A Tanzanian Odyssey
About as good an itinerary as you will ever see!
Of all the safari itineraries that we have come across over the years, this really is the pick of them all as far as we are concerned. It combines the sheer uniqueness and luxury of places like Greystokes Mahale, with the raw safari and guiding in Katavi and the Selous, to round it all off in superb style in one of the best beach destinations in Africa, Zanzibar. The safari is as good as it gets...and so is the beach....apart from having to travel to get between them all, this really is the best itinerary in Africa at the moment....
Fly to Kilimanjaro
Fly to Kilimanjaro international airport and met on arrival.
Onsea House, Arusha
Met on arrival and transferred to Onsea House, Arusha to relax for the day in preparation for your flight down to Mahale the following morning. Onsea House is set in verdant hills to the north of Arusha, the main town in northern Tanzania. It is equipped with a whole host of different amenities and boasts a superb view out across the hills. You can spend the day just recovering or there are a wide range of activities on offer such as visiting a local community, or heading into the nearby Arusha National Park for a bit of game viewing.
Greystoke's Camp, Mahale National Park
Met in the early morning for the flight down to Mahale National Park, on Lake Tanganyika. The flying time is around 4 hours and takes you over the north of Tanzania with plenty to see along the way. As you fly into the airstrip amongst the mountains you will be stretch by the sheer beauty and remoteness of the region. Once on "terra firma" again, there is a 40 minute boat ride down the lake to Greystoke's Camp…possibly one of the most beautiful destinations in Africa! The next 3 days are spent visiting the chimps, swimming in the lake and generally exploring this fascinating area.
Katavi Wildlife Camp, Katavi National Park
Transferred back to the airstrip for the flight across to Katavi National Park. This is where, from a safari point of view, things really start to heat up. Have traveled the length and breadth of Africa a few times, we have yet to come across any park that has quite the same allure or Katavi. Out in the middle of nowhere, it is only the more adventurous and determined that make it here…but it is definitely worth the trip! Katavi Wildlife Camp sits right on one of the main plains in the area and, in season, it is possible to see safari happenings that can only be described as "indescribable"! Lions chasing leopards off kills, buffalo herds into the thousands, hippo pods as far as the eye can see….the list goes on!
Beho Beho, Selous Game Reserve
Transferred back to the airstrip for the flight via Ruaha to the Selous. Met on arrival and transferred to Beho Beho to stay for 3 nights on an all inclusive basis. As a contrast from the heat and open spaces of Katavi, the Selous is a great foil. On top of this, after the relative "rough edges" of Katavi Wildlife, Beho Beho could not be more luxurious, with a swimming pool looking out across the Beho Beho hills and some of the best dining in Tanzania. The guiding, likewise, is amongst the best in the continent and so you can just sit back or get out there!
Vamizi Island, Mozambique
Transferred back to the airstrip in time for the early flight to Dar es Salaam. Met by your pilot and transferred to the private plane down to Vamizi Island (stopping en-route to clear customs with your own customs officer!). Met and tranferred to the lodge to stay for 6 nights on an all inclusive basis. This lodge is the epitome of luxury and the dream island, with 7 miles of private beach, excellent service and food.
Fly home
Fly from Vamizi back to Dar es Salaam to connect onto your international flights home.
Please note that the above is on a full board basis unless otherwise shown and does NOT include international flights.
