Southern Tanzania Safari & Mafia Island

15 Days
from £6,745pp £6,281pp (incl. flights)
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A riverbed lined with palm trees in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
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Discover the wild beauty of Tanzania, from exhilarating safaris to serene beaches on Mafia Island!

This ultimate 15-day adventure safari invites you to explore the hidden gems of Tanzania, including the breathtaking wilderness of Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park, teeming with incredible wildlife. After your thrilling safaris, unwind on the pristine beaches of Mafia Island, where you can dive into vibrant marine life and soak up the sun in paradise.

 

3 Nights Selous Game Reserve – 3 Nights Ruaha National Park – 6 Nights Mafia Island

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A team of real experts, brilliant at designing bespoke holidays.

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your Tanzania holiday today.

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"I like to get into the depth of a country and then some! I believe that a perfect holiday is designed by people with passion, who truly know their destinations."
James O’Farrell, Director
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Southern Tanzania Safari & Mafia Island Highlights

a boat cruising on a river in search of african wildlife in Tanzania

Thrilling boat safaris

Experience the unique beauty of Selous from the water, spotting wildlife while gliding through tranquil rivers and lakes.

a walking safari in the bush, a ranger with a gun at the front, two people following

Walking safaris in Ruaha

Embark on guided walking safaris, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the African bush while tracking wildlife on foot.

Underwater view of vibrant fish swimming near the surface, with a serene, clear blue sky and a distant boat on the horizon.

Diving in Mafia Island

Discover the incredible underwater world of Mafia Island, with world-class snorkelling and scuba diving in a stunning marine national park.

Traditional dhow boat with a billowing white sail floats on a tranquil tropical blue sea

Island-hopping adventures

Explore the beautiful Mafia Archipelago, taking dhow cruises and enjoying island walks to uncover hidden treasures.

Underwater shot of a whale shark with mouth open while diver swims close to it.

Encountering whale sharks

Between October and March, dive with the magnificent whale sharks, one of the most unforgettable marine experiences in the world!

Well, we are back to reality after a fabulous trip to Tanzania – very much a holiday of a lifetime and one we will never forget.

Glenn Hanson, Tanzania

We were keen to see as many species of bird as possible and the guides were expecting this and each had amazing knowledge of where to find them. Not just that, but they made sure we also got to see many of the rest of the wildlife of the region - everything from amazing numbers of Impala, Giraffe, Elephant, Zebra, lions, Cheetah and Leopard, and even Wild Dog that we had hoped to see but doubted we would be so lucky!

Peter Haine, Tanzania

We had an amazing time. Everything was brilliant (even the baboon leaving a gift on the bed in the Serengeti!). I think Nick’s highlight was the lion cubs. I loved all the safari, but seeing the turtles hatch in Pangani was truly awesome. All the accommodation was exactly what we had hoped for. I hadn’t realised we would have a tent on our first night as well.

Jacqui Davids, Tanzania

Thank you for arranging a fantastic holiday. We both really enjoyed ourselves and felt totally refreshed upon our return. The game viewing was spectacular, we were so lucky to see the pantheon of game on offer including hyena, wild dog and leopard, as well as a different pride of lion on each day we went out.

Hazel Bellfield, Tanzania

We had a wonderful time away, beautiful setting and such great staff. Especially Pongwe – again staff, food, location fantastic!

Emily Baker, Tanzania & Zanzibar
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Tour itinerary

Days 1 & 2 :

Fly from the UK to Dar es Salaam and begin your adventure with a light aircraft flight to Selous Game Reserve

Fly overnight from the UK to Dar es Salaam (via Doha).

On arrival, you will be met and assisted onto your light aircraft flight to Selous Game Reserve, where you will spend 3 nights at Lake Manze Camp, a back-to-basics African bush camp focusing on amazing wildlife, great guiding, and wild surroundings—keep an eye out for wandering visitors!

 

 

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your holiday

game drive in a jeep driving through a green bush
Days 3 & 4 :

Safari excitement in Selous Game Reserve—Big 5 encounters await!

Experience two full days of thrilling safari adventures in the Selous, a reserve home to the Big 5, including elephants, hippos, and lions, and, if you’re lucky, the elusive African wild dog! From Lake Manze Camp, enjoy expertly guided 4×4 game drives, walking safaris, and boat safaris on Lake Manze, even trying your hand at fishing.

elephant with half wet trunk standing in a tree
Day 5:

Fly from Selous to Ruaha for continued safari adventures

After a morning safari and breakfast, you will be transferred back to your bush airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Ruaha National Park, where you will continue your safari with 3 nights at Mdonya Old River Camp. As one of our favourite bush camps in Africa, Mdonya offers a truly wild safari experience where evenings around the campfire with the sounds of roaring lions become unforgettable memories. Don’t miss the “Stay 3 pay 2” special—ask us about it today!

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your holiday

Campfire at sunset with around 10 canvas chairs placed around in a circle. In the background is a river, lit up orange from the reflection of the setting sun.
Days 6 & 7 :

Full days of thrilling safaris in Ruaha National Park

Enjoy two full days of adventure in Ruaha National Park, where the main activity is 4×4 game drives with your expert guide, searching for the incredible wildlife of Ruaha. Choose between a full day safari with a picnic lunch or morning and afternoon safaris returning to camp for lunch—both options include a fantastic sundowner in the bush!

 

elephant heard scattered around Ruaha river in ruaha national park, tanzania
Day 8:

Transfer from Ruaha National Park to the paradise of Mafia Island

After a final morning game drive and breakfast in the bush, fly by light aircraft to Mafia Island, an undiscovered gem south of Zanzibar surrounded by reefs teeming with marine life. You will be transferred to the east coast to spend 6 nights at Pole Pole, a beautiful eco beach lodge offering a fantastic beach, lovely staff, and excellent food—everything a Sundowner favourite should be!

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your holiday

Tropical beach scene with palm trees, a thatched hut, and a yellow kayak on white sand. Clear blue sky and tranquil ocean convey a serene, relaxing atmosphere.
Days 9- 13 :

Enjoy sun-soaked days and adventures on stunning Mafia Island

Enjoy five full days to relax and explore Mafia Island. The incredible marine national park that runs the length of the island makes snorkelling and scuba diving a major highlight, but you can also embark on island-hopping adventures in the Mafia Archipelago, enjoy dhow cruises, island walks, and tours to Kilindoni, the capital of the island, or even take a hippo tour! If you’re lucky enough to visit Mafia between October and March, dive with whale sharks—one of the world’s top diving experiences!

Poolside scene with three wooden lounge chairs with white cushions, shaded cabana with blue seating, lush palm trees, and bright blue sky. Relaxing tropical vibe.
Days 14 & 15 :

Say goodbye to Tanzania and head back to the UK

After a final morning swim in the ocean, transfer back to Mafia Airport for your light aircraft flight back to Dar es Salaam. On arrival, connect with your international flight to the UK (via Doha).

Welcome Home… it may take a few days to readjust to normal life after such an adventure!

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your holiday

Aerial view of two people paddling a kayak on crystal-clear turquoise water, conveying a sense of adventure and tranquility.
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Talk to us about your perfect trip to Tanzania

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your Tanzania Holiday today.

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Discover the wild beauty of Tanzania, from exhilarating safaris to serene beaches on Mafia Island!
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simple green large safari tent in the middle of the african bush
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aerial view of Selous Impala Camp featuring the main camp with small properties / tents around it, river in the background, green bush
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cheetah family in the afrcian bush with two cubs and mum

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wildebeest jumping across the river in herds

Witnessing The Great Migration

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