Southern Tanzania Bush to Beach

Morning game drive along the Rufiji River system actively searching for African wild dogs — one of the most endangered large predators in Africa, with Nyerere supporting one of the continent's most significant populations. The open miombo woodland and river floodplains also harbour vast lion prides, leopard, enormous elephant herds and buffalo aggregations of thousands. Afternoon boat safari through the network of interconnected channels and ox-bow lakes, where pelicans, open-billed storks and the occasional shoebill can be seen among the lily pads. All meals and overnight at river camp.

After breakfast, light aircraft flight from Nyerere to Ruaha National Park — Tanzania's largest national park and one of Africa's last true wilderness areas. Ruaha covers 20,226 km² of diverse habitat: baobab-studded hillsides, the Great Ruaha River floodplain, dense miombo woodland and open grassland. The park holds the largest elephant population in East Africa — herds of 200+ animals are regularly encountered — alongside outstanding predator concentrations including lion prides of up to 20 individuals, leopard, cheetah, wild dogs and spotted hyena. Afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at Ruaha camp.

Full day exploring Ruaha's extraordinary and uncrowded wilderness. The Great Ruaha River is the lifeline of the park during the dry season, attracting all wildlife to its banks. Morning game drive along the river for crocodile, hippo and the predators that hunt the drinking herds. Ruaha is one of the best parks in Africa for rare antelope: roan and sable antelope, greater kudu and Grant's gazelle are regularly sighted alongside the more common plains game. Optional walking safari with an armed ranger — Ruaha's wilderness quality makes it one of Tanzania's finest walking safari destinations. All meals and overnight at Ruaha camp.

After a morning game drive along the Great Ruaha River, drive or fly to Mikumi National Park — Tanzania's fourth-largest park and the most accessible of the southern parks. Mikumi's Mkata floodplain is Serengeti-like in its openness and wildlife density: large elephant herds, buffalo, lion prides, wild dogs, giraffe and the distinctive zebra herds that move across the short-grass plain. The park is surrounded by the Udzungwa Mountains and the Mikumi Hills, giving a dramatic scenic backdrop to the game-viewing. Afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at Mikumi Wildlife Camp.

Morning game drive in Mikumi capturing lions and elephants in the early light before the heat of the day. Then drive north through the Morogoro region to Bagamoyo on the Indian Ocean coast — one of East Africa's most historically resonant towns. Walking tour of the old Arab quarter, the slave market ruins and holding pens, the German boma and the Catholic mission where Livingstone's embalmed body rested in 1874 before its journey to Westminster Abbey. Afternoon swim in the warm Indian Ocean. Dinner and overnight at Bagamoyo Beach Hotel.

Final breakfast on the Indian Ocean shore, then drive to Dar es Salaam for your international departure flight. Optional Zanzibar beach extension available — 30-minute flight or 2-hour high-speed ferry from Dar es Salaam port.