Wings Over Southern Tanzania

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fly to Dar es Salaam and relax in your dayroom until your evening international flight. Kilimanjaro Kempinski Hotel B L D

Connect with your homebound flight.