Welcome to Tanzania! From Dar es Salaam, you will transfer to the domestic terminal in good time to connect with your morning domestic charter flight to Ruaha National Park. This scenic journey will traverse nearly the entire distance of Tanzania, with a flying time of just under three hours. On arrival at the airstrip, which is only used by the camp guests, you will be greeted by your guide and driven the short distance to Jongomero, in time for a traditional safari communal lunch. Now, your Tanzania Safari Adventure will truly begin!

Safari Activities

Before sipping on an afternoon tea, you may want to head out by the swimming pool, and gaze out over the picturesque Jongomero sand river. It will then be time to venture out on your first game drive! This is when you will truly begin to discover the undulating landscape, giant baobabs and incredible variety of Ruaha’s flora and fauna. Privately dine on the riverbed this evening, surrounded by twinkling safari lamps, before returning to your tent to doze off listening to the bushscape.

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park has been dubbed the undiscovered gem of Tanzania and is often called “Tanzania’s best kept secret”. Situated far off the beaten track and away from crazy camera clicking crowds, this rough tract of wilderness pulsates the real energy of an Africa long-forgotten. Visitors come to Ruaha to enjoy the dramatic landscapes, abundance of wildlife and intimate setting with well-maintained roads and few visitors. Large herds of elephant and buffalo are a common sighting and lion and leopard are abundant in this region.

Safari Activities

While sipping on some drinks each evening, you will discuss with the camp managers about the following day’s activities, and whether you would prefer to go by vehicle or on foot. Game drives around Jongomero are unique and cater exquisitely to the safari connoisseur. Thanks to the lodge's remote location, it is situated 70km from the nearest camp, and therefore, your wildlife experiences will be intimate and exciting, without any other disruptive guests or passing vehicles. Alternatively, indulging in a dawn game walk during the dry season is an absolute must! Experience the African sun warming your back as you navigate the dry riverbeds and listen to your expert guide reveal the fascinating and often bizarre stories of the local flora, fauna, insects, birds and animals.

As long as they are booked in advance, Jongomero also offers Walking Safaris in Ruaha, for a truly authentic African experience. On this expedition, you will arrive at the exclusive wilderness camp either by road or by foot. You will then settle in for the night with a heavenly hot bucket shower, before meeting back with your guide around the camp fire to enjoy a sundowner and delicious dinner. After sampling the divine bush cuisine, you will be invited to fall asleep under the dome of a star gazer tent, with only a basin and hand towel outside. This is Africa's rural wild at it's best! The next morning, you will make your way back to the main camp, having experienced a true African camping safari in the mighty Ruaha for one night...and to say you lived to tell the tale! Two night adventures of this expedition are also available, if you're up for it!

Journey to the Reserve

Following one last breakfast at Jongomero this morning, you will say goodbye to Ruaha National Park, as your adventure continues onward to the Selous Game Reserve. For this transfer you will board another domestic charter flight.

Selous is Africa’s largest Game Reserve, equivalent to the size of Switzerland and one of the last great wilderness areas on the entire continent. You will spend three unforgettable nights here, as you take full advantage of the endless opportunities to view the abundant wildlife, either by boat, vehicle or on foot. When you have arrived at your new camp, Siwandu, you can sit down to enjoy a delicious lunch. Relax, explore the property and get settled into your room, before choosing your first activity of the day. Head out and explore the wonders of the Reserve, returning back to the camp in time to freshen up in your outdoor solar-powered shower. Communal drinks and a freshly prepared three course private dinner will then be enjoyed around the camp fire later this evening.

Selous Game Reserve

The Selous Game Reserve is the largest in Africa, spanning 55,000km and is four times larger than the Serengeti. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Selous’ riverine wilderness and diverse habitat creates the perfect environment for a wealth of animals as well as an extraordinary array of vegetation. Selous has over 2,100 species of plants, in excess of 400 varieties of birds, more than half of Tanzania’s elephant population, over 120,000 buffaloes, and the Reserve's 40,000 hippo and 4,000 lion are probably the largest populations on the continent, not to mention it is home to the planet’s largest population of rare wild dog.

