17 Days
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3x - Hotel
2x - Camp
10x - Lodge 1x - Cottages
This remarkable journey takes us far off the traditional safari circuit to explore Tanzania’s vast southern wilderness and the remote shores of Lake Tanganyika. From the wildlife-rich parks of Nyerere, Mikumi, Ruaha and Katavi to the scenic Southern Highlands, volcanic crater lakes and coffee estates, we experience a side of Tanzania few travellers discover. Our adventure culminates in Mahale Mountains National Park, where we track wild chimpanzees in one of Africa’s most pristine rainforests.
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Upon our evening arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, we will be met by our guide and transferred to Four Points by Sheraton Dar es Salaam. The remainder of the evening is at leisure, allowing us to relax after our journey and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Driving Distance: Approx. 15 km
Driving Time: 30 minutes
Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
We depart Dar es Salaam at 7:00 a.m., travelling southwest to Nyerere National Park, formerly part of the Selous Game Reserve. Covering more than 30,000 km², it is one of Africa's largest protected wilderness areas. After lunch at Selous Impala Camp, we head out on our first afternoon game drive in search of elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and the endangered African wild dog.
Driving Distance: Approx. 230 km
Driving Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Selous Impala Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning we enjoy another game drive while wildlife is most active. In the afternoon, we embark on a relaxing boat safari along the Rufiji River, one of the highlights of Nyerere National Park. From the water we may observe hippos, crocodiles, elephants, fish eagles and an abundance of birdlife from a unique perspective.
Driving Distance: Approx. 50–80 km (game drives)
Accommodation: Selous Impala Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we depart with packed lunches, enjoying wildlife sightings as we leave the park before driving towards the lush Udzungwa Mountains, part of the Eastern Arc Mountain range, famous for its biodiversity and endemic wildlife.We arrive at Sable Mountain Lodge in the late afternoon.
Driving Distance: Approx. 360 km
Driving Time: 7–8 hours
Accommodation: Sable Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
We continue through the fertile Morogoro region, stopping for lunch before driving to Mikumi National Park, whose open plains are often compared to the Serengeti. After settling into Old Mikumi Wildlife Lodge, we enjoy views overlooking the park.
Driving Distance: Approx. 240 km
Driving Time: 5 hours
Accommodation: Old Mikumi Wildlife Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
An early morning game drive offers excellent wildlife viewing before breakfast.
Later, with packed lunches, we continue to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania's largest national park, renowned for its ancient baobab trees, dramatic landscapes and exceptional predator sightings.
Driving Distance: Approx. 320 km
Driving Time: 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Ruaha Hilltop Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
We spend the morning exploring Ruaha's spectacular wilderness, searching for lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs and the park's impressive birdlife. Following a picnic lunch, we continue to Old Farm House for our overnight stay.
Driving Distance: Approx. 180 km
Driving Time: 5 hours
Accommodation: Old Farm House
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
Departing at 6:30 a.m., we journey through Tanzania's scenic Southern Highlands.
Along the way we visit the beautiful Kimani Waterfalls, before continuing through tea estates and mountain landscapes to Utengule Coffee Lodge in Mbeya.
Driving Distance: Approx. 370 km
Driving Time: 7–8 hours
Accommodation: Utengule Coffee Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
This morning we hike to the spectacular Lake Ngozi, Tanzania's second-largest volcanic crater lake, surrounded by dense montane forest and breathtaking scenery. After enjoying our picnic lunch, we return to the lodge for a relaxing afternoon.
Driving Distance: Approx. 60 km
Accommodation: Utengule Coffee Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
Following breakfast, we take a guided tour of Utengule Coffee Estate, learning about coffee cultivation and processing before sampling freshly roasted Tanzanian coffee. We then continue towards Sumbawanga, stopping at the lively Tunduma Market before arriving at our hotel in the evening.
Driving Distance: Approx. 430 km
Driving Time: 7–8 hours
Accommodation: Southern Corridor Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
We continue west to Katavi National Park, one of Africa's most remote safari destinations.
After lunch at Mbali Mbali Katavi Lodge, we enjoy an afternoon game drive through this untouched wilderness, renowned for its large buffalo herds, elephants, lions and seasonal hippo pools.
Driving Distance: Approx. 220 km
Driving Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Katavi Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is dedicated to exploring Katavi's floodplains, woodlands and seasonal lakes. With very few visitors, the park offers an exclusive safari experience and exceptional opportunities for wildlife photography.
Driving Distance: Approx. 80–120 km
Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Katavi Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We transfer to the airstrip for our scheduled 11:25 a.m. flight to Mahale Mountains National Park. Situated on the shores of the crystal-clear Lake Tanganyika, Mahale is one of Africa's most spectacular and remote national parks. After lunch, we relax at the lodge or enjoy the pristine lakeshore.
Accommodation: Mahale Mountains Lodge
Meals: Fully Inclusive
Accompanied by expert trackers, we hike through the rainforest in search of Mahale's habituated chimpanzee families. Once located, we spend an unforgettable hour observing these fascinating primates before returning to the lodge. The afternoon is free for kayaking, swimming or simply relaxing beside Lake Tanganyika.
Accommodation: Mahale Mountains Lodge
Meals: Fully Inclusive
We enjoy another full day in Mahale with a second chimpanzee trek or optional guided forest walks, birdwatching or time at leisure.
Accommodation: Mahale Mountains Lodge
Meals: Fully Inclusive
After a leisurely morning, we board our 12:55 p.m. flight to Kigoma. Upon arrival, we transfer to Hilltop Hotel, overlooking Lake Tanganyika, where we enjoy a relaxed afternoon.
Accommodation: Hilltop Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
We fly to Dar es Salaam and, time permitting, visit The Slipway, a lively waterfront shopping and dining area overlooking the Indian Ocean.
After lunch, we transfer to Julius Nyerere International Airport for our onward international flight, bringing our unforgettable Southern Tanzania adventure to a close.
Driving Distance: Approx. 15 km
Driving Time: 30 minutes
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
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