13-Day Selous, Ruaha & Mafia Island Safari
Experience the beautiful scenery and wildlife of southern Tanzania; take a different perspective on a boat safari in the Selous Game Reserve and connect with the untouched wilderness of Ruaha National Park. Finish off with beaches, seafood and relaxation for a sumptuous finish and an eco-friendly approach on Mafia Island. Fly between destinations and enjoy the very best service, guiding, cuisine and locations on offer.
Day 1
Dar es Salaam
You will be met at Julius Nyerere Airport and driven to Alexanders Hotel. Depending on your flight time enjoy some dinner and the quiet surrounds of Alexanders before retiring for some much needed rest. Early start for your flight to Selous tomorrow morning.
Main Destination: Dar Es Salaam
Accommodation: Alexander’s Hotel – Mid-range hotel located in or near Dar es Salaam
Meals &Drinks:
- Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Sand Rivers
A short flight from Dar es Salaam brings you to one of the largest protected areas left on earth, the Selous Game Reserve. You will be picked up at the airstrip and taken to camp, game viewing on the way. Settle in and enjoy lunch at camp before heading out in the afternoon for a game drive.
Main Destination: Selous Game Reserve
Best Time to Visit June to October
High Season June to October (The main tourist area gets crowded)
Best Weather June to October (Little to no rainfall)
Accommodation: Sand Rivers Selous – Luxury lodge located inside Selous GR
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Day 3-5
Sand Rivers
Head out early for your first morning game drive, taking breakfast out in the bush. In the afternoon it’s time to get out of the vehicle and hit the water for a boat safari. Enjoy a sundowner on the sand banks. Your guide will help you schedule your days at Sand Rivers, make sure to make time for a walking safari, and if you’re feeling really adventurous, some fly camping!
Main Destination: Selous Game Reserve
Accommodation: Sand Rivers Selous – Luxury lodge located inside Selous GR
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Day 6
Ikuka Safari Camp
Continue your safari into the heart of Tanzania and Ruaha national park. Ikuka will meet you at the airstrip and drive you up the escarpment to some incredible views and a very warm welcome. Settle in for lunch and head out for your first drive in Ruaha in the afternoon.
Main Destination: Ruaha National Park
Best Time to Visit June to October
High Season June to October (Ruaha rarely experiences crowds)
Best Weather June to October (Rains are very rare)
Accommodation: Ikuka Safari Camp – Luxury+ lodge located inside Ruaha NP
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Day 7-9
Ikuka Safari Camp
Early morning game drives taking a bush breakfast with you, leaves lots of time to laze around in the afternoon and enjoy the camp. Raise yourself again for an afternoon game drive equipped with sundowners. Essential to also head out for a walking safari with owner Mark Sheridan Johnson.
Main Destination: Ruaha National Park
Accommodation: Ikuka Safari Camp – Luxury+ lodge located inside Ruaha NP
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water & spirits/liquor (Other drinks not included)
Day 10-12
Pole Pole
Pole Pole will meet you at the airstrip for the short drive across the island and help you with your Mafia Island Marine Park fees. Pole Pole is the perfect hideaway and lazing around your room and the pool, listening to the ocean, is an acceptable way to pass the day. For the more adventurous, heading out for some snorkelling, some diving, a walk in the village or a sundowner cruise. At the right time of year a day out with the whale sharks is a must. Curl the sand between your toes and let Mafia Island do the work.
Main Destination: Mafia Island (Beach)
Accommodation: Pole Pole Luxury lodge located in or near Mafia Island
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 13
Dar Es Salaam
This is the bit you will be dreading, heading back to Dar es Salaam and home. You can spend the last morning relaxing before making the journey back across Mafia. Paul Tickner Safaris can organise all the necessary car services, day rooms or hotels in Dar.
Main Destination: Dar Es Salaam
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
End of tour (See Getting There for more details) - Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
- You’ll be dropped off at the airport.
Our package is inclusive of:
1. A 4WD vehicle dedicated for supplies and transfers
2. A professional guide who speaks English well
3. A professional chef who will prepare 3 meals a day as well as snacks
4. Camping facilities (Tents, Tables, Chairs, Mattresses, Sleeping bags, Cutlery etc.)
5. Paid Park and camping fees
6. Bottled Water throughout the course of your journey
7. Paid taxes
8. Airport transfers
9. Accommodation before and after the walking tour
Our package is exclusive of:
1. Tips (recommended $10 per person per day to each crew and $15 per person per day to Guide)
2. Travel insurance
3. All items of personal nature
4. Beverages and Laundry except where shown.
Tanzania best destination
Tarangire National Park
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Ngorongoro Crater
Tarangire is one of the most beautiful regions in Tanzania; it is stunning here, both in dry and wet season. It is also home to some of the largest herds of elephant in Tanzania.
Zanzibar
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Serengeti National Park
Arguably Africa’s most famous National Park, the Serengeti is one of the birthplaces of safari. The fact that it’s home to the ‘The Big 5’ and ‘The Great Migration says it all.
Lake Manyara National Park
Tanzania’s most famous lake, this beautiful watering hole is where you will see a sea of pink as it inhabits thousands of Flamingo’s and over 400 species of birds.
Selou Game Reserve
Located in southern Tanzania and far from the madding crowds, the Selous Game Reserve is Africa’s largest game reserve and one of our favourite wildlife viewing areas.