Tour : Start in Dar and finishing in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Visit : Nyerere National Park &Mikumi, Udzungwa, Ruaha and Zanzibar Island
Destination : TANZANIA
No. Of Pax : 1Pax
Duration : 19DAYS /18NIGHTS
Notes:
- Accommodation named & safari permits can only be confirmed upon a booking being made
- Bateleur Safaris co-operates with fully registered hotels/camps to ensure your safety
Direction SOUTH to the NYERERE (Formerly SELOUS Game Reserve)
The south of Tanzania contains an infinite number of beauties still untouched by human hands. In this trip you will combine completely different settings in a few days. Starting from Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania's largest city, we will arrive at the Nyerere National Park, formerly the Selous Wildlife Reserve, and the largest on the African continent. Here human interference is practically non-existent and it is home to what is defined as the largest population of mammals in Africa: elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, wild dogs, lions, leopards and cheetahs.
Most of the excursions come along the Rufiji River where in Local language means "big river", first stop of our safari, continuing then for the exploration of the immense Reserve in the following days passing by exciting safari experiences like the boat walk or 4×4 in search of the fearsome big five. We close the tour with colonial Dar es Salaam, the former capital of the Republic of Tanganyika. In addition to the traditional 4x4 safaris, there are also boat trips - an amazing experience to watch the animals watering at sunset. The lodges and tented camps are all of a good standard; the transfers will be made by 4x4 and small Cessna.
19-DAYS SAFARI TOUR
Dar es Salaam
Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve)
Mikumi National park
Udzungwa National park
Ruaha National park
Iringa
Zanzibar
Detailed itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN DAR ES SALAAM
Arrival at Dar Es Salaam International Airport and after airport formalities, meet our guide for the private transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Bateleur safaris tell:
It is Tanzania's largest and most important city, Dar es Salaam. From a sleepy fishing village, it has developed into a tropical metropolis with a population of four million and interesting attractions. The architecture of Dar es Salaam is an extraordinary mix of African, Arab, Indian and German influences. And its location on the Indian Ocean gives it an exotic feel, with dream beaches and skyscrapers, paradisiacal islands and trendy clubs.
Among the most beautiful architecture is St. Joseph's Cathedral, a Gothic Catholic church whose spires stand out among the more modern buildings: a visit here on a Sunday morning allows you to admire the spectacular interior while listening to the notes of the choir. However, to experience the authentic heart of Dar es Salaam, you must go to the Kivukoni Fish Market. This is the best place to witness the fusion of cultures and to "do business" in a traditional Tanzanian environment: here you can take photos of fishermen unloading fish along the quays, but you need a strong stomach given the smells and the hundreds of gutted fish. If you want to buy sculptures or handicrafts instead, it's best to opt for the equally traditional Mwenge Woodcarvers Market.
DAY 2: DAR TO NYERERE NATIONAL PARK
Wake up early in the morning and depart in the direction of the Nyerere National Park formerly called "Selous Game Reserve", which was granted National Park status in 2019. On the way there will be a stop for a picnic lunch. Departure in the direction of the Campsite. Arrive at the lodge in the afternoon; depart for an exciting boat safari on the river to meet hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat. Your guide will explain the life of native birds and flora. The Rufiji River offers the most exciting boat safari in Nyerere National Park, home to the hippos and crocodiles we will encounter on our boat safari.
The park is also home to buffalos, waterbucks, impalas, elephants and lions that are easily spotted along the river banks. Dinner and overnight stay
Bateleur safaris tell:
The Rufiji is the longest river in Tanzania. However, it should be noted that this area is rich in wildlife, with one of the largest populations of Maasai giraffes, sometimes seen in large herds, the largest population of wild dogs in Tanzania, and a large number of elephants, often seen in single file across the river. The Rufiji in this area opens into a series of channels, forming small islands, marshy areas, lakes and lagoons, the latter being the Park's distinguishing features.
Its waters are home to a very high concentration of hippos and crocodiles, making a boat safari an exciting experience. Bird watching is one of the most popular activities due to the high number of bird species. There are 440 species of birds in the park, including several species of storks and herons, fish eagles, several subspecies of kingfishers including the Giant, Little and the colorful Malachite. The small islands covered with vegetation are a favorite spot for weavers, whose nests dangle from the branches of the bushes like cocoons on the surface of the water. Where the river has steep banks, there is ideal nesting ground for the spectacular White-fronted Crane.
DAY 3: FULL DAY SAFARI IN NYERERE NATIONAL PARK
Wake up at dawn for an exciting wildlife safari, changing the exploration area within Nyerere in the company of an experienced ranger in a 4×4 off-road vehicle. Lunch will be packed and then we will continue our game drive. This park is renowned for being an uncrowned place. It is the ideal environment to host what is called the largest population of mammals (about 750,000) in Africa: elephants (of which you can admire the migration, during the dry season, towards Mozambique), buffalos, hippos, crocodiles, wild dogs, lions, leopards, cheetahs and more than 400 different species of birds.
