Hidden Gems of Tanzania

Highlights

Unique camp on the edge of Lake Tanganyika
Observe chimpanzees in the wild
Selous Game Reserve - wilderness on a huge scale
Beach escapism in Zanzibar

Day 1 - Arrive Arusha/Kilimanjaro
Enjoy a personal A&K welcome to Tanzania and private transfer to your lodge located on the country's largest coffee plantation (D).
Arusha Coffee Lodge (Standard Room)

Day 2 - Arusha - Mahale
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight west to Mahale. There are few places left on earth that might rightfully be called Eden, and the Mahale Mountains, on the edge of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, is one of them. On a far-flung beach along the eastern shores of the lake, below a huge tropical forest, is the tiny sanctuary of Greystoke Mahale. Your home here is in a simply but thoughtfully furnished open-fronted wooden banda looking out across the soft sand beach with interiors fashioned from seasoned dhow timber and decorated with style and panache. Dining here is an experience too, many of the ingredients grown within the camp's vicinity (B,L,D).
Greystoke Mahale (Banda)

Day 3 - Mahale
Behind the camp rise the slopes of the Mahale Mountains, home to the world's largest known population of chimpanzees. Within hiking distance is one such group of 60. Each morning your tracker goes out early to locate the chimps. Later you join him and venture into the forest to observe them as they groom, wrestle and forage across the leafy floor. The forest itself is special too, with a further eight species of primate, shy forest mammals, birds, butterflies, giant vines and waterfalls. And if a day's 'chimping' isn't enough, you can take a gentle forest hike, go fishing or kayak along the lake shore (B,L,D).
Greystoke Mahale (Banda)

Day 4 - Mahale
Another expedition into the forest to find the chimps. Sit quietly with them for an hour or so, you'll be overwhelmed by the experience (B,L,D).
Greystoke Mahale (Banda)

Day 5 - Mahale - Selous
Depart Mahale by light aircraft to Selous. The Selous Game Reserve, a massive 50,000 square kilometres, is wilderness on a huge scale - the largest in Africa. Set on a wide curve of the mighty Rufiji River, Sand Rivers Lodge Selous was originally built in 1984 by Richard Bonham, who used this area of the Selous for his famous portered walking safaris when the area was all but unknown. Accommodation at Sand Rivers Selous is in spacious open-fronted cottages of stone and thatch, which rise on the banks of the Rufiji and afford amazing views out across the river (B,L,D).
Sand Rivers Selous (Cottage)

Day 6 - Selous
In the Selous, game viewing takes on a very different and exciting pace. Whether you opt for game drives, walking safaris, fishing, boating, or a combination of these, the reserve never disappoints and there is always something thrilling to see. The Rufiji River provides an utterly unique view of life in the Selous. Upstream from the lodge, the river meanders its way past sand islands and lush forests. You can often see game on the banks as you slowly drift past (B,L,D).
Sand Rivers Selous (Cottage)

Day 7 - Selous
Sand Rivers Selous is the base for some of Tanzania's best safari guides, who are on hand to take you on daily adventures: a day's boating on the Rufiji, weaving past hippopotamus and crocodile; driving on the trail of lion or wild dog; an elephant bush walk; sleeping out under the stars; or fishing in solitude, barefoot on the river rocks (B,L,D).
Sand Rivers Selous (Cottage)

Day 8 - Selous - Zanzibar
This morning you depart Selous for the exotic spice island of Zanzibar, flying via Dar es Salaam. On arrival you will be privately transferred to your hotel located on pristine Bwejuu Beach, in the south-east of Zanzibar (B,L,D).
Baraza Zanzibar (Ocean Front Villa)

Days 9 - 10 - Zanzibar
This is escapism at its finest. Spend two decadent days here with the turquoise blue Indian Ocean lapping at powdery white sands with traditional dhows sailing by. The villas are a stylish fusion of Arabic, Swahili and Indian influences with antiques, handcrafted interiors, carved marble, gleaming brass lanterns and bright airy spaces. Wind down and enjoy the relaxed pace in your ocean front villa with its large terrace, sun lounges and private plunge pool (B,L,D).
Baraza Zanzibar (Ocean Front Villa)

Day 11 - Depart Zanzibar
Your Tanzania adventure ends with a transfer to the airport (B).

Note: Itinerary departs on a Sunday.

A&K Special Inclusions
A&K airport welcome, Assistance with luggage and transportation by 4WD vehicle complete with bottled water -Flights as specified - Selected drinks & laundry at Greystoke Mahale, Sand Rivers Selous and Baraza Zanzibar.

Pricing
As a guide, this 11 day suggested journey in Tanzania will cost from $11,570 per person based on two adults sharing and subject to availability.