Day notes
Day 1: The adventure in hidden Tanzania begins!
The moment has finally arrived: your journey to untouched Tanzania is about to begin. Today, you’ll board your flight and leave the daily hustle and bustle behind. You are flying to Dar es Salaam, the vibrant gateway to southern Tanzania.
While most travelers head straight for the busy north, you have chosen the exclusivity and tranquility of the lesser-known—but equally spectacular—southern and eastern parks.
Upon arrival in the evening, a comfortable transfer will be waiting to take you to your first hotel. Take a deep breath of the warm, tropical African air: your adventure starts now!
Check-in to Nakupenda Afrika Hotel
Day notes
Days 2 - 4: The water world of pristine Nyerere National Park
Today, your safari begins in spectacular fashion! You’ll board a small bush plane for a fantastic experience, watching the landscape below transform into an endless, deep-green wilderness. This flight takes you to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous), one of the largest and most pristine wildlife reserves in all of Africa. The park is larger than Switzerland, yet it attracts only a fraction of the tourists that head north. Here, you truly have nature all to yourself.
As you touch down on the dirt airstrip in the heart of the bush, your guide will be waiting to drive you to the lodge. In Nyerere, the experience isn't just about the savannah; it’s centered around the mighty Rufiji River winding through the landscape.
My personal favorite: The boat safaris! I wouldn't miss them for the world. From the water, you glide silently past bathing hippos and sunbathing crocodiles. With a bit of luck, you’ll spot elephants or giraffes drinking at the water's edge as the sun slowly sets.
In addition to the water activities, you will, of course, head out on game drives in open jeeps to discover the impressive wildlife on land.
You will stay here for three nights on an all-inclusive basis, allowing you to plan your days flexibly with your guide. Enjoy this stunning park; I hope you find it just as extraordinary as I do!
Charter Flight from Nakupenda Afrika Hotel to Rufiji River Camp
Charter Flight
Nakupenda Afrika Hotel
Rufiji River Camp
Stay at Rufiji River Camp
Day notes
Days 5 - 7: Deeper into the wilderness: Rugged Ruaha National Park
Today, you leave the rivers of Nyerere behind and fly toward your next great adventure: Ruaha National Park. The flight between the parks takes about an hour and a half and is an experience in itself. Looking out the window, you’ll watch the landscape transform from lush riverbeds into the rugged, arid heart of Tanzania.
Ruaha is a truly special park. It is vast, wild, and visited by far fewer tourists than the parks in the north. This is the place where the chances of unique, undisturbed wildlife encounters are at their highest. The landscape is breathtakingly diverse: from open savannahs and winding rivers to impressive rock formations. And, of course, the iconic, ancient baobab trees that tower over the land like giants—a magnificent sight at sunset!
You will spend three nights at Ruaha River Lodge, the perfect base for exploring this park. From the lodge, you’ll head out on various game drives led by an experienced guide. Since you are staying for several days, there is plenty of room to tailor the safaris to your liking. Whether you want to head out at first light to spot lions on the hunt or prefer a relaxed afternoon safari stopping at the most scenic viewpoints, everything can be arranged with your guide.
Enjoy the silence, the raw nature, and the exclusivity of this stunning park.
Charter Flight from Rufiji River Camp to Ruaha River Lodge
Charter Flight
Rufiji River Camp
Ruaha River Lodge
Stay at Ruaha River Lodge
Day notes
Days 8 - 9: The savannahs of Mikumi and the start of your freedom
Today, you say goodbye to Ruaha River Lodge after a few unforgettable days immersed in breathtaking nature. With the memories of the wild bush still fresh in your mind, you’ll fly on to Mikumi National Park. Here, you will spend two nights at Vuma Hills. The lodge will handle all the departure details and ensure you arrive at the airstrip on time for this stunning flight over the Tanzanian landscape.
Mikumi National Park is renowned for its wide savannahs and open plains, which bear a striking resemblance to the Serengeti. This makes it an excellent spot for wildlife viewing, often featuring large herds moving across the horizon. You can expect to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and buffaloes. With a bit of luck, you might even spot lions, hyenas, or hippos near the waterholes.
During your stay at Vuma Hills, all activities are included. Together with your guide, you can flexibly plan your days with game drives, moments of relaxation at the lodge, or an atmospheric sundowner overlooking the vast plains.
At the end of this stay, an exciting moment awaits: your own 4x4 rental car will be delivered! From this point forward, you take the wheel yourself for the next chapter of your adventure.
