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Uncharted Tanzania
9 days / 8 nights
Dar es Salaam, Ruaha National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Zanzibar

DAY 1: ARRIVAL > DAR ES SALAAM
Arrival into Dar es Salaam International Airport (DAR), meet your English Speaking Driver (ESD) and transfer to the hotel.Rest of the day is at leisure

DAY 2: DAR ES SALAAM > RUAHA NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast at the hotel.Meet your ESD and transfer to DAR Airport for your flight to Ruaha National Park (Jongomero Airstrip)
08:30 Depart DAR Airport
11:00 Arrival into Ruaha at Jongomero Airstrip, you will be met by your guide and driven the short distance to Jongomero Camp, in time for a traditional safari communal lunch.Ruaha has gained a reputation amongst safari connoisseurs for its unique ecological and geographical character, offering a cross-section of species and a climate that is unique to the country. It is the largest National Park in Africa, and the feeling of remoteness and the spirit of adventure are immense. After afternoon tea, set out on a game drive in our open-sided vehicle, following the course of the Great Ruaha River in search of wildlife. Perhaps find elephants digging for water in the dry river bed, or catch a rare sighting of the African Wild Dog. As the sun sets, stop to admire the scenery and sip on a sundowner, before heading back to camp for hot showers and convivial drinks before dinner, discussing the day’s events and swapping safari stories.Dinner at the camp

DAY 3: RUAHA NATIONAL PARK
Wake up to early morning tea or coffee in your luxury tent and look forward to another wonderful day exploring Ruaha National Park.Jongomero is situated far to the South of the park and it feels like we have all of Africa to ourselves as we roam the riverine areas and hills. Birding is quite spectacular, with the park boasting some 570 different species of birds, including the Ruaha Red-billed hornbill and Ruaha Chat, which are unique to the park. Ruaha is an ecological convergence for Northern and Southern species of mammal and is also one of the few areas where Greater and Lesser Kudu can be seen. Game drives in Ruaha are unique and cater for the safari connoisseur, and with the bush luxury of Jongomero as our base, we can enjoy a most exclusive and rewarding safari experience. A wonderful introduction to the smaller wildlife and spectacular array of the Ruaha National Park, a 2-3 hour walking safari, in the company of a knowledgeable guide offers a truly special and unique perspective of the park’s fascinating inhabitants.A not-to-be-missed attraction are the park’s towering baobabs who stand vigil over the landscape. Their striking appearance makes for great photographic opportunities! Another prominent feature of Ruaha are the sparkling waterways that attract an abundance of game.After afternoon tea, set out on a game drive in our open-sided vehicle, following the course of the Great Ruaha River in search of wildlife. Dinner at the Camp

DAY 4: RUAHA NATIONAL PARK > SELOUS GAME RESERVE
Breakfast at the Camp. Depart Jongomero after breakfast for your flight to Selous Game Reserve. The schedule flight departs Jongomero at 11:45 and lands in Selous at 12:50 - there might be a few stops in between – you will only get off at Siwandu airstrip. Here you will be met by your driver guide and taken back on a short safari to Siwandu, in time for lunch.Selous is Africa’s largest Game Reserve, the size of Switzerland and one of the last great wilderness areas on the continent. You will spend three unforgettable nights here as well as taking full advantage of viewing the abundant wildlife, either by boat, vehicle or on foot.After lunch and a rested, there will be the opportunity to choose your first activity and begin to explore the Reserve, returning in time for sunset and dinner.Dinner at the Camp

