Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s capital, her largest city and main port, a situation which dates back to colonial times. The distinctly African, colourful markets are well worth a visit and both a German and British influence can still be seen in the architecture around the city.

Following its recent expansion, Ruaha is currently East Africa’s biggest national park and the second-largest on the African continent. It is also Tanzania’s most sizeable elephant haven and home to a profusion of bird species, including kingfishers, plovers, egrets, hornbills and sunbirds. Crocodiles and hippos thrive in the Great Ruaha River, which flows along the sanctuary’s eastern border and in the dry season between July and November, animals flock to the last remaining water sources, presenting an exceptional wildlife spectacle. There are a number of accommodation options available but some close for the wet season in March and April.

The remote and little-visited Selous Game Reserve covers more than 5% of Tanzania’s total area and is the largest of its kind in Africa. At an unbelievable 55,000 sq km it is almost twice the size of Belgium and four times larger than the famous Serengeti in the North. The landscape here has remained almost as it was before tourism began and the massive park has only a few accommodation options.

The Great Rufiji River and its tributaries are the lifeblood of the reserve, creating a network of forests and woodlands around the lagoons, sandbanks and lakes with tall palm trees adding to the scenic splendour. Because of its size and remoteness, the reserve has over 2,100 species of plants, 350 species of birds, 60,000 elephants, 108,000 buffalos and an estimated 1,300 of the worlds’ roughly 4,000 remaining rare wild dogs, giving guests an opportunity to glimpse all of these exotic animals in true unspoilt wilderness. Boating, walking safaris and fly camping are all available in the Selous.

Rising up from the Indian Ocean approximately 25 miles from the Tanzanian coast, this idyllic archipelago consists of Zanzibar and Pemba islands as well as numerous smaller islets. Zanizibar Island (known locally as ‘Unguja’) is characterised by exquisite white sand beaches fringed by palm trees and lapped by turquoise waters lined with coral reefs brimming with an abundance of exotic marine life. This underwater paradise is a mecca for water sport enthusiasts who flock here for the excellent scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, water-skiing and sailing on traditional local dhows. The island’s cultural heart is its old city, Stone Town - said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa - with its maze of narrow alleyways, lively bazaars, mosques and ornate Arab houses.

This itinerary is a guideline, Africa & Beyond tailor every trip to your individual specifications including all accommodation, flights, transfers & activities, please contact us to discuss your ideas.