An off-the-beaten-track Tanzania holiday revealing remote wildlife hotspots and hidden beach gems.

Stride into the unknown on this phenomenal Tanzania travel itinerary, beginning on a mesmerising safari deep in the heart of Southeastern Tanzania. The beloved yet secluded Nyerere National Park invites you to kickstart your unique adventure with intimate wildlife encounters, introducing you to its incredible conservation outcomes.

Next, you travel to Ruaha National Park, a sensational safari hub for game viewing and a testament to Tanzania’s diverse topography and wildlife. After this all-embracing luxury safari tour, Mafia Island welcomes you for a serene Tanzania beach escape. Here, you can uncover every hidden beauty of the Tanzania coast, experiencing everything from snorkelling to whale shark watching.

You have discovered the best of both worlds in Tanzania. You feel united with Mother Nature and her intricate design, from the ocean to the savannah.

What's Included:

  • Accommodation fees as mentioned in the full itinerary
  • National park & conservancy fees
  • Light aircraft flights
  • Meals & drinks as mentioned in full itinerary
  • Private airport transfers
  • Shared safari activities
  • Local guides with fair salaries

Trip Itinerary

Two women gaze at a group of elephants wandering amidst foliage from the comfort of Lake Manze Camp's seating area.

Days 1-3: Nyerere National Park

Day 1 - Arrive in Nyerere National Park

Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, you are privately escorted to your light aircraft flight to Stiegler’s Gorge, the threshold of Nyerere National Park. You are welcomed by a representative of Lake Manze Camp, before being whisked away to the remote Tanzania safari lodge for a three-night stay.

Lake Manze Camp is an emblem of raw wilderness, offering 12 electricity-free tents to provide an authentic feeling of disconnection from the modern world. The camp is nestled into Nyerere, a vibrant wildlife sanctuary, offering rustic luxury completed by sustainable practices and friendly staff. Enjoy a first night of bliss beneath a clear, star-filled sky.

A safari boat glides across the large lake in Nyerere National Park during a clear-blue midday. The lake reflects its surroundings beautifully.

Days 2-3 - Safari in Nyerere National Park

Two days full of Tanzania safari await you in Nyerere National Park, with the added touch of personalisation. Lake Manze Camp’s passionate guides lead game drives, bush walks and boat safaris throughout the day, providing you a gateway to South Tanzania’s tapestry of biodiversity.

Watch as wildlife takes centre stage in Nyerere National Park – you feel like a welcomed guest to the vast animal communities which cross your path. You spot lions basking in the sun, zebra and wildebeest gathering in herds, giraffes munching from tall trees and even the elusive leopard. The first portion of your remote safari tour has opened a window into Tanzania’s untamed soul.

The communal tent is lit up by lamps and candles during the early evening at Mdonya Old River Camp as the sky is filled with soft blues and pinks.

Days 4-6: Ruaha National Park

Day 4 - Fly to Ruaha National Park

A final morning safari in Nyerere leads you onward to your next adventure, as you are transferred to your light aircraft flight to Ruaha National Park. You are met on arrival and privately transferred to Mdonya Old River Camp, a full-board Tanzania safari camp which specialises in exclusive and eco-friendly safaris.

The camp’s expert guides welcome you into a realm where tradition meets comfort, as the camp encourages you to connect with the region’s ancient roots. The luxury safari camp is located on a towering plateau, along the curved banks of the Mdonya sand-river, offering spell-binding views.

A young elephant wanders the river banks in Ruaha National Park. You can see its reflection in the river.

Days 5-6 - Safari in Ruaha National Park

Ruaha encompasses over 20,000 square kilometres, homing an incredible array of flora and fauna. This portion of your Tanzania holiday brings an added air of privacy, as you embark on shared game drives in small groups across an otherwise isolated plain.

As you wind around the baobob valleys, uncovering the unusual formation of the Great Rift Valley, you spot elephants, giraffes, hippo, and buffaloes. Ruaha National Park is also one of the best places to visit in Tanzania to see lions, as huge prides are dotted around the park. This is one of the holy grails in East Africa for those who love wild, remote and authentic safari tours.

The thatched-roof beach bar at Butiama Beach Lodge is lit up by soft lighting during the evening. It is surrounded by tall palms.

Days 7-11: Mafia Island

Day 7 - Fly to Mafia Island

Wave goodbye to the mind-blowing beauty of Ruaha National Park on a final morning game drive, before heading to the airstrip for a light aircraft flight to Mafia Island. Following arrival in Kilindoni, you are privately driven to Butiama Beach Lodge for an opulent five-night stay amidst the pacifying charm of the East African Coast.

This Tanzania beach resort provides a quintessential African island vibe. The glittering Indian Ocean lays just moments from your private bungalow, enticing you with endless opportunities for marine discovery. Meanwhile, your vibrant beach hotel is enriched by a preservation of local culture, inviting you to taste Tanzanian cuisines and indulge in sustainable spa treatments whilst surrounded by African artwork.

An aerial image of a couple walking along the sandy ocean shore as a small fishing boat floats by.

Days 8-11 - Leisure on Mafia Island

Butiama Beach Lodge is an idyllic space, guiding you towards the hidden corners of Mafia Island. Depending on what calls your name, your four days on the island are brimmed with activities and experiences, ranging from relaxing to exhilarating.

Head out into the diamond blue on a range of sailing adventures, interacting with Mafia Island’s thriving fishing culture. Plunge beneath the water’s shimmering surface on diving excursions, traversing lively coral reefs. Depending on the time of year, you can even swim up-close with beautiful whale sharks, revealing another magical façade of Tanzania’s coastal beauty.

A whale shark gracefully floats through turquoise waters off Mafia Island, a small striped fish lingering by its mouth.

Day 12: Departure Home

Day 12 - Fly home from Mafia Island

After 11 days of exploration and adventure, your phenomenal Tanzania holiday has come to a bittersweet close. Having experienced both a fascinating African safari tour and a luxury beach holiday, you feel the spirit of Tanzania has revealed itself to you. You feel inspired to venture on more life-changing holidays, wondering what luxury travel package Wayfairer has in store for you next.

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