Day 1: Mikumi

The tour begins in Dar es Salaam, with the drive to Mikumi National Park. This accessible park gets you into safari mode and makes a good introduction before we head further into the wild.

Our game drives here typically encounter elephant, giraffe, wildebeest and zebra scattered across the grassy plains. Also keep an eye out for baboons and superb birdlife.

Day 2: Mikumi – Udzungwa

A morning game drive through Mikumi as we continue westwards to the Udzungwa Mountains. This is a real change in landscape as we go from savannah to mountain forest, steadily gaining altitude.

This journey provides us with a great afternoon drive and hiking in the lower mountains before we settle into a new base.

Day 3: Udzungwa Mountains

A full day in the Udzungwa Mountain National Park. This is a pristine region of forested mountain containing an exceptional biodiversity and consequently is known as the ‘African Galapagos’.

We spend a full day in the beautiful Eastern Arc Mountains, hiking in search of primates, forest birds and the endemic African violet. After lunch we visit the Sanje Waterfall and make the most of its refreshing pools.

Day 4: Udzungwa – Southern Highlands

The early morning is spent around our camp, hiking in the beautiful morning mists of the Udzungwas. We then transfer to the Southern Highlands, arriving in time for lunch and spend the afternoon visiting the Isimila Stone Age Site and Sandstone Pillars.

Day 5: Selous

We transfer to the Selous Game Reserve, dropping out of the mountains and back into the open plains and earthen colours of the famous parks. This is quite a change and one that makes the next few days all the more enjoyable.

Arriving in the afternoon we make a brief exploration of the area around our new base.

Days 6 – 8: Selous

Our first real day in the Selous and welcome to the largest game reserve in the world! The size of Switzerland, it is home to one third of all African hunting dogs, thousands of elephant, wildebeest, buffalo, zebra and antelope. Savannahs, forests and wetlands lie untrammelled in this mighty park and we have two full days to explore this wilderness. This first day is divided between game drives and guided walks – a chance to stretch your legs after the previous days travelling.

Day 9: Selous – Ruaha

Transfer to the wild and rugged Ruaha National Park.

The wilderness here is breathtaking. Second only to Katavi in its sense of remoteness, here you will really feel that you are on pure African plains. The dry bush and great River Ruaha are home to thousands of antelope, lion, cheetah and African hunting dog.

An introductory game drive will reveal the captivating and brooding hills of Ruaha and more than likely, several of its elephant, zebra and antelope.

Day 10 – 11: Ruaha

Three full days exploring this isolated wilderness.

Day 12: Ruaha – Dar es Salaam

A final morning excursion in Ruaha before heading back to Dar.