The Reserve is named after Frederick Courtney Selous, captain of the Royal British Rifles, who died in 1917 and was described as the greatest white hunter in Africa. Return to camp in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight stay. .
*Possibility to participate in the night safari excluded.
Nyerere National Park encompasses very diverse environments; from Miombo forests, clearings dotted with baobabs, ebani, acacias, stony hills with sparse grass, dark earth plains flooded during the rainy season, swamps and lakes in the meandering Rufiji River. The Rufiji River is the longest in Tanzania In addition to 4WD game drives, there are walking safaris and motor boat safaris along the river. For birdwatchers, the area is home to more than 440 species of birds. Unlike other parks, Nyerere was created within the Selous Wildlife Reserve, famous for being the largest protected area in Africa, and the world. The Selous Reserve was named after Frederick Courtenay Selous, captain of the British Fusiliers and a great elephant hunter.
Of the 55,000 square kilometres of the Reserve, it now covers some 30,893 square kilometres and is home to the largest amount of animals of any protected area in Tanzania: 60,000 elephants, 40,000 hippos, 3,500 lions, 1,300 wild dogs, 5,000 black antelopes, 130,000 buffalo and some 450 species of birds. A visit to the Reserve is commonly recommended in the period from June to December, March and April being the rainiest months.
DAY4: NYERERE TO MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK
Sharp morning breakfast at you lodge then depart to Mikumi Park with lunch upon arrival, this followed by checking into your rooms then a late afternoon game drive you will view the sunset activities of a variety of animal species such as Elephants, Giraffes, Gazelles, Kudus, Impalas also Birds and take in the scenery until 6:30pm before driving back for dinner and your overnight stay
DAY 5: GAME DRIVE IN MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK –UDZUNGWA MOUNTAIN
Mikumi game drive
Your day this morning is going to start with the sunrise game drive along Mchanga mbuga to Zebra Bridge for Breakfast then a further drive to Saba-Saba circuit and the Millennium until lunch, animals such as elephants Lions, giraffes, zebras are highly seen also wildebeests and buffaloes can be easily spotted here as much as any Reserve in Tanzania, This will leave you feeling amazed at the wonders of the reserve in Tanzania, Then later you will drive to Udzungwa Mountain for dinner and overnight stay .
On this day you will also opt to visit Masai village to experience their traditional life style.
DAY 6: HIKING ON UDZUNGWA MOUNTAIN THEN TRANSFER TO IRINGA
Leave the lodge after breakfast then transfer to Udzungwa Mountains National Park’s gate which takes about 10 minutes, register and head out to the Sanje waterfalls, which is 4 to 5 hours trek through the green forest. Expect to see monkeys, including rare indigenous Iringa red colabus, and some ancient trees some of them are 200 years old! Explore tropical forests until late afternoon then drive to Iringa for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 7: IRINGA-TRANSFER TO RUAHA NATIONAL PARK
After morning breakfast you will start your journey towards Ruaha National Park. You will drive along the “Never ending Road” and as soon as you take it, you will understand where the name comes from. You will reach the gate and you may have already had the chance to see some giraffes, elephant or some antelopes that are wandering outside the Park.
After the formalities to be carried out at the gate, you will start your driving crossing the Ruaha River to see its Hippos and Crocs and various water birds. We will reach your accommodation where we will have our lunch before starting the afternoon safari. We will be back just before the sundown to have a shower and get ready for dinner and overnight stay at government Bandas.
DAY 8: FULL DAY SAFARI IN RUAHA NATIONAL PARK
The day will begin with an early morning game drive, starting at sunrise and going through to breakfast. After breakfast there will be a drive through various habitats with various animals, birds and more stunning scenery of the Mwagusi Sand River as well as the Mdonya River. Stop for some lunch in the bush followed by further game viewing until sunset before you drive back for you to enjoy dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 9: GAME VIEWING IN RUAHA NATIONAL PARK -IRINGA
After a night hopefully disturbed by the sounds of wild animals, you will start your morning drive. You will have nice breakfast in the bush and continuing searching for all those animals that you have not seen before you will start your way out in order to exit the gate at the same time you entered according to the regulations of the park.
On your way back to Iringa you can have the chance to stop and see the museum of Kalenga. It is a small museum with an interesting story about chief Mkwawa and Wahehe ethnic group. Your guide will drop you at your hotel and later you can explore Iringa town with its nightlife.
DAY 10: IRINGA TOWN TOUR TO ISIMILA STONE AGE SITE &EARTH PILLARS – CHIEF MKWAWA MEMORIAL MUSEUM KALENGA ,GANGILONGA ROCK & IGELEKE ROCK PAINTING
After morning breakfast we will drive to Gangilonga Rock, ‘Hehe word for the talking stone’ to enjoy a view of Iringa town and nearby streets and map location of the city Centre. This will be followed by a tour to the Rock paintings in Igeleke hills for an orientation on the GPS’s, African technology with Hehe beliefs from 40,000 years ago to the present. Then drive back for lunch at the restaurant.
