Tanzania: Off The Beaten Track

Duration9 Nights
StyleSafari
When to GoJune - October
Price GuideFrom £11,000 Per Person

The southern parks and western parks in Tanzania offer a completely different experience to the north. As destinations off the beaten track, they certainly offer a quieter and more secluded experience, without compromising on the game viewing. This itinerary includes a safari in the Nyerere National Park, which offers a broader range of safari activities like game drives, bush walks, fishing, and boat safaris. Here you can enjoy watching elephant from the water, listening to hippos from your safari tent, and tracing wild dog in the safari jeeps. You will then fly across to Ruaha National Park where you will have three nights. This park is famed for its buffalo herds, leopards, and lesser kudu, among other species. Finish the safari experience with time in western Tanzania, where you will enjoy a secluded and wild experience on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, in the Mahale Mountains. To end this adventurous itinerary, you will fly across to Fanjove Island, to spend 3 nights on an idyllic private island. Spend the last few days eating under the stars, walking barefoot on the white sand banks, and exploring the azure waters and tropical fish. The combination of all three destinations will offer the most special, secluded, and unforgettable Tanzania trip.

At A Glance

Days 1 - 3

Selous Game Reserve
- Fly from Dar es Salaam to the Selous in a light aircraft plane
- Enjoy three nights in a luxury safari camp, with two game activities per day
- Game drives, boat safaris, walking safaris and tiger fishing opportunities

Days 4 - 6

Ruaha National Park
- Fly from the Selous to Ruaha in a light aircraft plane
- Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in this vast, arid park
- Great elephant and buffalo herds, as well as lion numbers

Day 7 - 9

Mahale Mountains
- Fly from Ruaha to Mahale Mountains in a light aircraft plane
- Spend three nights on the shores of Lake Tanganyika
- Hike through the mountains to see the chimpanzees

Days 10 - 12

Fanjove Private Island
- Fly from Ruaha to Songo Songo Island
- Take a boat transfer across to Fanjove Private Island to stay for 3 nights
- Enjoy your very own private island, with snorkeling and diving opportunities

Meet Our Expert

Gemma D Souza

Africa Specialist

With family roots in Kenya, it became a continent I have naturally gravitated towards. I’ve traveled extensively around East and Southern, working with luxury camps, guides, and rangers for over eight years. I am enthralled by Africa and would happily talk about this diverse continent’s wildlife, cultures and experiences all day, every day.

CALL US ON: +44 208 004 2345

Request a Quote

What's Included

3 nights luxury safari accommodation in the Selous Game Reserve
3 nights luxury safari accommodation in Ruaha National Park
All park fees and game activities included on a shared basis
All internal flights outlined in the itinerary
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) included on safari
3 nights in the Mahale Mountains in Western Tanzania to see the chimpanzees
3 nights in Fanjove Private Island on a full board basis
Expert planning and support and 24/7 support from our dedicated staff

What's not Included

International flights
Any drinks not included in the safari package
Tipping and gratuities
Visas if required
We strongly advise all guests to purchase comprehensive travel insurance

