Situated on the shores of the Ruaha River in the remote, uncrowded
corner of the Selous Game Reserve, your unique retreat is
located in the heart of rhino country. The camp's tents are built
on teak platforms nestled into the banks and hillside, allowing
panoramic views of the wide river.
Selous Game Reserve (a
UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the world's largest reserve and
home to an abundant wildlife population, including the big-tusked
elephant and large-maned lion. This evening, enjoy a special
welcome dinner hosted by A&K.
Retreat Selous B L D
Days 1-2: USA or Canada/Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Enjoy two full days of morning and afternoon game viewing. Rise at
dawn for exceptional safari excursions along freely cut tracks, where
you may see a pack of wild dog searching for prey, large prides of
lion or zebra, giraffe, baboon and impala. The sheer vastness and
diversity of the landscape, with hot volcanic springs, calm lakes and
the Great Ruaha and Rufiji Rivers, make the Selous an amazing area
to view wildlife.
Another unique and relaxing way to view game
is to cruise by boat down the Rufiji River, watching the banks for
game and the water for hippo and crocodile and exploring some of
the five Rufiji lakes. Along the mighty Rufiji River are some of the
largest herds of elephant in Africa and these can be joined by vast
herds of buffalo, coming to drink from the water holes. Walking
safaris through the bush, escorted by an armed guide, are offered to
grant you the thrill of tracking animals on foot.
Retreat Selous B L D
Day 3: Dar es Salaam/Selous Game Reserve
Fly to Ruaha National Park, where you enjoy your first game drive
in this remote wilderness area. You may spot elephant, lion, leopard
and cheetah as well as sable and roan antelope. This afternoon a
bush drive near the Mwagusi River might reward you with sightings
of hippo and buffalo.
Mwagusi Camp B L D
Days 4-5: Selous Game Reserve
Ruaha National Park is considered one of the great "undiscovered"
wilderness areas in all of East Africa. The main feature of the park is
the Ruaha River, running through spectacular gorges and majestic
trees in a dramatic landscape. Wildlife is varied and the stunning
open landscape offers opportunities for amazing photography.
More than 400 species of bird call Ruaha home, many of them
not found in Northern Tanzania, making the park a birdwatcher's
paradise.
Mwagusi Camp B L D
Day 6: Selous/Ruaha National Park
Today, board a flight to tropical Zanzibar, the "Isle of Spice."
Idyllically situated on the sea front of ancient Stone Town, your
luxurious hotel overlooks the sparkling blue waters of the Zanzibar
channel and exudes a welcome calm amid the hustle and bustle of
the town. Explore Zanzibar by night as you embark from the Stone
Town beach on a small-motorized dhow for a sundowner cruise.
After sunset you are led through the narrow streets of Stone Town
to your restaurant, glimpsing the nightlife of Zanzibar en route.
Zanzibar Serena Inn B L D
Days 7-8: Ruaha National Park
Stroll through the city's fruit and spice market and visit the
Anglican Church. Slaves were once held in its underground
chambers before they were sold at market. Explore relics from the
era of the sultans and early explorers at the Zanzibar Museum, then
glimpse modern life as you amble through Stone Town's narrow
streets. Later, travel into the country and see the numerous spices,
seasonal fruits and medicinal plants. Stop to visit the Persian baths
at Kidichi, built by the first sultan for his Persian wife. Walk through
Jozani Forest, a small primeval rainforest, home to exotic rare birds
and the endangered Red Colobus monkey.
Zanzibar Serena Inn B L D
Day 9: Ruaha National Park/Zanzibar
This morning, travel overland to Fumba Beach in the southwest of
the island. Here, after an introduction and excursion briefing, you
board a traditional wooden dhow (sailboat) and depart on a full-day
sailing excursion. Here you can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and
with a little bit of luck, spot a bottleneck or humpback dolphin.
During your cruise, stop at Kwale Sandbank where you can explore
the beautiful underwater world and Kwale Island. Sit down for a
delicious barbecue lunch on the beach. After lunch, you have time
to relax or join a short walk to a huge baobab tree. Time and tides
permitting, you may also pass by a mangrove lagoon and have the
opportunity to swim in the crystal clear water before sailing back
to Fumba Beach. This evening, swap stories and share experiences
with your fellow travellers at a memorable "Farewell to Africa"
dinner.
Zanzibar Serena Inn B L D
Day 10: Zanzibar
Fly to Dar es Salaam and relax in your dayroom until your evening
international flight.
Kilimanjaro Kempinski Hotel B L D
Day 11: Zanzibar
Connect with your homebound flight.
Day 12: Zanzibar/Dar es Salaam/ USA or Canada
Day 13: USA or Canada