Tanzania Safari and Mafia Island Luxury Beach Extension
This refined 11-night journey has been carefully designed for discerning travellers seeking privacy, space, and authentic African wilderness, far from the busy northern safari circuit. Instead of following the traditional routes of the Great Migration and Ngorongoro Crater, this itinerary explores Southern Tanzania's most remote national parks — offering unmatched exclusivity, exceptional wildlife encounters, and elegant safari lodges in pristine settings.
The experience concludes on a secluded Indian Ocean island ‐ Mafia Island ‐ where untouched beaches, turquoise waters, and barefoot luxury provide the perfect contrast to the wilderness.
Journey Overview
- Safari Style: Private fly-in luxury safari
- Best For: Couples, honeymooners, and travellers seeking privacy
- Parks Visited: Nyerere National Park & Ruaha National Park
- Beach Extension: Mafia Island (quiet alternative to Zanzibar)
- Duration: 10 nights / 11 days
- Ideal Travel Period: June ‐ March
Safari Experience ‐ 6 Nights
Nyerere National Park (Former Selous Game Reserve) ‐ 3 Nights
One of Africa's largest protected wilderness areas, Nyerere National Park is renowned for its untouched landscapes and exceptionally low visitor numbers. Here, you may enjoy game viewing for hours without encountering another vehicle.
Highlights include:
- Riverine forests and vast floodplains
- Large elephant and buffalo herds
- Rare African wild dogs
- Hippos and crocodiles along the Rufiji River
Unique safari experiences:
- Private 4x4 game drives
- Boat safari on the Rufiji River
- Guided walking safaris with armed ranger
Luxury lodges may include:
- Serena Mivumo River Lodge
- Siwandu Camp
- Nyerere Tented Camp
Ruaha National Park ‐ 3 Nights
Remote, dramatic and wild, Ruaha National Park is considered by seasoned safari travellers as Tanzania's finest wildlife destination. Vast plains, baobab forests, and rugged escarpments create extraordinary landscapes and exceptional predator sightings.
Highlights include:
- Minimal tourist presence
- Excellent lion and leopard sightings
- Stunning landscapes and sunsets
- Authentic wilderness atmosphere
Safari activities:
- Morning and afternoon game drives
- Open safari vehicles
- Exclusive guiding with expert naturalists
Luxury lodge options include:
- Ikuka Safari Camp
- Jabali Ridge
- Ruaha River Lodge
- Mdonya Old River Camp
Secluded Beach Escape ‐ 4 Nights
Mafia Island Marine Park
For the beach finale, this journey avoids crowded resorts in favour of Mafia Island, Tanzania's most peaceful coastal retreat. Protected as a marine national park, the island offers untouched coral reefs, soft white-sand beaches, and complete tranquillity ‐ ideal for unwinding after safari.
Why Mafia Island:
- Very limited hotels
- No crowds or beach vendors
- Exceptional snorkeling and diving
- Authentic Swahili island culture
- Seasonal whale shark encounters
Luxury beachfront lodges include:
- Pole Pole Bungalow Resort
- Kinasi Lodge
- Butiama Beach Lodge
Seamless Fly-In Connections
- No long road transfers
- Maximum comfort
- Scenic aerial views of Tanzania's wilderness
- Effortless transitions between destinations
Suggested Day-by-Day Flow
- Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam ‐ overnight at a luxury city hotel
- Days 2‐4: Fly to Nyerere National Park with game drives, boat safari and walking safari
- Days 5‐7: Fly to Ruaha National Park for exclusive wildlife viewing
- Day 8: Fly Ruaha → Dar es Salaam → Mafia Island
- Days 9‐11: Beach relaxation, snorkeling and marine experiences
- Day 12: Departure from Dar es Salaam
What Makes This Journey Exceptional
- Low-density, uncrowded safari regions
- Avoids Great Migration and Ngorongoro Crater traffic
- Private fly-in safari throughout
- Combination of land, river and walking safaris
- Hand-picked luxury camps in remote areas
- Secluded island beach experience
- Ideal for honeymooners and couples
- Designed for travellers who value space and serenity
Indicative Investment
From USD 9,000 per person
(Based on two guests sharing, seasonal variation applies)
Price Includes
- Luxury accommodation for 11 nights
- All meals during safari
- Selected meals at the beach
- Scheduled internal safari flights
- Park and conservation fees
- Private game drives and activities
- Professional English-speaking guides
- All airport and lodge transfers
- Emergency medical evacuation cover
- All applicable local taxes
Price Excludes
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Optional diving and island activities
- Personal expenses
Designed by East Africa Specialists
This journey is fully tailor-made and can be refined based on preferred lodge brands, room category upgrades, honeymoon inclusions, private charter flights, or additional nights on the beach.
Experience Tanzania in its purest form ‐ untouched, unhurried, and unforgettable.