Day by Day Itinerary

Days 1-3
Nyerere National Park
You will fly from Dar es Salaam to the Selous Game Reserve (approximately a 30-minute flight). As you arrive at the bush airstrip, you will be met by your safari guide, and will start your safari en route to the camp! The Nyerere National Park has fantastic wildlife sightings – particularly with elephant, lion, and wild dog. The Selous is home to more than half of Tanzania’s elephant population and over 120,000 buffalo. On a game drive, you will definitely come across large herds, and on the river, you will likely see elephants swimming or drinking from the river banks. Roho ya Selous includes all of your safari activities including game drives, bush walks, and boat safaris. An average day on safari includes a morning game activity, some time to relax in camp during the day, and then another safari activity in the afternoon.
Accommodation Options:
- Roho ya Selous Camp
  Read More
  Roho ya Selous Camp
  Camp Highlights
  Swimming pool, spacious lounge and communal dining area
  8 luxury safari tents with light air-conditioning and ensuite bathrooms
  Views overlooking Lake Nzerakera with abundant wildlife
  Roho ya Selous Camp Overview
  Roho ya Selous offers rustic luxury in an untouched part of the Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania. The Selous is home to the largest population of wild dog on the continent, and with the mighty Rufiji River running through, safari activities are diverse, including boat safaris and catch-and-release fishing. Roho ya Selous is made up of eight stylish canvassed tents, featuring spacious ensuite bathrooms and a light air-conditioning unit above the bed to keep you cool during hotter months. The camp has its own pool and shaded lounge and dining tent for communal lunches and dinners in the bush. As with other Asilia properties, the safari guiding is exceptional and the service level and attention to detail is second-to-none. The staff in Roho ya Selous – the guides, the chef, the housekeepers, and the managers – will all become your friends after a stay in this luxury safari camp.
- Siwandu Camp
  Read More
  Siwandu Camp
  Camp Highlights
  Located on the shores of Lake Nzerakera
  10 luxury tented rooms with overhead fans, open-air stargazers and ensuite bathrooms
  Swimming pool – perfect for midday swims
  Wooden-decked verandas, lounge area and bar under an elevated thatch structure
  Private dining under the stars, after sundowners in the bush
  Siwandu Camp Overview
  Located in the Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania is the wonderful Siwandu Camp. As part of the Selous Safari Company portfolio (its sister camp being Jongomero in Ruaha), Siwandu offers undisturbed luxury in, arguably, the best wildlife location in all of southern Tanzania. Siwandu is home to 10 spacious tents made of canvas and mosquito netting, offering king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms, private verandas and of course, an abundance of animals that often visit the camp! To get to Siwandu Camp, you will take a light-aircraft plane from Dar es Salaam to Siwandu airstrip in the Selous Game Reserve. This is a 30-minute flight and as you come to land, you will get the opportunity to spot giraffe, buffalo and elephant from above. Once you arrive in camp, all of your meals are included and served in the elevated lounge and dining area. During the midday heat, you can relax in your luxury rooms, take a swim in the pool, or enjoy the wildlife from the shores of Lake Nzerakera.
Days 4 - 6
Ruaha National Park
This morning you will be transferred to the airstrip to fly to Ruaha National Park. This is a park famous for its red soil, large baobab trees, and huge lion populations. On arrival, you will be met by your safari guide and will spend the next three nights in the luxury lodge, Jabali Ridge. This camp is located in one of the best game-viewing regions in the park, and many other camps come to this area for sightings. The best time to visit Ruaha is the July to October period when the park is at its driest. A typical day on safari in Ruaha begins with an early morning game drive. You will be on safari from around 6 am – 11 am, during which you will have a bush breakfast and coffee overlooking a beautiful view. You will head back to the camp around 11 am where you will enjoy a few hours to rest at Jabali Ridge. You will then head back out on safari around 3 pm to 7 pm, where your safari guide will find a beautiful view to enjoy sundowners.
Accommodation Options:
- Jabali Ridge Camp
  Read More
  Jabali Ridge Camp
  Lodge Highlights
  Eight luxury and design-savvy suites built on the rocky kopjes
  Infinity swimming pool overlooking the baobab forest and the Ikuka escarpment
  Excellent guides, service, food and overall ambiance
  One of the most unique lodges in all of Tanzania
  Jabali Ridge
  Jabali Ridge is the newest addition to Ruaha National Park and it’s certainly made its mark! Built up on a rocky kopje overlooking a Baobab Forest, Jabali Ridge offers ultimate luxury with an abundance of wildlife in the surrounding area. Because of its elevation, the rooms and main areas of Jabali Ridge boast views across to the Ikuka escarpment. The lodge itself is made of eight large suites, each with their own large wooden veranda, outdoor sofa areas, and huge ensuite bathrooms with waterfall showers. The main area has a breathtaking infinity pool with sun loungers behind. And behind that? A bar with unlimited drinks and one of the best cocktail makers in all of Africa! Jabali Ridge also has its own library, lounge area and spa. The safari guides are excellent at what they do, and offer constant knowledge, enthusiasm and kindness towards the guests. If you’re looking to splash out in a park off the beaten track, this is the lodge for you.
