Tanzania - Flight of the Bateleur

In combining two of Africa’s greatest known parks, we have carefully selected camps that we know will complement each other in terms of guiding quality, accommodation and overall style. The mighty Rufiji and Ruaha Rivers provide the focal point for most game drives and walking safaris, all accompanied by knowledgeable and experienced guides. The safari ends with a night in Stone Town.

To extend your stay in either the Selous or Ruaha, spend a night or two fly-camping with a specialist guide. For more details on the differences between safari operators here, please contact us.

Day 1

Zanzibar/Dar es Salaam – Selous Game Reserve

This afternoon, transfer to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam airport and connect with the flight to the Selous. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a guide and transferred to the camp to freshen up. The rest of the afternoon will be spent on a game activity within the reserve. Alternatively, you may just stay on a game drive en route from the airstrip, ending in camp as the sun sets.

Beho Beho Camp

Beho Beho is perched on a hillside deep inside the northern Selous. It enjoys outstanding views, cool breezes and is completely isolated from the outside world and other camps. There is a small river gorge in front of the lodge and pool, and the lakes shimmer in the distance. Accommodation here is spacious, modern and very comfortable, however come here for the quality of guiding and excellent game. The food and service is splendid as well! This is a unique experience, where much of your time may be spent tracking game on foot, with all your senses alive to the sights sounds and smells of the bush. As well as the walks, you can swim in Maji Moto hot springs, take an exciting boat safari on Lake Tagalala where you certainly won't want to swim, and enjoy open vehicle 4x4 safaris.

Selous

This must be the largest unspoilt game reserve in Africa. The reserve is named after the late Captain Frederick Courteney Selous, a famous elephant hunter who was killed by a German sniper in 1917.

General accessibility to the 55,000 sq km reserve used to be difficult, however, there are now flights, a limited train service from Dar es Salaam and a convenient dirt road linking the park with other southern Tanzanian attractions.

The reserve is immense, remote and wild and no human habitation is allowed within its boundaries, apart from within camps and lodges. Today it boasts some of Africa’s finest virgin bush, unchanged through centuries and inhabited by three quarters of a million wild animals.

The river systems and gorges are fascinating, as are the swamps, woodlands and savannahs, all home to hippo, crocodile, elephant, buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, giraffe, waterbuck, baboon, leopards, lion, wild dog, eland, sable and roan, to mention just a few of the species.

The bird-life is also extremely rich. There are a number of camps in the northern sector of the park, offering a mix of rustic and exotic accommodation. Game drives are by open four-wheel drive vehicle or by boat, (on Lake Tagalala for Beho Beho Camp) a wonderfully peaceful way to view game. For a real highlight, choose a safari that offers escorted walking and fly-camping trips.

Day 2

Selous Game Reserve

Morning and afternoon game activities, walking safaris and boat trips.

Day 3

Selous Game Reserve

Morning and afternoon game activities, walking safaris and boat trips.

Day 4

Selous Game Reserve – Ruaha National Park

After breakfast depart to the airport spotting game en route. Fly from the Selous to Ruaha. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a guide and transferred to the camp in time for a delicious lunch. After lunch and a siesta, the rest of the afternoon will be spent on a game drive within the reserve.

Overnight at Mwagusi Camp on a full board basis plus activities.

Mwagusi Camp

Mwagusi Camp is one of Tanzania’s real little gems. Tucked away on the banks of the sandy Mwagusi River in an area rich with wildlife, guests come here to experience excellent game, an intimate atmosphere, knowledgeable friendly guides and a classic bush camp experience.

What completes this is candlelit river-bed dinners and wildlife walking through camp on a regular basis. The 10 bandas are basically tents within solid thatched structures. All wonderfully decorated creating a romantic atmosphere with the use of soft fabrics, rustic touches and a colourful mix of thatch and fossilised branches.

To the front of each banda there’s a veranda with two huge comfy chairs, from which to watch any game that visits the dry river bed to forage.

Ruaha

At 13,000 sq km, Ruaha is not much smaller than the Serengeti. However, only a fraction has been developed for tourism. For those seeking adventure, this park should be on the list. Its landscape is fascinating and the wilderness vast.

Here, rocky outcrops, steep gorges, wooded forests and miombo woodlands all centre around the flood plains of the great sandy Ruaha River.

This captivating river is lined with tamarind, winterthorn and palm trees, making it a great haunt for hippo, kudu, lion, leopard and elephant. Guided walking safaris are also a great attraction in this park however there are no boat trips here.

Day 5

Ruaha National Park

Morning and afternoon game activities.

Day 6

Ruaha National Park

Morning and afternoon game activities.

Day 7

Ruaha National Park – Zanzibar

After breakfast depart on your last game drive with a picnic lunch. Following lunch you’ll connect with the flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to Stone Town.

Overnight at Dhow Palace Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.

Dhow Palace Hotel

The Dhow Palace Hotel is a completely renovated 16-bedroomed old Arabic house in Stone Town, around 15 minutes’ drive from the airport. This is an atmospheric place to stay, furnished exquisitely with old antiques and built around a courtyard with a fountain, which creates a beautiful tranquil setting.

Today you’ll transfer back to Zanzibar Airport to connect with your departure or onward arrangements.

Click Here to Enquire