This 11-day safari is set in the birthplace of safari travel, Tanzania, and features all the big game action of the Nyerere National Park (Selous) balanced with rest and relaxation on the idyllic island of Zanzibar.
Remote, raw and filled with wildlife, Nyerere National Park (previously Selous Game Reserve) is Africa’s largest game reserve. Yet unlike the iconic destinations of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, it remains relatively unknown to outsiders.
The sheer scale of the Nyerere National Park is difficult to imagine. Nearly four times the size of the Serengeti, this massive conservation area is home to Africa’s Big 5 and all the top predators - lion, wild dog, cheetah, leopard and spotted hyena. And the animals are present in large numbers too: a Nyerere safari is fantastic for sightings of large elephant and buffalo herds as well as healthy populations of hippo, giraffe and sable antelope.
Phenomenally wild and beautiful, the defining feature of Nyerere is the great Rufiji River which creates a series of interconnected lakes and palm-fringed channels. The river teems with wildlife: Jurassic-size crocs bask on sunny sandbanks, elephants browse on swampy islands, storks and spoonbills patrol the shallows, and exposed mud banks are covered in crimson clouds of carmine bee-eaters. Consequently, many Nyerere safari lodges lie on or near the river and offer boat safaris along with game drives in open-top vehicles.
You can also expect some adventure. Nyerere isn’t subject to the restrictions that govern Tanzania’s other national parks so along with game drives and river cruises, visitors can go on guided walking safaris that last anything from a few hours to a couple of days with a night of rustic fly-camping. There's not much that can beat the thrill of being on foot in the big game country but you'll be in the company of armed rangers and expert guides.
Day 1: Welcome to Tanzania
Your first day starts with a rest, get briefed on your safari and rejuvenate as we await the start of our journey. Tanzania is arguably among the best safari destinations. One of our representatives will meet you at the airport and head to our hotel for check-in.
Once you're settled in, and if time permits, you can explore the city's spice markets and museums, dip in the nearby azure blue Indian Ocean, and relax on the pristine white sandy beaches, enjoying the tropical warmth and sunshine. Later, you can savour a delicious traditional East African dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.
Alternatively, you can discover the hotel's amenities and indulge in a soothing spa treatment or visit the gym. You can end the day enjoying a cultural or international-style dinner on-site before drifting off to sleep for a refreshing night's rest.
Day 2: Flight to the hidden gem of Nyerere National Park
After a welcome rest and a delicious breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Nyerere National Park.
The flight is an hour but you will feel worlds away as you fly over seemingly endless expanses of acacia trees, wide snaking rivers and golden savannah. Nyerere National Park is wild, remote and one of the largest protected areas in Africa.
There are few camps, and consequently, you won’t encounter many vehicles during your time here. You’ll be met by a driver at the airstrip who will take you to your camp to settle in. This afternoon you’ll be out on a boat safari, gliding over the water past enormous pods of hippos and huge crocodiles, enjoying the plethora of birdlife and admiring the sky setting in a blaze of reds, oranges and pinks.
Day 3 - 7: Explore the magnificent wildlife at Nyerere
Welcome to Nyerere National Park, Africa’s largest protected reserve with remarkable wildlife. With around 21,000 square miles of grassland, acacia savannah and oxbow lakes, its huge landscapes offer dollops of exciting game-viewing opportunities. On game drives, enjoy huge densities of wildlife that remain undisturbed. Keep a look out for the elusive wild dog as well as healthy concentrations of lion and elephant.
You'll spend your days exploring this vast park. You'll have game drives and picnic lunch inside the park without needing to return to the camp. This will allow you ample time to explore regions and encounter more wildlife. The park is home to a large number of wild dogs, a sighting to behold. You will appreciate the rugged and pure wild nature of the park, as it is less crowded and untouched giving you a pure wild experience.
You will have breaks in between your game drives, with a picnic lunch served while inside the park. In the late afternoon, you will transfer back to the hotel for dinner and rest.
Day 8 - 10: to the idyllic Swahili Island of Zanzibar
After breakfast, you will return to the nearest airstrip for your scheduled short-haul flight to Zanzibar. After landing at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, you will be transferred by road straight to your resort.
After all the Selous action, you might want to do nothing except soak up the sun beside the pool or in your hammock with a refreshing cocktail from the lodge's bar. Pamper yourself with wonderful, de-stressing massages and spa treatments.
If you are feeling active, set out on diving and snorkelling excursions to discover the Mnemba Atoll - a renowned reef and fascinating underwater world. Or simply hop onto one of the lodge's complimentary kayaks and explore the surrounding turquoise waters. Day trips can also be arranged to explore the historic cobbled streets of Stone Town, the island capital's old quarter, buzzing with colourful markets and local flavours.
Day 11: end of Safari
This morning, have breakfast and check out of the resort from where you will be transferred by road to the airport and connect with your onward flight home.
What is included in the tour
- All game parks and conservancy fees
- Extensive guided game drives in Nyerere National Park.
- Accommodation and all meals on a full-board basis (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Airport meet and greet with private transfers
- Domestic flights (Dar - Nyerere & Nyerere - Zanzibar)
- Back up tour van in case of a breakdown
- A highly credentialed driver-guide during your journey
- Emergency AMREF Evacuation fees
- Drinking water and soft drinks in the vehicle during the safari
What is NOT included in the tour
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International Flights and Taxes
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Passports and Visa Applications and Processing
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Travel Insurance
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Tips and Gratitudes to drivers and Guides
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Personal Laundry
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Alcoholic Drinks
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Maasai dances and art crafts.
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Any other extra not detailed in the itinerary.