Charter Flight from Ruaha River Lodge to Vuma Hills Tented Camp
Charter Flight
Ruaha River Lodge
Vuma Hills Tented Camp
Stay at Vuma Hills Tented Camp
Day notes
Days 10 - 11: Launching your self-drive adventure in the Udzungwa rainforest
Today, your self-drive adventure truly begins! At your own pace, you’ll head out in your 4x4 toward Hondo Hondo, the Udzungwa Forest Camp. The drive takes approximately two hours, so we recommend departing early to ensure you have the full afternoon to explore this extraordinary park.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is completely different from the parks you’ve visited so far. Instead of open savannahs, you’ll find a dense, lush tropical rainforest with incredible biodiversity. The park is world-renowned for its hiking trails and species found nowhere else on earth, such as rare primates and vibrant birds. At the park entrance in Mang’ula, you can easily arrange a local guide for a scenic trek. A hike to the Sanje Falls is an absolute must, though various routes are available depending on your preferences and the weather.
You will stay for one night at Hondo Hondo. It’s worth noting that this is a simple, atmospheric lodge immersed in nature. The accommodation is basic and the facilities are somewhat dated, but that is exactly what creates such an authentic experience with the rainforest right on your doorstep. You’ll fall asleep to the soothing sounds of crickets, birds, and monkeys in the background. It is an adventurous leg of the journey in a unique, pristine part of Tanzania where nature takes center stage.
Self Drive from Vuma Hills Tented Camp to Hondo Hondo Udzungwa Forest Tented Camp
Self Drive
Vuma Hills Tented Camp
Hondo Hondo Udzungwa Forest Tented Camp
Stay at Hondo Hondo Udzungwa Forest Tented Camp
Levering Land Cruiser aan Lodge
Expert tips:
Routebeschrijving naar Udzungwa Forest Camp (Hondo Hondo)
Verlaat de accommodatie en rijd terug naar de hoofdweg (T1).
Jullie moeten je uitgechecken bij de gate van Mikumi National Park. Overleg bij de lodge of dit nodig is, ze hebben jullie park fees geregeld. Moet dit gebeuren rij eerst terug naar de ingang van het park. Meld je bij het TANAPA-kantoortje bij de gate en laat daar officieel registreren dat jullie het park verlaten. Zonder deze stap klopt de administratie van het park niet, dus dit is belangrijk om alsnog te doen.
Na het uitchecken rijd je terug naar de hoofdweg. Kom je vanaf de accommodatie, sla dan linksaf de T1 op. Kom je vanuit de richting van de parkgate, sla dan rechtsaf.
Volg de T1 westwaarts voor ongeveer 20 kilometer tot je in Mikumi village een splitsing bereikt.
Sla bij de splitsing linksaf de T16 op richting Udzungwa Mountains National Park.
Volg de T16 voor ongeveer 58 kilometer. Udzungwa Forest Camp (Hondo Hondo) ligt aan de rechterkant van de weg, vlak voor de ingang van het nationale park.
Day notes
Days 12 - 13: A road trip through the heart of Tanzania to Simbaweni
Today, you leave the lush rainforest of Udzungwa behind and continue your journey toward Simbaweni Lodge & Camping. This charming and atmospheric stopover on the way to the Tanzanian coast will be your home for the next two nights.
A drive of approximately four hours is on the agenda. Since driving in Tanzania can sometimes take a little longer than expected, we recommend departing by 10:00 AM at the latest. This ensures you have plenty of time for a relaxed arrival. The route is mostly paved and manageable, though driving in this country always requires a bit of getting used to.
Along the way, you’ll pass through various colorful villages and open landscapes. Here, you will witness daily life outside the national parks, revealing a completely different side of the country. Think of today primarily as a scenic travel day; a transition from the mountain forests to the coastal region and a unique chance to experience another face of Tanzania. Once you arrive at Simbaweni, you can fully unwind from the drive and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Self Drive from Hondo Hondo Udzungwa Forest Tented Camp to Simbamwenni Lodge & Camping
Self Drive
Hondo Hondo Udzungwa Forest Tented Camp
Simbamwenni Lodge & Camping
Stay at Simbamwenni Lodge & Camping
Expert tips:
Routebeschrijving naar Simbamwenni Lodge & Camping (vanuit Udzungwa Forest Camp / Hondo Hondo)
Verlaat Udzungwa Forest Camp (Hondo Hondo) en rijd terug richting de hoofdweg (T16).
Sla rechtsaf de T16 op en volg deze weg oostwaarts richting Mikumi village. Dit deel van de route is ongeveer 58 kilometer en duurt ongeveer een uur.
In Mikumi village kom je weer uit op de hoofdweg T1. Sla hier rechtsaf de T1 op, richting Morogoro.
Volg de T1 voor ongeveer 140 kilometer. Deze weg is grotendeels geasfalteerd en redelijk goed begaanbaar. Reken op een reistijd van ongeveer 2 tot 2,5 uur, afhankelijk van het verkeer.
