10 Days Southern Tanzania and Zanzibar safari
10 Days Southern Tanzania and Zanzibar safari : Tanzania is East Africa’s largest country for decades with a diversity of wildlife and landscapes. From the classic savannah destinations of the Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater to the beaches and coral reefs of Zanzibar, a Tanzania safari delivers one massive experience after another. And that’s before you discover the off-the-beaten-path gems like chimpanzee trekking in the untouched rainforests of Mahale and Rubondo, or crowd-free game viewing among the beautifully wild and unique landscapes of Nyerere and Ruaha.
Safari highlights
Day 1: Fly to Ruaha national park
Day 2: Full day game drive
Day 3: Another day in Rauha national park
Day 4: Transfer to Irunga town – Isimlia stone age site
Day 5: Full at Neema craft Village
Day 6: Drive to Dar-es-salaam – 8-9 hours’ drive
Day 7: boat ride and visit menai bay/Mnebe island
Day 8: Spend another at leisure – Meals and overnight stay at Zanzibar Palace Hotel
Day 9: another day in Zanzibar
Day 10: Fly back home – Departure (Flight not included)
Detailed safari
Day 1: Fly to Ruaha national park
Depending on your location in Tanzania, you will be assisted by the hotel driver to take you at the airport for your onward flight to Ruaha national park located in the southern part of Tanzania. This is the largest national park of Tanzania with a variety of wildlife to see. Coastal Aviation operates flights from Arusha or Kilimanjaro airports on a daily depending on availability to Ruaha national park departing at 9 am. Upon arrival connect to your booked lodge for lunch and spend your afternoon exploring the park. Ruaha is also the largest National Park in East Africa spanning an area of about 20,226 square kilometers. The name of the park is derived from the Great Ruaha River which flows along its south-eastern margin and is the focus for game-viewing. This conservation sanctuary offers to guests the sensation of being completely alone, with forest and wildlife all around. During the wet season from January to April the bush becomes lush and green and many migratory birds arrive from the northern climes, making it an idyllic birdwatching paradise, after evening game drive, drive back to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay at Ruaha Cottages / Ruaha River Lodge/ Ruaha hill top Lodge
Day 2: Full day game drive
On this day you will leave as early as 06:30 am to go for sunrise game drives with breakfast break taken within the park. After breakfast break will continue with game drive searching for wild animals around different locations of the park till lunch break. After lunch and a little rest within the park you will continue with the game drive till around 18:30 hours and that will be the end of a full day game drives. Animals and attractions you should expect to see includes but not limited to Buffalos, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Zebras, Impalas, Warthogs, elephants, hippos, Lions, Cheetah, different birds, plants and reptiles’ species. Dinner and overnight stay at lodge as above while on Tanzania Safaris
Day 3: Another day in Rauha national park
After breakfast, spend another day in the park relaxing at the lodge and doing optional tours such as walking safari or spend your day at leisure. Meals and overnight stay at lodge as above
Day 4: Transfer to Irunga town – Isimlia stone age site
After a morning game drive, you will depart for Iringa. En route, you will visit the Museum of Kalenga, the former headquarters of the Wahehe and home of the chief Mkwawa who led a fierce opposition against the German occupation of Tanzania during colonial times. At Isimilia Stone Age Site, you will see stone-age tools and wander through an amazing canyon with picturesque limestone pillars. Later afternoon/evening after a meal in Iringa town, drive to stay at Iringa Sunset Hotel
Day 5: Full at Neema craft Village
Wake up for a cup of tea, then spend your day at Neema craft village. Meals and overnight stay at Iringa Sunset hotel as above
Day 6: Drive to Dar-es-salaam – 8-9 hours’ drive
After very early morning breakfast, set off to transfer to Dar-es-salaam. It’s a 8-9 hours’ drive with en-route stop of to refresh and also have lunch. Upon arrival, connect to check-in for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay at Tiffany Diamond Hotel/ Serena Dar-es-salaam Hotel
Day 7: Take a morning ferry to Zanzibar – explore the Stone town and spice tour
After breakfast, take the early morning ferry to Zanzibar. Ferry departs Dar-es-salaam at between 7 to 9 am and it takes about 2-3 hours to arrive in Zanzibar, travelling in economy class.
On arrival, you’re your driver and connect to the hotel for check-in, have lunch then explore the stone town and learn about the culture (Spice tour) and Bantu expansion in Zanzibar and the history of Zanzibar. The stone town tour takes you on a leisurely walk through the winding and narrow alleys and streets of Zanzibar. Explore Zanzibar on a tour around Stone town where you will experience the history and culture of Zanzibar which were originally owned built by the Arabs. Continue on your historical tour to visit the spice plantations which is just outside Zanzibar town and a good tour includes opportunities to dazzle the senses with fresh spices. You will be fascinated by the sheer number of spices produced and their incredible value for many ailments. Later evening, drive back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay at Zanzibar palace hotel/Tree Flame Hotel
Day 8: boat ride and visit menai bay/Mnebe island
After breakfast at the hotel, move out of the hotel to explore the various places and attractions in Zanzibar. The dhow will anchor on the shores of one of the pristine sandbanks islands and while here, you will get the opportunity to snorkel, sunbath, or even swim. You will also connect to search for the Dolphins and if you are lucky, you may as well swim close to the Dolphins.
Return to your lodge after a whole day of enjoying the water activities and relaxing at the beach. A day at the beach resort is where the hustle and bustle of everyday life fades away and relaxation becomes the priority of the day. Dinner and overnight at Zanzibar palace hotel as above
Day 9: Spend another at leisure – Meals and overnight stay at Zanzibar Palace Hotel
Day 10: Fly back home – Departure (Flight not included)
Depending on your scheduled flight back home, wake up at leisure, have breakfast then check-out of the hotel to transfer to Zanzibar airport for your onward flight back home, this marks the end of the trip.
