Undiscovered Western Tanzania
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
From the bustling port of Dar es Salaam to the tranquil shores of Lake Tanganyika, this lesser-explored route takes you through the spectacular landscapes of some of Tanzania’s last wild outposts. Truly one of the last great African adventures, you will experience a world that few visitors get to see.
Beginning in Dar, your journey takes you south, deep into the heart of the Ruaha National Park. Home to some of the country’s most highly ...
From the bustling port of Dar es Salaam to the tranquil shores of Lake Tanganyika, this lesser-explored route takes you through the spectacular landscapes of some of Tanzania’s last wild outposts. Truly one of the last great African adventures, you will experience a world that few visitors get to see.
Beginning in Dar, your journey takes you south, deep into the heart of the Ruaha National Park. Home to some of the country’s most highly concentrated populations of big game, you will get a chance to enjoy some close encounters with the lions and elephants that are so prevalent her, as well as the almost ethereal kudu, which move silently across the plains in spite of their vast bulk.
Then, it is on to Katavi National Park, a true throwback to the glory days of Hemingway and his ilk. Playing host to a limited number of visitors at a time, the park offers superb game viewing, walking safaris and a chance to enjoy some wild bush camping. Amongst the misty Mahale Mountains, you can venture off in search of chimpanzees before ending the adventure relaxing beside the gentle waters of Lake Tanganyika.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE DAR ES SALAAM
Day 1 ARRIVE DAR ES SALAAM
Upon arrival at Dar es Salaam's international airport you will be transferred the short distance by road to your overnight hotel. After a chance to settle in and freshen up, the afternoon is then free to enjoy at your leisure and prepare yourself for the adventure ahead.
Day 2 DAR ES SALAAM - RUAHA NATIONAL PARK
Day 2 DAR ES SALAAM - RUAHA NATIONAL PARK
After an early breakfast you will be transferred back to the airport in time to catch a light aircraft down to Ruaha National Park. Arriving later this morning, you will then be driven on to your lodge in time for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive through the park. A rich haven for some of Tanzania's finest wildlife, this afternoon's drive provides a chance to orientate yourself with the park and witness for yourself the abundance of game for which it is renowned.
Day 3 EXPLORE RUAHA NATIONAL PARK
Day 3 EXPLORE RUAHA NATIONAL PARK
A full day in the company of your experienced guide provides ample chance to spot some of the large concentrations of big cats for which Ruaha is well known. Lions and leopards are particularly prevalent here and a game drive is one of the best ways to get close to these majestic animals. The park is also home to large herds of elephants and buffalo and, quite often, the latter attract the unwelcome attentions of a pride of resident lions.
Day 4 EXPLORE RUAHA NATIONAL PARK
Day 4 EXPLORE RUAHA NATIONAL PARK
A final full day in the park provides an opportunity to enjoy some of the other activities on offer at the camp. One option is to join your guide on a walking safari, a superb way to explore the surrounding bush and learn more about the fauna and flora that you might otherwise miss on a game drive. Enjoying a picnic lunch deep in the bush, the day will then be rounded off with sundowner drinks before returning to camp.
Day 5 RUAHA NATIONAL PARK - KATAVI NATIONAL PARK
Day 5 RUAHA NATIONAL PARK - KATAVI NATIONAL PARK
After a final morning in Ruaha, you will head back to the airport for the flight down to Katavi National Park in the west of the country. One of Africa's last great untamed frontiers, Katavi presents visitors with a huge tract of unspoiled wilderness that is home to huge herds of game animals that play a constant and deadly game of cat and mouse with the ever-present predators. Lunch and an afternoon at leisure will then be followed by a late afternoon game drive.
Day 6 EXPLORE KATAVI NATIONAL PARK
Day 6 EXPLORE KATAVI NATIONAL PARK
An overwhelming sense of isolation, coupled with a wide range of activities, makes any stay at Katavi a refreshing break from the usual tourist-heavy parks. One of its most popular activities is the chance to enjoy an evening's fly camping deep in the bush. Following a morning of activities and a chance to rest up, the afternoon sees you heading out to set up camp and enjoy a dinner cooked over an open fire, before settling down to a night under a glittering African sky.
Day 7 EXPLORE KATAVI NATIONAL PARK
Day 7 EXPLORE KATAVI NATIONAL PARK
Your final day of big game viewing provides an opportunity to head out onto the Chada Plains in search of Tanzania's 'Big 5'. Alternatively, you might like to spend it relaxing around camp, enjoying the daily passage of animals that pass by en route to pastures new. However you spend it, you can be assured that the undivided attention of the camp’s excellent staff will make your stay here a memorable one.