Zodra je Morogoro binnenrijdt, let je op de afslag richting Simbamwenni. De lodge ligt net buiten het centrum, aan de oever van de rivier, in een rustige en groene omgeving.
Er staat een bord met de afslag naar Simbamwenni Lodge & Camping. Sla hier af en volg het pad tot je bij de ingang van de lodge komt. De laatste paar honderd meter kunnen een onverhard pad zijn, maar zijn prima te rijden.
Day notes
Day 14: Soaking up culture in historic Bagamoyo
Today, you continue your journey toward the coast, with the charming seaside town of Bagamoyo as your final destination. The drive takes approximately four hours and consists mostly of good paved roads. It’s a very manageable trip, but keep in mind that travel in Tanzania can often take a bit longer than planned. Therefore, we recommend departing by 10:00 AM at the latest, giving you plenty of time for a relaxed arrival.
Bagamoyo is a unique place with a rich history and a vibrant local character. The town still breathes the atmosphere of the past, with its old Arabic and German architecture, unpaved sandy streets, and a thriving fishing culture.
My personal tip: Be sure to take a stroll through the town center and visit the local fish market or the harbor. There, you can watch traditional wooden boats being loaded with goods like timber and rice, destined for Zanzibar. It is fascinating to see how daily life still follows ancient traditions here. Bagamoyo is easy to explore on foot. However, we advise against carrying large, conspicuous cameras. Taking photos is perfectly fine, but using your phone is often more discreet and respectful, allowing you to truly blend into the town's laid-back atmosphere.
Check-out from Simbamwenni Lodge & Camping
Self Drive from Simbamwenni Lodge & Camping to Firefly Boutique Lodge
Self Drive
Simbamwenni Lodge & Camping
Firefly Boutique Lodge
Check-in to Firefly Boutique Lodge
Expert tips:
Routebeschrijving naar Firefly Boutique Lodge (Bagamoyo)
Vertrekpunt: Simbamwenni Lodge & Camping, Morogoro
Bestemming: Firefly Boutique Lodge, Bagamoyo
Verlaat Simbamwenni Lodge en rijd terug naar de hoofdweg T1 richting Dar es Salaam.
Volg de T1 oostwaarts voor ongeveer 190 kilometer richting Chalinze. Deze route is volledig geasfalteerd maar kan onderweg druk zijn, vooral bij dorpen en marktgebieden. Reken op een reistijd van ongeveer 3,5 uur tot Chalinze.
In Chalinze neem je de afslag naar de B2 richting Bagamoyo. Dit is duidelijk aangegeven op borden.
Volg de B2 zuidwaarts richting Bagamoyo voor ongeveer 60 kilometer. De weg is geasfalteerd en goed te rijden.
Zodra je Bagamoyo binnenrijdt, volg je de borden richting het centrum en het strand. Firefly Boutique Lodge ligt vlak bij het strand, in een rustige wijk net ten zuiden van het historische centrum van Bagamoyo.
Er staan bordjes van de lodge langs de weg. Volg deze tot je aankomt bij de poort van Firefly Boutique Lodge.
Day notes
Day 15: Where the bush meets the ocean in Saadani National Park
Today, you leave Bagamoyo behind as your next adventure begins: the drive to Simply Saadani Camp. This camp is located within the stunning Saadani National Park, one of the few places in the world where the safari wilderness meets the beach.
Today, you will drive yourself to the park entrance. After checking in at the gate, you are free to drive through the park toward the lodge. It’s a remarkable route where your safari effectively begins the moment you enter in your own vehicle. Along the way, you’ll have every chance to spot wildlife, from giraffes and elephants to potentially even lions or buffaloes, all with the salty scent of the sea in the air.
There is no rush today, as there is no fixed arrival time at the lodge. Feel free to take your time, stop at scenic spots, and fully enjoy the silence and the nature surrounding you. We do recommend arriving at the lodge by 4:30 PM at the latest to enjoy the final golden hours of daylight. Simply Saadani Camp is situated in a magical location between the bush and the ocean. After your drive through the park, you can unwind here to the sound of the waves, with the chance of wildlife wandering right past the lodge.
Check-out from Firefly Boutique Lodge
Self Drive from Firefly Boutique Lodge to Simply Saadani Camp
Self Drive
Firefly Boutique Lodge
Simply Saadani Camp
Check-in to Simply Saadani Camp
Expert tips:
Routebeschrijving: Firefly Boutique Hotel → Simply Saadani Camp
Jullie verlaten vandaag Firefly Boutique Hotel en rijden via een mooie route door het binnenland en het nationale park naar Simply Saadani Camp, prachtig gelegen aan de kust. Dit is een bijzondere rit, deels over asfalt en deels over onverharde wegen, met onderweg al kans op wild. Neem rustig de tijd – het is een rit én safari in één.
