The 13-Day Tanzania Southern Circuit and Zanzibar Beach itinerary offers you the chance to explore the diverse landscapes and wildlife of renowned southern Tanzania national parks, culminating in a relaxing beach retreat on the pristine sands of Zanzibar. These lesser-visited southern parks provide an intimate and tranquil safari experience, allowing you to connect deeply with nature. This trip is your ideal getaway to southern Tanzania, featuring walking safaris, boating adventures, game viewing, and ending with a serene escape on the beach.
Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, you will meet our safari guide, who will pick you up and transfer you to the city center of Dar es Salaam. Once you arrive at the lodge, you can relax and prepare for your safari departure the following day.
You will be picked up from your hotel in Dar es Salaam at 8:00 AM and drive to Nyerere National Park, stopping for lunch at a restaurant in Kibiti. After a short break, you’ll continue your journey, arriving in the late afternoon to check in at the camp. In the evening, you’ll embark on a boat safari along the Rufiji River. Afterward, return to the camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
After enjoying breakfast with your packed lunches, embark on a full-day game drive in Nyerere National Park. Experience remarkable animal sightings, including iconic favorites like lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras, as well as major species such as hunting wild dogs. Delight in a diverse array of bird species amid the stunning scenery and varied topography, which features wetlands, dry grasslands, light acacia forests, and elevated areas offering long views of distant mountains. Take a break to enjoy your packed lunch and relax before returning to your accommodation in the evening for sunset, dinner, and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, equipped with your packed lunch boxes, you’ll depart for Mikumi National Park, enjoying an en route game drive during the 7-hour journey. Upon arrival, you’ll embark on an afternoon or evening game drive, where you’ll be greeted by herds of impalas, elephants, giraffes, lions, wildebeests, buffaloes, and much more. Enjoy dinner and overnight accommodations at Mikumi.
After breakfast at the lodge, depart for a full day of game driving in Mikumi National Park. During your adventure, you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of animals, including lions, eland, hartebeest, buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, elephants, and many more. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot before continuing your game drive to the hippo and crocodile pool. In the late afternoon or early evening, return to the lodge for some relaxation, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.
Begin your journey with a 4-hour drive from Mikumi to Ruaha National Park, passing through Iringa town. Along the way, you’ll enjoy scenic views of the countryside, beautiful valleys, and mountains. Upon arrival, stop for a picnic lunch before embarking on an afternoon and evening game drive. Later in the evening, you’ll be transferred to your booked accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
Depart for an early morning game drive, as both nocturnal and diurnal animals are typically most active before the sun drives them into the shade. Enjoy the stunning sunrise in Ruaha until around 8:00 AM, followed by a packed bush breakfast. Continue your game drive along the famous Ruaha River, an ideal spot for observing large crocodiles, particularly when the river is full. Afterward, begin your drive back to Mikumi, arriving in the evening at your booked accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
After an early breakfast at the lodge, you’ll set off with packed lunches for your drive back to Dar es Salaam. As you pass through Mikumi National Park, keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. You will arrive in the late afternoon and be transferred to either the seaport or Julius Nyerere International Airport for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival in Zanzibar, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your booked accommodation in Stone Town.
The next five days will be spent unwinding on the pristine white sand beaches, swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, and enjoying your Zanzibar beach resort at your leisure. Known as the Spice Islands, the Zanzibar archipelago is famous for its stunning tropical beaches and the exotic spices cultivated there. Take the opportunity to visit spice plantations, where you can smell, see, and taste vibrant spices like turmeric, ginger, black pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Optional activities include a boat ride to one of the smaller islands for relaxation and exploration, a dolphin tour, or visits to Prison Island and Stone Town.
On day 13, after breakfast, you can unwind at the resort until it’s time for your transfer to the airport. After checking out of your room at 10:30, you can store your luggage at the resort and continue enjoying the facilities. When it’s time for your airport transfer, our driver will meet you at reception and take you to Zanzibar International Airport, marking the conclusion of your 12-day Tanzania Southern Circuit and Zanzibar beach holiday.
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