking the majestic Rufiji River. As the waters glide by effortlessly and relentlessly whilst you sit back and soak in the sites that fall before you. Walking safaris bring a different air to viewing big game, boat safaris are available throughout the day with the classic time in our eyes to pursue this magical experience is to head out for a golden sunset and enjoy a drink as the calmness of the Selous envelopes you as the night sky takes over. As with most tented camps in the southern circuit game drives and activities are generally shared unless stipulating a private guide, the pace of life and wildlife viewing is relaxed as to simply stop and stare from your private deck or lounge tent is a wildlife experience in itself. This Tanzania Southern Safari does not stop in Selous as once again after a short flight the Jewel of the southern safari circuit awaits being Ruaha National Park! Diverse in its topography and wildlife species with some only being viewed in Ruaha – Sable and Roan antelope, the impressive Greater Kudu and as with Selous if you are one of the lucky safari seekers you may catch a glimpse the African wild hunting dogs lazing in the sun or stealthily cutting across the game drive tracks that make up the Ruaha game viewing circuit. Now as this Tanzania Wildlife Safari keeps you well and truly away from the crowds we have complemented the bush with a special beach destination that awaits discovery. Deserted white sand beaches and sand islands, marine reserves with aquarium like diving opportunities and a big draw that is not flashing in neon lights is the opportunity to snorkel with the majestic whale sharks that begin to congregate in the crystal waters of Mafia from late August/early September onwards. This bush2beach wildlife/beach safari combo is a classic in itself and if you have always wanted to see big game and enjoy some quiet moments on deserted beaches then we believe this shoe would fit nicely.
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Below, we go through the adventure day-by-day, giving you a better feel of the adventure.
Day 1: Flight to Selous
Your safari starts this morning at Dar es Salaam domestic airport where you take your flight connection to the Selous Game Reserve. You will be collected on arrival and head out on game drives en route to Lake Manze tented camp.
O/n Lake Manze Tented Camp (D)
Day 2: Selous Game Reserve
The Selous Game Reserve is one of the largest faunal reserves of the world, located in the south of Tanzania. The reserve covers a total area of 54,600 km2 (21,100 sq mi). Plan your game viewing activities together with the camp management as they will best advice you when and where to head out. You can choose between game drives, walking safaris and boating trips – note that game viewing activities can be shared with other guests.
O/n Lake Manze Tented Camp (B, L, D)
Day 3: Selous Game Reserve
Plan your game viewing activities together with the camp management as they will best advice you when and where to head out. You can choose between game drives, walking safaris and boating trips – note that game viewing activities can be shared with other guests.
O/n Lake Manze Tented Camp (B, L, D)
Day 4: Selous Game Reserve
Plan your game viewing activities together with the camp management as they will best advice you when and where to head out. You can choose between game drives, walking safaris and boating trips – note that game viewing activities can be shared with other guests.
O/n Lake Manze Tented Camp (B, L, D)
Day 5: Flight to Ruaha
Game drives en route to the Selous airstrip for your flight to Ruaha National Park – you will be collected on arrival and transfer to Mdonya Old River Camp with game drives en route.
O/n Mdonya Old River Camp (B, L, D)
Day 6: Ruaha National Park
Ruaha national park is one of the few of Tanzania’s famous wilderness areas where one can have a rare experience of game viewing spiced up by the fascinating landscape. The park boasts of her almost untouched and unexplored ecosystem, making visitors’ safari experience very unique. Plan your game viewing activities together with the camp management as they will best advice you when and where to head out. Note that game viewing activities can be shared with other guests.
O/n Mdonya Old River Camp (B, L, D)
Day 7: Ruaha National Park
Plan your game viewing activities together with the camp management as they will best advice you when and where to head out. Note that game viewing activities can be shared with other guests.
O/n Mdonya Old River Camp (B, L, D)
Day 8: Ruaha National Park
Plan your game viewing activities together with the camp management as they will best advice you when and where to head out. Note that game viewing activities can be shared with other guests.
O/n Mdonya Old River Camp (B, L, D)
Day 9: Flight to Mafia Island
Game drives en route to the Ruaha airstrip for your flight to Mafia Island– you will be collected on arrival and transfer to Butiama Beach for relaxation.
O/n Butiama Beach (B, L, D)
Day 10: Mafia Island
Mafia Island is part of the Tanzania Zanzibar Archipelago, it is only 160kms south of Zanzibar, but whereas Zanzibar has become very busy with tourism, Mafia Island has remained relatively untouched. Your days are spent relaxing and enjoying the beach and the lodge. The lodge offers a range of activities that you can book directly such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, historical tours of local ruins. Spend your exploring and relaxing.
O/n Butiama Beach (B,
Day 11: Mafia Island
Spend your exploring and relaxing.
Day 12: Mafia Island
Spend your exploring and relaxing.
Day 13: Mafia Island
Spend your exploring and relaxing.
Day 14: Departure
After breakfast you will be transferred back to Mafia airport where you will connect with your flight to Dar es Salam. (B)
Note: O/N = Overnight, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
| Amount of persons: | Price p.p. (usd): |
| 2 people sharing | 6215.- |
| 4 people sharing | 6205.- |
| 6 people sharing | 6200.- |
| Note: prices are based on two adults and indicative. Single supplement is $ 655 | |
- Included:
- Meals as stipulated |B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner
- Unlimited game drives
- Emergency Evacuation Cover
- All transfers and activities as mentioned above
- Park fee, Conservation fees and Community Development Fees
- Accommodation as stipulated
- Domestic flight(s) as stipulated
- Excluded:
- Tips suggested: Driver guide $8-$10 per person sharing the vehicle per day
- Visa and airport departure tax
- Items of personal nature and not mentioned in the above itinerary
- Drinks
- Mafia Marine Park entrance fees $20 per person per day (subject to change)
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Through our Community Development foundation, the African Roots Foundation, Bush2Beach Safaris actively supports rural communities in Tanzania's Bush and Beach.