Safari Activities

After a delicious breakfast of cereal, yogurt and fresh baked goods or a fully cooked meal, you will head back out into the wild with a choice of several activities. By boat, you can cruise the waters, between the pods of hippo and crocodile lining the bank, and observe the resident game coming down for a drink. Alternatively, you may want to take off on an early morning game walk, embracing Selous’ most privileged of experiences, accompanied by an expert guide and armed ranger. Walking through Africa’s largest wilderness, you will have the chance to come face to face with the complex eco-system that it embraces, encounter the thrills and be enthralled at the sheer heart of nature. For guests younger than 16, who are unable to join the adult walk, the lodge even offers children’s walks around the camp boundaries. Your final option is to admire the game behavior from the comfort of your seat on an open-sided vehicle. This is the most luxurious way to venture through the wild African bush in style. You can expect to see any of the major African mammals, including elephant, giraffes, lions, leopard and even the rare African Wild Dog.

Following your exciting excursions, head back to the camp, where your elegant amenities await. Close your eyes for a rest in the comfort of your own tented room, take a refreshing mid afternoon dip in the plunge pool, sip on a drink from the elevated wooden veranda, or cozy up with a good book in a lounge chair. Always keep your eyes out for the action, as there is no telling when it will come!

Journey to the Coast

Indulge in an early morning tea or coffee in bed, as the impalas meander past your room and you listen to the sounds of the wild...a perfect way to start your last day at Siwandu. After packing up your things, it will be time to say goodbye to the camp managers and staff. Head off on one slow game drive en route to the airstrip, to savor your last sights of the exotic African wondrs. As your domestic charter flight back to Dar es Salaam takes off, admire the great Maasai giraffes traversing the land below. Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, you will be welcomed by a driver and taken on a fascinating road transfer to Ras Kutani. The journey time for this drive is approximately 90 minutes, arriving ar Ras Kutani in time to enjoy a delicious lunch.

Ras Kutani is a small coastal castaway retreat, set alone on a pristine beach of white sands, cooled by the Indian Ocean. Immerse yourself in the spirit of relaxation and indulgence, which is Ras Kutani’s specialty. With a choice of walks along the beach, exploration of the coastal forest or visits to the local village, there is no problem staying busy. Venture into the water, with opportunities to boogie board, kayak, snorkel, watch turtles hatch or even catch a glimpse of a passing humpback whale!

Swahili Coast

The heavenly Swahili Coast is recognized as the coastal region in Southeast Africa, which is inhabited by the friendly Swahili people. For centuries, the Swahili Coast has blended the cultural traditions and practices of Africa, Arabia and India. This captivating mix is best revealed by the craftsmanship of the Swahili people. The unique Swahili design techniques, using geometric shapes and curling arabesques, reflect Arab tastes, although the way in which these designs are put to use have been shaped purely by African customs and spiritual beliefs. Just off the coast, you can find some of the Indian Ocean islands, including Zanzibar, Pate and Comoros. If you are looking for a pristine hideaway and quiet escape, than welcome to paradise!

Following the excitement of your safari adventures, take advantage of this time to truly pamper yourself. Relax your body by indulging in a massage or beauty treatment at the luxurious spa (for an additional price), sip on a drink beside the pool or lounge on beach hammocks, while watching the monkeys and water birds frolic about. Feast on line-caught fresh fish and seafood prepared with East African spice twists, boozy cocktails at the beach bar during sunset and privately dine with your loved ones under a canopy of African stars. Soak up the peace and serenity of the Swahili Coast for your final few nights in Tanzania.

Sadly, your journey through Tanzania must come to an end today, however, you will be leaving with unforgettable memories and the experience of a lifetime! Appreciate the last few hours of this tropical sunshine, before transferring back to Dar es Salaam by road. Should you want a faster, more seamless transfer back, we can arrange a short flight to Dar es Salaam instead, at an additional cost. At the airport, you will need to connect to your international flight back home.

We hope you had an incredible trip and we wish you safe and pleasant travels onward! Bon Voyage and Karibu Tena!