DAY 5: SELOUS GAME RESERVE
An early morning tea or coffee will be served in your luxury tent before breakfast and heading out, with a choice of the following activities:By boat, either by following the course of the mighty Rufiji River or exploring Lake Nzerakera; weave amongst the pods of hippo and crocodile lining the bank and observe game coming down to drink.
Or
Start the day earlier on a game walk, heading out on Selous’ most privileged of experiences. Accompanied by our experienced guide and an armed ranger, walk out into Africa’s largest wilderness, learn about the complex eco-system that it embraces, encounter the thrills and be enthralled at the wonder of being at the heart of nature.
Or
Explore the game in the surrounding areas, from your seat on an open-sided vehicle, a comfortable and privileged journey through the wild African bush. You can expect to see any of the major African mammals, including elephant, giraffes, lions, leopard and even the rare African Wild Dog.
Return to camp for a splendid lunch, then a difficult decision between a siesta or a dip in the swimming pool whilst waiting for the heat of the day to subside. Mid afternoon meet for a cup of tea or cooling lemonade and scrumptious cakes under the Jackel Berry tree, and then move onto your second safari of the day - slowly meandering along the Rufiji River or perhaps tracking a leopard and her cub through the woodland.Opportunity for a Walking Safari

DAY 6: SELOUS GAME RESERVE > ZANZIBAR
Early morning tea or coffee in bed overlooking Lake Nzerakera is a fine start to your last day here, and before travelling take an early boat or game drive, or lie in and meet for a leisurely breakfast. After bidding farewell to camp managers and staff, take a slow drive to the airstrip, for your flight to Zanzibar, to have your last viewings of the great Maasai giraffe and perhaps their new born babies along the way.
09:15 Depart Selous Game Reserve
11:20 Arrival into Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ), meet your English Speaking Driver / Guide (ESD/G) and transfer to the Resort with an enroute Stone Town city tour
Stone Town is a very lively place where you’ll find a mixture of Arabic, African, Indian and European cultures living comfortably together. As you walk through the labyrinth of streets too narrow for cars to pass, you can see mosques, churches and temples side to side.While you wonder around the city, your guide will take you on a historical and cultural journey through the old slave market, Darajani market place, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort and the Sultan’s Palace. Dinner at the Resort

DAY 7: ZANZIBAR
Breakfast at the Resort.mMeet your ESD/G and depart on your Spice tour.Spices and herbs were originally introduced to Zanzibar by Portuguese traders in the 16th century, brought from their colonies in South America and India.This tour is a walking tour in a spice farm (shamba). While there, you shall see how the spices, herbs and fruits grow and are cultivated. Your tour guide will describe how the crops can be used. You will be smelling and tasting spices, herbs and tropical fruits such as clove, lemongrass, nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla, coconuts, papaya, chili, black pepper, jackfruit, cardamom, cassava and oranges.After the tour, you will enjoy a traditional Swahili lunch at the farm. Here is when you can really taste the different ways of using spices.On request, we can also take you to an essential oil distillery where you can also create your own fragrance!The tour finishes with a stop at a spice stall selling fresh packaged spices (cash only). Return to the hotelDinner at the Resort

DAY 8: ZANZIBAR
Breakfast at the Resort. Meet your ESD/G and depart on your Prison Island tour.We will take a boat from the shores of Stone Town, setting down anchor 5 km away, on the beautiful beach of Prison Island.The prison – which is now owned by a hotel – was built in 1893 and was originally intended to house violent prisoners from the mainland and sick people.You will get the opportunity to visit the tortoise sanctuary, which contains a large colony of giant tortoise imported from the Seychelles in the late 19th century. The average weight of these creatures is 200 kg, and many of them are said to be over 150 years old. There will be a chance to touch the tortoise and take photos. The island is also a home to a colony of beautiful peacocks.For the rest of the trip you can either enjoy the marine life as you snorkel around the coral that fringes Prison Island or just relax under the warm glow of the sun.Return to the Resort for lunch. Rest of the day is at leisure.Dinner at the Resort

DAY 9: ZANZIBAR > DAR ES SALAAM > DEPART
Breakfast at the Resort. Meet your ESD and transfer to ZNZ Airport for your flight to DAR Airport.Depart ZNZ Airport.Arrival into DAR Airport, meet your Itravel representative for assistance with your check in procedures for your onward flight

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