Deluxe Southern Tanzania in Comfort and Style
Tour Introduction
This fabulous tailor-made tour is perhaps how all safaris should be. Staying at the very best safari lodges of Tanzania’s south, you will enjoy sundowners under blazing African skies, intimate bush dinners, exquisite accommodation, thrilling wildlife encounters, unspoilt reserves and the services of some of the best guides in Africa. The Indian Ocean icing on the safari cake is beautiful Fundu Lagoon on Pemba Island, where luxurious beachside relaxation takes on a new dimension. The perfect combination of bush and beach.
Full Itinerary
Arrive in Dar es Salaam. Take flight to Selous Game Reserve. Afternoon game drive in the reserve. The Selous is the largest reserve in Tanzania and is composed of a vast unspoilt network of rivers, lakes, woodland and savannah. The reserve is home to the rare wild dog estimated at 4000 animals (half of the entire African population) as well as large populations of elephant, hippo, giraffe, zebra, antelope and buffalo. There is a large lion population and the terrain is particularly suited to leopards which are thought to exist in even greater numbers than the lions (although seen less often).
Staying at Sand Rivers Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Enjoy safaris including walking tours and boat trips in Selous Game Reserve. Spend the evening dining under the African sky with the sounds of the bush all around.
Staying at Sand Rivers Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Another day of game drives, bush walking and boat safaris in the Selous.
Staying at Sand Rivers Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Transfer to airstrip and take morning flight to Ruaha National Park. The park has to rank as one of the most unspoilt reserves in Africa. Large numbers of elephants can be seen here and the waterholes attract other game animals and corresponding carnivores including large prides of lion, leopard and cheetah. Other wildlife includes both roan and sable antelope, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, lesser kudu, large herds of zebra, healthy populations of wild dog and over 500 species of birds.
Staying at Mwagusi Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Safari activities including game drives in open sided vehicles and walking tours in the fantastic Ruaha National Park.
Staying at Mwagusi Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Enjoy another day of safaris in the park and al fresco dinners and sundowners at the camp.
Staying at Mwagusi Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Another day of safaris in the park and al fresco dinners and sundowners at the camp.
Staying at Mwagusi Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Transfer back to airstrip in time for flight to Pemba via Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. Met on arrival and transfer to one of Pemba’s most beautiful resorts. Your stay includes all meals, drinks (except champagne) and most daytime excursions.
Staying at Fundu Lagoon. Includes All Meals.
A day at leisure at the wonderful Fundu Lagoon with one of the best beaches on the island and excellent facilities. Misali Island Marine Park is nearby and offers world class snorkelling and diving.
Staying at Fundu Lagoon. Includes All Meals.
Another day at leisure with included and OPTIONAL activities available.
Staying at Fundu Lagoon. Includes All Meals.
Another day at leisure with included and OPTIONAL activities available.
Staying at Fundu Lagoon. Includes All Meals.
Early morning pick up from the hotel and transfer to airport. Take flight to Zanzibar and check-in for flight home.
Includes In-flight Meals.
Tour Accommodation
Sand Rivers Lodge
Overview
Sand River Lodge is the most luxurious option for Selous Game Reserve and stands on a rocky outcrop in the isolated northern sector, with spectacular views over the magnificent Rufiji River. It was built with flair and imagination entirely from local materials and benefits from having a swimming pool in which to cool off after a hot game drive.
There are five standard rooms, and three suites which come with private plunge pools. The rooms are stylish and ultra-comfortable with mosquito nets, safety deposit boxes and a whistle for attention in emergencies.
Facilities at Sand River Lodge include a very good restaurant, bar, lounge and small gift shop selling a variety of local and handmade crafts. The restaurant serves fresh buffet breakfasts and lunches and a three course a la carte menu for dinner. The lodge offers traditional 4×4 safari game drives as well as boat trips and nature walks.