Day 8 KATAVI NATIONAL PARK - MAHALE MOUNTAINS
Day 8 KATAVI NATIONAL PARK - MAHALE MOUNTAINS
Following a leisurely breakfast you will be driven back to the airstrip for the flight on to Mahale, where a 90-minute boat transfer will bring you to your lodge along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. This afternoon will be free to relax and enjoy the stunning views out across the gentle waters of the lake which will be your base for the remainder of the trip.
Day 9 EXPLORE MAHALE MOUNTAINS
Day 9 EXPLORE MAHALE MOUNTAINS
You should consider spending at least one day trekking amongst the mist-covered Mahale Mountains in search of the chimpanzees that make these forested mountains their home. Trekking times vary and, whilst sightings cannot be guaranteed, most people get at least one sighting during their stay. After, you will head back to the lodge, perhaps stopping along the way to enjoy a refreshing swim in one of the forest's cooling pools.
Day 10 EXPLORE MAHALE MOUNTAINS
Day 10 EXPLORE MAHALE MOUNTAINS
After the intensity of the last few days, there are few places better to relax than the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Chill out on Kangwena Beach, take a boat ride across the lake, or simply enjoy the tranquillity of the lodge, as you sit back and listen to the sounds of the rainforest around you.
Day 11 EXPLORE MAHALE MOUNTAINS
Day 11 EXPLORE MAHALE MOUNTAINS
Another day to relax or perhaps join another trek in search of the resident chimps. Even if you don't catch a glimpse of the prized chimpanzees, the forest canopy is home to plenty of other wildlife including a vast array of birds and some of the smaller denizens of the forest. As always, the staff will be on hand to make sure that all your needs are catered for back at the lodge.
Day 12 MAHALE MOUNTAINS - DAR ES SALAAM
Day 12 MAHALE MOUNTAINS - DAR ES SALAAM
After breakfast, head down to the beach to board the boat back to the Mahale airstrip. From here you will then take the long stopper flight all the way back to Dar es Salaam, where you will connect with your onward flight home.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Jongomero Camp, Ruaha National Park
Nestled beneath a grove of trees on the bank of the seasonal Great Ruaha River, Jongomero is one of Southern Tanzania’s most renowned safari camps. This is a true, wild African experience and makes for a wonderful stopping point on a circuit of Southern Tanzania. The camp blends seamlessly into its surroundings, with the eight wooden floored tents opening up at the front to offer a lovely view out to the river bed. Inside the tents are spacious and comfortable with small sitting areas both inside and outside, canvas-walled en-suite bathrooms and all of the amenities that one could wish for. The style of thatched roof above the tents helps to keep them cool in summer and warm in the cooler winter months. The main area of the lodge overlooks a meander of the river and consists of an indoor lounge and dining area as well as an open air wooden terrace which is a lovely spot to relax with a good book. The swimming pool is an ever popular spot to relax and soak up the sunshine in between safari activities.
Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel, Dar es Salaam
Despite being a large city hotel, at 230 rooms, there is lots of space at the hotel, so it rarely feels busy, and there are sufficient facilities providing an oasis of calm in the heart of bustling Dar es Salaam. The hotel has four restaurants, two bars, a jewellery shop and a small coffee shop, as well as a large executive lounge. Visitors will rarely spend more than a night in the capital and the Serena is a great choice for an overnight stay as it is clean, comfortable with modern facilities.
Chada Katavi, Katavi National Park
In the heart of the wild, untamed Katavi National Park is Chada Katavi, a safari lover’s paradise offering traditional tented accommodation coupled with wonderful service and exclusive access to some of Tanzania’s best wildlife viewing. The camp (open between Jun-Nov) is made up of just six simple safari tents; all have en-suite bathrooms with flush loos, bucket showers, and hot and cold water on request. The tents’ canvas sides and gauze covered windows allow a cool breeze to pass through. Furnishings are simple yet comfortable with ample storage space and small covered verandas at the front where guests can relax in the afternoons. Meals are had in the communal mess tent and lounge.
Greystoke Mahale, Mahale Mountains National Park
Nestled in pristine bush between the mist shrouded Mahale Mountains and the gentle waters of Lake Tanganyika, this is one of the most uniquely appointed lodges in all of Africa. The small lodge, made up of six traditionally built wood and thatched bandas, looks out across a wide lake beach against a backdrop of mountains where guests can relax. Rooms have an A-frame construction with mosquito net draped beds downstairs and open-fronted sitting areas in the loft; en suite bathrooms are accessed by a short boardwalk and are equipped with hot running water. The large mess banda is the social hub where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served, whilst the beach bar is perfect for sundowners.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED
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WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
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HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the Expert, Clem
Clem is our Tanazaia expert, who has travelled extensively in the country.
Speak to Clementine by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258