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Day 1 - ZANZIBAR TOWN - After flight to Zanzibar, we transfer to first night’s accommodation and check in. As result of its trade in slaves and spices, Zanzibar was for many years the most important town on the East African Coast
| Day 2 - We have the morning to explore the atmospheric faded splendour of the Stone Town. It’s fun to wander unhurriedly through the narrow, whitewashed streets and make chance discoveries; the bustle of the old fish market, the vibrant colours of the stalls in the fruit market, the curious mix of black Africa and Islam – veiled women, men with white pillar-box hats, and traces of Arabic origins in the faces of merchants.
Alternatively, we can take a half-day ‘spice tour’ (optional), which brings to life the story of the island by visiting many ruins, and the extensive plantations which produce cloves, pepper, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg and cardamom as well as fruit and herbs. Another possible excursion is to Prison Island, a mile offshore, with a pristine beach and resident colonies of giant tortoise and peacock.
Hotel – 1 night (B)
| Day 3 - SELOUS GAME RESERVE
From Zanzibar airport we fly by light aircraft across the straights to Dar es Salaam, the nation’s capital and largest city. From the local airport it’s a short transfer to the station where we board our trainfor the 5 hour journey to Selous. TAZARA, (Tanzanian/Zambian railroad) was contracted almost 30 years ago to link copper mines of Zambia with the Tanzanian coast. It covers some 1,860 km and has proved an extremely important life line for village along the way. The latter part of our journey we across the northern sector of Selous so there is a chance to get first glimpses of the game we’ve come so far to see. On arrival at Kisaki village, home to many Maasai we disembark and enjoy our first game drive en-route to the lodge. Our home for next three days is set high above riparian forest at the north-west corner of the reserve, in an area of considerable elephant activity. It consists of eight delightful stone cottages with en-suite facilities, solar power, and a supply of spring water. Selous is African’s biggest wildlife preserve and contains the largest populations of elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile and wild dog on the continent. There are over 400 recorded bird species, including a dazzling array of bee-eaters, rollers, sunbirds and kingfishers, and a marvelous landscape which changes dramatically across the reserve. This is one of the last great African wildernesses where it is still possible to watch lions stalking their prey without worrying about other vehicles interrupting the show.
Private Stone and thatch cottages with en-suite facilities – 3 nights
| Day 4 - With such a vast of bush at our disposal, first full day in Selous is spend exploring by vehicle, either south-east to Lake Manze, famed for its lion and wild dog, or west to the game-rich natural gardens of Kinyanguru. Armed with a picnic lunch and drinks, we explore the changing mosaic of Selous vegetation, to discover its wide diversity of large mammals, and birdlife. Back at the lodge, the perfect way to cap the day’s activity is to gaze at the stars from hill-top snug after dinner, and soak up the sounds of the African light.
The following day we are likely to enjoy an early morning hunt for predators while in the afternoon we have the opportunity to visit a local Maasai village. On returning to the camp after dark we hope to spot some of the area’s nocturnal species such as genets, bush babies, porcupines and possibly even leopard and wild dog.
| Day 5 -
Selous Game Reserve as above. | Day 6 - Selous Game Reserve as above.
| Day 7 - MOROGORO
The Matombo road which leads north from Selous to Morogoro is one of the most scenic in Tanzania and, whilst rough in places, it offers fabulous mountain views, an exhilarating river crossing, and thick rainforest alive with primates, wonderful village markets and an area of bizarre quartz rock formations. Our destination is Morogoro, a neat well-laid out town standing in lush, fertile country at the foot of the Uluguru mountains, which loom some 2,000 metres above it. It’s a major agricultural centre (producing fruit, vegetables and sisal) with a large, bustling and highly photogenic market. If there is time, we may be able to explore the market, visit the small botanical garden on the lower slopes of the Uluguru (optional), or simply get the feel of a typical Tanzanian town. Otherwise it’s a convenience overnight stop for us.
Hotel – 1 night (B)
| Day 8 - MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK
You will leave early this morning to make the most of your time in Mikumi National Park, approx 1.5 hours drive away. Overnight at Vuma Hills or Foxes Safari Camp - 2 nights (B, L, and D)
| Day 9 - You'll spend a full day in and around the park. It is home to elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, giraffe, zebra and many sorts of antelope. You will drive to some different parts of the park, maybe seeing herds of elephant as you pass. (B, L, D)
| Day 10 - USAMBARA MOUNTAINS
Today is a traveling day as we drive northward towards the Usambara Mountains. After flanking the Masai Steppe, our route climbs abruptly through montane forest by a series of spectacular hairpin bends which offer views out over the plain. All around are green hills chequered with neat plantations of banana, maize and pineapple of the Bantu-speaking Wasambara people.
The area has many endemic plant species (including nine varieties birdlife of African violet), colourful butterflies and abundant birdlife: Green-headed oriole, Uluguru Violet-backed sunbird, Banded green sunbird, Amani sunbird, Silvery-cheeked hornbill and a variety of robins, bulbuls and starlings, plus the rare Nduk eagle owl, which is found only here. In the area close to Lushoto we can also find Black and White colobus monkey and Blue monkey. Our accommodation for next the next two nights is a characterful colonial house set in its own gardens. Lodge – 2 nights (BD)
| Day 11 - Lushoto, the largest town of the area, has an older feel to it. It grew at the turn of the century when German settlers came to grow rubber, cotton, tobacco and sugar, and found it a pleasant place to escape the heat and dust of the Masai steppe. So enamoured were the German colonists of its cooling breezes and verdant vegetation, that – in the early days of colonial rule – it was even considered as a possible site for the capita. It’s a place of curious contrasts – much of its public architecture is reminiscent of Germany, yet the outlying suburbs are African in feel. The fresh mountain air an lush scenery make this area excellent for walking and several half day and full day options are available. The longer walks require the services of a local guide and a small fee is payable to the local ‘Friends of Usambara Village Development Fund’. (BD)
| Day 12 - Drive to Dar es Salaam. The city is centred on the harbour where traditionally rigged dhows complete with modern cargo ships. The city itself is an eclectic mix of Swahili, Germany, Asian and British architecture, reflecting its colonial past and more recent history. It is a relatively new city - Sultan Majid bin Said of Zanzibar, saw the potential of Dar as a deepwater port because of its strategic position at the centre of the East African coast. In 1886, he began work on his palace, built of coral blocks hewn on Changuu Island off Zanzibar. He died before its completion and the palace fell into ruin - he gave the port its name ''Haven of Peace''.
1 night (B&B) - Dar es Salaam city tour can be arranged on request
| Day 13 - Transfer to International Airport for your flight.
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