Sand River Lodge has a raised hide overlooking a small wetland which is frequented by a variety of wildlife year round but is particularly productive in the dry season, when there is little other water nearby.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private bathrooms, restaurant, bar, lounge, craft gift shop, swimming pool, wildlife hide, laundry service, safety deposit box
Local Wildlife
The largest African reserve and twice the size of Belgium, Selous is super-wild and home to one of the largest carnivore populations in Africa. There are good numbers of African wild dog, lion, leopard, cheetah, serval, caracal and spotted hyena. Large game such as elephant, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, eland and kudu are all common and resident. The rare Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, sable antelope and black rhino also occur in the park but are more rarely seen. The bird count is an impressive 350 species.
Optional Activities
Game drives, boat trips, fly camping and walking safaris.
Mwagusi Safari Camp
Overview
Mwagusi Safari Camp is a beautiful upmarket lodge in the wonderful Ruaha National Park, well run by its passionate owner Chris Fox. The accommodation is in thirteen large, private, thatched cabins complete with en suite facilities, tented bedrooms and large seating areas overlooking the Ruaha River so you can enjoy fantastic doorstep wildlife viewing. The rooms and main building have been constructed with local reed and other natural materials giving them a deceptively rustic feel.
The spacious central restaurant and lounge area has a fantastic view over the Ruaha River. The food at the lodge is superb and dinner can be served alfresco in the bush lit by lanterns and candlelight on request. Alongside traditional safari game drives, bush walks are also very productive here and the birding is particularly good.
With highly knowledgeable guides, an exceptional level of service and a beautiful location, Mwagusi must rank as one of the best wildlife lodges in Africa.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private bathrooms, restaurant, bar, lounge, laundry service and a small gift shop.
Local Wildlife
Ruaha is particularly important as the ranges of eastern and southern species overlap here to produce a high diversity of mammals and birds. Large numbers of elephants can be seen along the Ruaha River (particularly in the dry season) and the park is really good for big cat sightings with large prides of lions, leopard and cheetah frequently spotted. There are also healthy populations of wild dog, buffalo, zebra and over 500 bird species. Rarer species such as the roan and sable antelope, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest and lesser kudu also reside in the park.
Optional Activities
Game drives and walking safaris.
Fundu Lagoon
Overview
Ideally situated on the paradise island of Pemba, near Zanzibar, and among the most stylish resorts in Africa, Fundu Lagoon has a beautiful beach, and access to world class diving and snorkelling in Pemba’s dedicated marine reserve.
Accommodation is in eighteen detached safari-style luxury cabins with large balconies, tented sleeping areas and en suite bathrooms. Each cabin feels very private, has an uninterrupted view to the Indian Ocean and is just a few feet away from the beach.
The main building comprises the restaurant, bar, lounge and an outside sun deck with infinity pool. Meals are served a la carte and feature both international and local cuisine and, of course, plenty of seafood. Importantly, most of the produce is sourced from local farmers and fishermen. Other facilities include a TV room and free Wi-Fi at reception.
A selection of interesting activities is offered at Fundu including a worthwhile visit to one of the friendly local villages. The on site PADI Dive Centre offers daily excursions to dive at exciting spots in the Pemba channel where large deep sea fish can be seen, and on the diverse reef systems around Misali Island.
There are a number of bars around the property including one along the jetty; perfect for a sunset drink. Fundu Lagoon has plenty to offer those looking for a romantic and intimate island experience after an exciting safari, and is very popular with honeymooners.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, bars, swimming pool, PADI dive centre, laundry service, safety deposit box, TV room and free Wi-Fi (reception only).
Local Wildlife
Large pelagic fish such as marlin, sailfish, dorado, barracuda and kingfish can be seen in the Pemba Channel while over 40 genera of coral and 400 species of fish are found in the shallower waters and reef systems of Misali Island. With luck, whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, humpback whales, and bottlenose and spinner dolphins can also be seen.
Optional Activities
Scuba diving, snorkelling and boat trips to the pristine beaches of Misali Island.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
Domestic flights within Tanzania are included.
Best Visited:
June to October
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
Jonathan Morris
Area Specialist
These lodges get full very quickly during the high season. Be sure to book early or travel during the off season when availability is better and there are usually some great special offers. There are often great deals and discounts for honeymooners, even in the high season.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
[Specific wildlife highlights were] seeing the different areas of Tanzania and large wildlife views, coupled with close-ups of lions, giraffe and elephants.