Verlaat Firefly links en sla kort daarna rechtsaf.
Na ongeveer 60 meter zie je recht voor je het "Poa Poa Restaurant" – sla daar linksaf.
Volg deze weg ongeveer 300 meter tot je bij een kruising komt. Hier ga je rechtsaf.
Na nog eens 100 meter kom je bij een splitsing – houd hier links aan.
Volg Bagamoyo Road ongeveer 1,5 km tot je bij een rotonde komt.
Neem op de rotonde de tweede afslag en sla rechtsaf de T35 op.
Volg de T35 ongeveer 13 km tot in het dorp Makurunge, waar een onverhard pad naar rechts leidt richting Saadani National Park.
Sla hier rechtsaf richting het park. Je rijdt nu het binnenland in.
Volg dit pad ongeveer 32 km totdat je bij een brug over de Wami-rivier komt.
📍 Let op: Net vóór de brug is aan de rechterkant de officiële parkgate van Saadani National Park. Hier kun je de entree betalen. Als je dit liever later doet, kun je ook nog betalen bij het parkhoofdkwartier in het dorp Saadani zelf.
Rijd verder over de brug en blijf het pad volgen.
Na ongeveer 12 km kom je bij een T-splitsing – ga hier linksaf.
Na ongeveer 9 km bereik je het dorp Saadani.
Ongeveer 200 meter na het kruispunt in het dorp slaat een onverharde weg linksaf richting het parkhoofdkwartier.
🛑 Als je de parkentree nog niet hebt betaald, kun je dit hier alsnog regelen.
Steek de weg over en rijd nog 200 meter verder.
Sla linksaf naar de officiële Saadani National Park Gate.
Als je nog niet betaald hebt, doe dit hier. Daarna kun je officieel het park in.
Na de formaliteiten rijd je terug naar de onverharde weg en sla je linksaf.
Na ongeveer 180 meter steek je een brug over de Mvave-rivier over.
Kort na de brug kun je even pauzeren bij het strand met uitzicht op de oceaan.
Rijd vanaf hier nog ongeveer 1,4 km verder, tot net vóór een landingsbaan. Daar ga je rechtsaf, richting het strand.
Volg deze hoofdweg richting het noorden, parallel aan de kust, voor ongeveer 18 km.
Let goed op de borden van Simply Saadani Camp, die staan aangegeven langs de route. De ingang van het kamp ligt aan je rechterkant.
Day notes
Days 16 - 18: Ultimate relaxation by the Indian Ocean in Pangani
Today, your safari adventure officially comes to a close. After a final night in Saadani National Park, you will head towards Emayani Beach Lodge, where a relaxing conclusion to your journey awaits. The drive to Emayani is not long, but please keep in mind that the rental car will be collected from the lodge early in the evening. I recommend departing by 12:00 PM at the latest to ensure a stress-free trip. If you would like to squeeze in one last morning safari or take a slow drive through the park, it’s best to leave even earlier.
Upon arrival at Emayani, the beach portion of your holiday truly begins. You will stay here for three nights on a beautiful, quiet stretch of coast, far away from the crowds. It is the perfect place to process all the incredible impressions of the past few days. Whether you want to swim, walk along the endless beach, or simply relax—everything is possible, and nothing is mandatory.
My tip: Snorkeling is an absolute must here! The lodge is located at a stunning snorkeling spot. While this activity is not included, you can easily arrange snorkeling or other excursions directly with the lodge upon arrival. Enjoy this new environment, the total tranquility, and the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. This is your time to simply sit back and do nothing at all.
Self Drive from Simply Saadani Camp to Emayani Beach Lodge
Self Drive
Simply Saadani Camp
Emayani Beach Lodge
Stay at Emayani Beach Lodge
Day notes
Day 19: Farewell to a magical journey and flight home
Today marks your final day in Tanzania. After an incredible journey filled with safaris, untouched nature, deserted beaches, and unique encounters, it is time to say goodbye to this beautiful country.
Later today, you will depart from the Pangani airstrip for your domestic flight to Dar es Salaam. The lodge will inform you of your exact pick-up time and will arrange the transfer to the airstrip. It’s a short but stunning flight, offering one last look at Tanzania’s turquoise coastline from above. Upon arrival at Dar es Salaam airport, you will check in for your international flight back to Amsterdam.
Safari njema and we wish you a very pleasant flight home!
Check-out from Emayani Beach Lodge
Charter Flight from Emayani Beach Lodge to Julius Nyerere International Airport [DAR]
Charter Flight
Emayani Beach Lodge
Julius Nyerere International Airport [DAR]