Afterwards, a short drives to Kalenga Museum where you will learn the ORIGIN and relationships between the Hehe people and other foreigners since 1980’s, not only from the past also today and future as we refer to CHIEF MKWAWA that will be followed by a short drive to Isimila Stone Age Site and Earth pillars where you will hear the origin of Homo erectus between 300,000 and 400,000 years ago B.C then drive back for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Iringa.
DAY11: IRINGA TO DAR ES SALAAM
After morning breakfast we take our safari vehicle then drive back to Dar es Salaam stop for lunch on the way to Dar you will arrive for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel
DAY12: DAR TO ZANZIBAR
This day you will enjoy morning breakfast at the hotel then catch a ferry to Zanzibar
Meet and greet a guide at Seaport then transferred to the hotel for relaxation, lunch ,dinner and overnight stay BB.
DAY 13: CITY AND SPICE TOURS
After breakfast we drive to Kizimbani for the spice tour. Explore the island and its hidden treasures at a relaxed pace. Travel deep into the interior to see the fragrant spice plantations. Discover how pods, bark, buds and berries are harvested and dried. The intoxicating aromas of fresh cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg will delight the senses and stimulate appetites, so be sure to sample the sweet tropical fruits and zesty curries Zanzibar is famous for. This is the cheapest place to buy locally made perfumes, oils and spice rings. After taking a locally prepared spice lunch we drive to Zanzibar Stone Town with our guide for Zanzibar Stone Town tour.
The architecture here has been shaped by generations of explorers and spice traders and provides many interesting photography opportunities. We will pay a visit to some of the most interesting sites in Stone Town including the former slave market, National Museum, Old Fort, City Market etc… After the tour and shopping we get back to the hotel for leisure, dinner and stay overnight on BB.
DAY 14: SAFARI BLUE TOUR
After breakfast we drive to Fumba beach for safari blue tour. We leave at 08h00 for Fumbe Village for the tour at 09h30. This is a full day trip on locally constructed sailing dhows, fitted with outboard motors, marine VHF radios, life jackets and other security requirements. The dhow anchors in a safe and shallow area to allow for snorkeling. High quality snorkeling materials are provided, and a large range of sizes is available. Lunch is served on a sand bank or on one of the many uninhabited island in the region. A traditional dish of barbecued fish, rice, lentils and fish curry is served. Chilled fruit juice, mineral water, and bottled soft drinks are available throughout the tour. After lunch, clients can sail on an outrigger canoe carved out of a single mango tree, snorkel and swim or just relax. Return to Fumba is by sail, wind permitting, and clients arrive back at their hotel at about 1730 hrs. Dinner and overnight stay at Uroa Bay Beach Resort Based on BB.
DAY 15-18: LEISURE DAY IN ZANZIBAR
These days you will relax in Zanzibar Stone Town. By your own you can go on Scuba Dive, Game Fishing or just relax beside the swimming pool reading your books…etc. Dinner and stay overnight at Uroa Bay Beach Resort basis on Bed and Breakfast
DAY19: FLY BACK HOME
Today you will enjoy a hot breakfast in the hotel and saying goodbye to your guides and staffs at the hotel then take a short transfer to the Airport where you will catch a flight back home.
The price for this package is: 6891usd per person
If you are doing in a group of 1pax
Our price includes:
- Travel insurances
- Full briefing before your trip
- Services of a full qualified, English-speaking driver and safari guide
- Private 4WD Land Cruiser with pop-up roof ideal for game viewing and sightseeing
- Your accommodation in (Selous) Nyerere national park,Mikumi,Udzungwa&Ruaha
- 2 night accommodation in Dar es salaam
- 3nights accommodation in Iringa
- 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- All Park entrance fees
- Stone town city tour
- Safari to Blue tour
- Iringa town tour
- 2 night Accommodation in stone town
- 5 night accommodation at Beach hotel
- Ground Transfer on ground
- Boat safari in Selous
- Ferry to Zanzibar
- Airport transfers
- Water 1.5 (liters a day)
- Guide/driver fees
- 2 ways transfer to Dar es salaam
- Government taxes and 18% V.A.T
Our price does NOT include the following:
- Local and international flights (can be arranged due to guest’s need)
- Visas
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Personal medical items
- Additional food
- Additional personal equipment
- Tips to your team
Please ask us for any further assistance for other tours and other services
WHY YOU SHOULD BOOK BATELEUR SAFARIS SERVICES:
Bateleur provides professional services in wildlife guiding and tourism throughout the mainland of Tanzania and Zanzibar Island
We deliver services at highest standard in the industry for professional, safe and reliable experience to our customers
Bateleur offers customized safari packages to satisfy individual customer needs
We develop long-term and true-worthy business relationship with local communities, clients, shareholders and stakeholders in the tourism industry
Bateleur upholds a slogan ‘GO WILD’ so our customers can enjoy an unforgettable experience and, at the same tome respect park rules and regulations in order to sustain our parks for future generations
At Bateleur safaris the safety of guest, wildlife and guides is our top priority
We provide a guide from arrival to the date of departure.
Sit, Relax and Enjoy your Safari
