Walking safaris in the Selous provide
close encounters with Africa's
biggest population of elephants.

Rufiji River, Selous

Spectacular views from Sand Rivers bedrooms 

Bedroom at Selous Safari Camp

This two week journey combines Africa's largest protected wilderness area, the Selous Game Reserve, East Africa's most diverse and best protected coral island and some of the most beautiful and culturally fascinating parts of the Spice Island of Zanzibar.  We avoid the big resorts and put you where the wildlife and marine is at its best.  This includes some of the best snorkelling in the world and excellent diving on mile upon mile of well preserved coral reef.  Non divers can rest back on Zanzibar and enjoy some simply stunning beaches in the comfort of a beautifully styled hotel voted as Tanzania's top resort in 2007.

Selous River Wilderness Safari

Of the many wilderness opportunities available in Africa, few can beat the continent's largest game reserve: the Selous.  It takes a little more getting to than some of the more popular northern reserves in Tanzania, but when you reach the Rufiji River, you will be one of a very small number of people amid this vast reserve.

Some of the best game viewing here is from or beside the majestic Rufiji river.  The water attracts high densities of wildlife including Africa's largest populations of elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, hippopotamus and the continent's rarest predator, the hunting dog.  Lions can be seen in large prides, along with cheetahs and leopards, although the latter is elusive as it tends to keep to pockets of forest.

The reserve's labyrinth of rivers, islets, lagoons and swamps also provide an ideal place from which to see some of its 440 or more species of bird.  In all, the Selous is 44,800 sq. km of wilderness recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Indian Ocean Island Safari

From the Selous we take you first to Zanzibar which is known as the Spice Island of East Africa, combining African and Middle Eastern Islamic culture.  The cultural centre is the coastal capital, Stone Town, which this is where you explore its winding streets and colourful markets.

From Zanzibar's cultural centre, we take you to it's stunning south eastern coastline whose beaches are often voted amongst the most beautiful in the world.  Here we put you in a stylish and tasteful hotel and spa voted as the best resort in Tanzania 2007.  It's not just the stunning African style which makes it this way, but the fact that you can be in a place so far from any other hotel - which is why half board accommodation is a must.

Beyond the beach lies several miles of intact coral reef.  The main attraction is the coral gardens and colourful marine life on its gentle reef slopes.  Turtles are a regular sight here.  Beyond, there is a dramatic drop off which can attract large pelagic life from the Indian Ocean such as sharks, rays, barracuda and dolphins.

From the best of Zanzibar, we take you to the very best preserved island in all of East Africa.  Chumbe Island was Tanzania's first marine protected area containing more than 200 species of hard coral and 90% of East Africa's 400 species of fish.  The island is like a living museum with a network of trails above and below the water.  Innovative floating underwater signs make your snorkelling explorations all the more revealing.  The park's rangers can guide you through the rich inter-tidal rock pools and its pristine coral rag forests where you are likely to see the world's largest land crabs.  These are the rare coconut crabs which measure up to a metre in length.

Diving is not permitted on Chumbe but there really is no need to don a scuba tank to  see the best of its marine life.  The island's reefs are very shallow which make them ideal for snorkelling, whilst at risk from any diver whose buoyancy control is anything other than perfect.

Click here for a draft itinerary.  Please note that this can be tailored to suit your timings and balance of interests, or extended to incorporate safari reserves to the north, the west and the islands of Pemba and Mafia.

Click here for a recommended 4-day extension into the Ruaha River Wilderness area - possibly Tanzania's most remote wildlife safari location

Fly camping on a river beach in the Selous

Prices

 

Month in 2008	Price pp sharing (Non-Diver)	Price pp sharing (Diver)	Deluxe Selous Safari Camp upgrade	Premium Sand Rivers camp upgrade
Oct	£2,190	£2,190	Add £695	Add £895
Nov & 1st - 14th Dec	£2,090	£2,340	Add £460	Add £795

Prices include
Return flights Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar.
All transfers by land and sea.
All accommodation
Guided vehicle and walking safaris.
Ranger guidance on Chumbe Island
Meals as specified (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Entry fees to national parks, reserves and museums.
Government taxes, hotel levies and service charges
For divers 6 dives in Zanzibar.

Prices exlude
International flights (see below)
Porterage
Dive and snorkel equipment rental
Gratuities
Items of a personal nature such as laundry, spa treatments, drinks
Excursions not listed within the itinerary
Visas

Accommodation
In first class game lodge and hotels, 1 night catered fly camping in the Selous, island ecolodge and Tanzania's best resort.  Accommodation can be upgraded at all locations.

Flights
As an ATOL bonded company, this is something we can arrange for you; but you may by all means arrange this yourself.  This itinerary starts and ends in Dar es Salaam airport.

Photographs kindly provided by Guido Cozzi, Javed Jafferji, Paul Thompson, Hal Thompson, Craig Zendel

Tanzania country page

Tembo Hotel, Zanzibar