- Mwagusi
  Read More
  Mwagusi
  Mwagusi
  13 bandas made of thatch, stone and timber
  Each banda has its own large veranda overlooking the seasonal Mwagusi river, with a hammock and a day bed to enjoy an “armchair safari”
  Meals are communal so you will sit with other guests, guides and the manager/owner in the evening, sharing safari stories from your day
  Best location in all of Ruaha National Park – the game is abundant in this area
  Mwagusi
  Mwagusi Safari Camp was established in 1987 and since then, it has been loved by safari enthusiasts for many reasons. The camp is an expression of the enthusiasm and boundless energy of its owner – Chris Fox. The accommodation is very unique as it offers ‘bandas’ made from natural materials like grass thatch, drift wood, stones and reeds. Sat on the banks of the seasonal Mwagusi River, Mwagusi’s accommodation blends into the natural surroundings and as a result, wildlife is regularly seen in and around the camp. Meals are served under the stars and, with candlelight and safari stories shared by the managers, guides and other guests in the camp, there is nothing more romantic and memorable. Mwagusi’s location is simply unbeatable in Ruaha National Park – a combination of miombo woodland, vast open plains, and deep dry river beds. We would recommend Mwagusi for those looking for an authentic safari experience and phenomenal guiding, without the price tag of other lodges in the area.
Days 7 - 9
Mahale Mountains
After time in Nyerere and Ruaha National Parks on safari, you will then fly across to Western Tanzania, where you will stay for three nights. This is a much more remote location in Tanzania, and a bit of a hidden gem off the beaten track! You will be met on arrival in Mahale, and transferred to Mahale Greystoke to stay for three nights. Spend these days hiking through the mountains to see the chimpanzees, going out onto Lake Tanganyika to watch the sunsets, and enjoy walking safaris with your professional guide. Switch off in one of the most secluded spots in the country.
Days 10 - 12
Fanjove Private Island
After nine nights on safari, you will finish your trip on a breathtaking private island named Fanjove. Because of its seclusion, you will fly from Ruaha to Dar es Salaam, and then from Dar es Salaam to Songo Songo. From here you will take a one-hour boat across to Fanjove – a place you will call home for the next three nights. There are six bandas which all offer undisturbed views of the ocean. Enjoy time relaxing on the white-sand beaches, snorkeling the archipelago, or kayaking around the beautiful island. You can also do excursions like dolphin boat trips and dhow sunset trips. The best thing about Fanjove Island is that, whilst you feel completely secluded and remote, you also feel very welcome and looked after. The staff live on the island too (in the staff quarters) and are always around to make sure you have everything you need to make your time there memorable. It’s a very special place with stunning views and a completely magical location.
Accommodation Options:
- Fanjove Island
  Read More
  Fanjove Island
  Hotel Highlights
  Offers a private island experience but with a rustic and authentic feel
  Plenty of activities to do including diving, snorkelling, dolphin trips, bird watching, kayaking, fishing and sailing
  Perfect for honeymooners looking for a private island experience
  Unique and eco-friendly accommodation
  Fanjove Island Overview
  Fanjove is a private island off the eastern coast of Tanzania’s mainland. It is located in the Songo Songo Archipelago, south of the capital city Dar es Salaam. To access the island, you will take a light aircraft plane to Songo Songo, and then take an hour-long boat to the secluded and magical island of Fanjove. With azure waters and white sand beaches, the island is nothing short of a paradise. The island has six eco-friendly bandas, each offering undisturbed views of the ocean and complete privacy. The shape and style of the bandas reflect traditional sailing boats and, with the front of the banda being able to open up, it offers indoor-outdoor living on this idyllic island. The main restaurant is also a similar style, with meals and drinks often served under the stars, with the feeling of white sand in between your toes. There is a 19th-century lighthouse close to the main area too, where you can enjoy sundowners from.
- Zuri Zanzibar
  Read More
  Zuri Zanzibar
  Hotel Highlights
  56 rooms with different room types available
  Wellness spa and fitness area
  Private terraces amongst tropical gardens
  Northern part of Zanzibar in Kendwa
  Spacious and well-appointed rooms
  Zuri Zanzibar Overview
  Situated in Kendwa in the northern part of Zanzibar Island is Zuri Zanzibar. With white sand beaches and a laid-back atmosphere, Zuri Zanzibar is made up of 56 rooms which are either bungalows, suites or villas. These rooms sit amongst tropical gardens which are contrast against the blue skies. All of the rooms are spacious and feature outdoor showers, private terraces and lounge areas. In terms of design and decor, Zuri Zanzibar is one of our personal favourites. The rooms are full of contemporary, local furniture and artwork. The main areas like the restaurant and the bars have quirky and memorable features like beautiful chandeliers and lighting, offering vast views out to the ocean. Zuri Zanzibar has a wellbeing spa (Maua Wellness by Healing Earth) which offers a wealth of treatments, massages and even features a jacuzzi deck.
DAY 10
Departure
On the final day you will fly back to Dar es Salaam to connect onto your international flights home.