Grand Tour of Tanzania

Arriving into Arusha’s Kilimanjaro airport in the late afternoon, you will be greeted upon arrival by our warm, friendly guides. You will be transferred to a nearby hotel to rest and relax after the long international flight. Enjoying a leisurely dinner, notice the sounds and smells of Africa all around you!

After a leisurely breakfast you will head to the Ngorongoro Crater Rim. Arriving in the afternoon to enjoy the view of he crater below and the sunset across the crater rim.

Today you’ll experience first hand what has been called “one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.” The crater is home to an amazing concentration and diversity of wildlife, perhaps most importantly the rare black rhinoceros. Drive down the steep walls of the crater, arriving at the crater floor in time for lunch, viewing wildlife the whole time. You will spend the evening overlooking the crater and enjoying the sunset from the rim.

In the morning you will be transported to the airstrip for your flight out to the Serengeti. Arrive at the famous Serengeti National Park in time for an afternoon game drive, enjoying the mystical, blaze orange sunset as you head to camp. Spend the next two full days rising early to catch the wildlife in peak activity during the early morning hours. After time to relax in the afternoon, journey out as the sun starts to set for an afternoon game drive. Swap stories with fellow safari-goers in camp over hearty dinners and fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush all around you.

Spend the next three days exploring the Serengeti and witnessing the Great Migration.

In the morning you will catch your flight to Katavi National Park.

The park is the heart of one of the biggest and richest wildlife areas in Tanzania, the Katavi-Rukwa ecosystem. It encompasses the second largest wildlife population of Tanzania (after the bigger national parks of Serengeti and Ruaha). It offers exceptional wildlife viewing with huge herds of Cape Buffalo and elephants, and crocs and hippos in the rivers and pools. Bird watching during the green season is phenomenal.

Spend the next two full days exploring this remote and wild place.

In the morning you will fly to Mahale. Mahale is for true adventures! Upon arrival at the airstrip you will take a 1.5 hr boat ride across Lake Tanganyika to your camp.

For the next four days you will have the opportunity to go Chimp trekking, take forest walks, birding, boating, swimming, fishing.

Spend the next three days Chimp trekking, forest walks, birding, boating, swimming, fishing.

In the morning you will catch your flght to Ruaha. On arrival you will be met by one of the guides and driven the short distance to Jongomero.

Ruaha has gained a reputation amongst safari connoisseurs for its unique ecological and geographical character, offering a cross-section of species and a climate that is unique to the country. It is the largest National Park in Africa, and the feeling of remoteness and the spirit of adventure are immense. After afternoon tea, set out on a game drive in our open-sided vehicle, following the course of the Great Ruaha River in search of wildlife. Perhaps find elephants digging for water in the dry river bed, or catch a rare sighting of the African Wild Dog. As the sun sets, stop to admire the scenery and sip on a sundowner, before heading back to camp for hot showers and convivial drinks before dinner, discussing the day’s events and swapping safari stories.

Spend the next two days waking up to early morning tea or coffee in your luxury tent and look forward to another wonderful day exploring Ruaha National Park.

Jongomero is situated far to the South of the park and it feels like we have all of Africa to ourselves as we roam the riverine areas and hills. Birding is quite spectacular, with the park boasting some 500 different species of birds, including the Ruaha Red-billed hornbill which is unique to the park. Ruaha is an ecological convergence for Northern and Southern species of mammal and is also one of the few areas where Greater and Lesser Kudu can be seen. Game drives in Ruaha are unique and cater for the safari connoisseur, and with the bush luxury of Jongomero as our base, we can enjoy a most exclusive and rewarding safari experience. Dawn game walks are an absolute must; experience the warmth of the African sun warming your back as you navigate the dry river beds and listen to your expert guide tell you fascinating and often bizarre stories of the local flora, fauna, insects, birds and animals.

Depart Jongomero after breakfast for your flight to Selous Game Reserve. You will arrive in time for lunch.

Selous is Africa’s largest Game Reserve, the size of Switzerland and one of the last great wilderness areas on the continent. You will spend three unforgettable nights here as well as taking full advantage of viewing the abundant wildlife, either by boat, vehicle or on foot.

After lunch and a rest, there will be the opportunity to choose your first activity and begin to explore the Reserve, returning in time for sunset and dinner.

Spend the next three days having early morning tea or coffee served in your luxury tent before breakfast and heading out, with a choice of the following activities: By boat, either by following the course of the mighty Rufiji River or exploring Lake Nzerakera; weave amongst the pods of hippo and crocodile lining the bank and observe game coming down to drink.

Or Start the day earlier on a game walk, heading out on Selous’ most privileged of experiences. Accompanied by our experienced guide and an armed ranger, walk out into Africa’s largest wilderness, learn about the complex eco-system that it embraces, encounter the thrills and be enthralled at the wonder of being at the heart of nature.
Or Explore the game in the surrounding areas, from your seat on an open-sided vehicle, a comfortable and privileged journey through the wild African bush. You can expect to see any of the major African mammals, including elephant, giraffes, lions, leopard and even the rare African Wild Dog.
Return to camp for a splendid lunch, then a difficult decision between a siesta or a dip in the swimming pool whilst waiting for the heat of the day to subside. Mid afternoon meet for a cup of tea or cooling lemonade and scrumptious cakes under the Jackel Berry tree, and then move onto your second safari of the day - slowly meandering along the Rufiji River or perhaps tracking a leopard and her cub through the woodland.

On your final day, pack and enjoy your last few hours of wildlife before your flight to Dar es Salaam to meet your international flight back home – Bon Voyage and Karibu Tena!