Tanzanian Southern Bush Safari
8 Days
from
$5,752
to
$5,920
per person*
Highlights:
Tanzania
(Dar Es Salaam, Selous, Ruaha, Katavi)
Trip Start/End:
Dar Es Salaam
/
Dar Es Salaam
Enthral yourself into the majestic world of the Selous Game Reserve; one of Southeastern Tanzania’s first designated hunting and habitat reserves. Established along the Kilombero, Ruaha and Rufiji river ways in 1922, this games reserve boasts a variety of dynamic landscapes including humid coastal plateaus, enriched bush hideaways, and unusually languid atmospheres. All of these environments provide the perfect breeding and lively habitats for a ton of bird and wildlife. Prepare your cameras and keen eyes as you marvel at the great populations of African Elephants, prides of Lion, and packs of rare African Wild Dogs. Your game viewing, safari experience takes you across land via foot and 4x4 vehicles and across extensive river systems by boat. Accompanied by expert local game trackers, you will explore the best wildlife habitats to maximize your game viewing experience. This fantastic Tanzanian adventure will leave you with a lasting impression for a lifetime.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Dar Es Salaam
| - Meet & Greet - Guide
- Transfer - Private - Airport - City Centre/Harbour
- Emergency Evacuation Insurance - Plane
| Hyatt Regency
Hyatt Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Dar Es Salaam - Selous
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - City Centre/Harbour
- Air - Dar Es Salaam - Selous [Charter Hop - Coastal Air (45mins)] - Economy
- Lunch (included)
- Afternoon Game Drive - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Park Fees - Entrance
- Dinner (included)
| Rufiji River Camp
Tent Lodge (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Selous
| - Morning Game Drive - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (included)
- Park Fees - Entrance
- Rufiji River Camp Optional Activities - Optional Activities
- Dinner (included)
| Rufiji River Camp
Tent Lodge (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Selous - Ruaha
| - Air - Selous - Ruaha [Direct (1 hr 30 mins)] - Economy
- Park Fees - Entrance
- Lunch (included)
- Afternoon Game Drive - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Dinner (included)
| Ruaha River Lodge Foxes
Bandas (Package) (B,L,D,AI)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Ruaha
| - Morning Game Drive - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (included)
- Ruaha River Lodge Optional Activities - Optional Activities
- Dinner (included)
| Ruaha River Lodge Foxes
Bandas (Package) (B,L,D,AI)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Ruaha - Katavi
| - Air - Ruaha - Katavi [Flight 2 to 2 1/2 hours ] - Economy
- Lunch (included)
- Afternoon Game Drive - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Dinner (included)
| Katuma Bush Lodge
Tent (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Katavi
| - Morning Game Drive - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (included)
- Katuma Bush Lodge Optional Activities - Optional Activities
- Dinner (included)
| Katuma Bush Lodge
Tent (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- Katavi - Dar Es Salaam
| - Air - Katavi - Dar Es Salaam [Charter hop 5 to 5 1/2 hours ] - Economy
| Depart
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Dar Es Salaam
Kilimanjaro Hotel
Day 1: Dar Es Salaam
You will be met by our representative upon arrival into Dar Es Salaam Airport. The rep will help you connect to your connecting flight and answer any questions you may have.
Airport transfer with private vehicle and english speaking driver.
In the unfortunate event of serious illness or injury, all travellers are covered by this “Flying Doctors” Insurance policy. This emergency evacuation insurance policy covers the cost of the evacuation flight back to Nairobi for treatment. This insurance policy however DOES NOT cover the cost of any medical treatment received.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Situated in the city center, this eight-story luxury hotel, with its 180 rooms and suites, is an urban resort complex on the seafront of Dar es Salaam. Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro, offers a stunning view over a picturesque lagoon and the city islands. The Hyatt Regency introduces purity, thoughtful and contemporary luxury to Tanzania - with a ravishing infinity pool, two outstanding restaurants, an exceptional spa with pure products and a philosophy founded on well-being and generous service from Thailand.
Selous
Rufiji River Camp
Day 2: Dar Es Salaam - Selous
Airport transfer with private vehicle and english speaking driver.
Take your flight from Dar Es Salaam (DAR) to Selous today. The flight duration is approximately 45mins.
This afternoon you'll head out on a game drive alongside a local expert guide aboard a 4x4 Safari-game vehicle. Your guide will take you the local wildlife hotspots, keeping in mind that the wildlife may be trying to avoid the scorching hot African sun. You'll visit local water-holes and shady tree patches where a variety of resident big cats, migratory herds and colorful birdlife frequent.
Accommodation: Rufiji River Camp Rufiji River Camp is located on the banks of the Rufiji river, in a point where the ample and tranquil river is animated by many and different species of animals. The tented camp,is situated in the heart of the Selous Reserve. It is environmentally friendly and each tent is equipped with private bathroom and a veranda facing the river. There is a constant flow of animals coming down to drink at the river offering a permanent show to visitors of the camp.
Lion Stare
Fly-camping
Day 3: Selous
This morning you'll board your dedicated Safari vehicle, accompanied by your expert driver/guide for the day’s first game drive. Your guides knowledge of this area is utilized as they will take you to the locations which are most frequented by local wildlife. Keep your camera handy as you explore this beautiful African landscape to snap some photos of the elusive big cats, migratory herds, and colorful birdlife.
Guests staying at Rufiji River Camp can enjoy a variety of optional activities whilst in Selous. Guest can enjoy the cooling off in the pool to escape the hot African Sun. Guests can also go out on safari game drives in 4x4 vehicles to get a close look at the local wildlife and bird species. You also have the option of taking a walking safari where you can choose an established trail or one for your special interest, always of course, accompanied by an armed ranger. There is also the possibility of fishing (must be booked and paid for at the camp).
Accommodation: Rufiji River Camp 
The Superb Starling
Ruaha River Lodge Foxes
Day 4: Selous - Ruaha
Take your flight from Selous to Ruaha today.
This afternoon you'll head out on a game drive alongside a local expert guide aboard a 4x4 Safari-game vehicle. Your guide will take you the local wildlife hotspots, keeping in mind that the wildlife may be trying to avoid the scorching hot African sun. You'll visit local water-holes and shady tree patches where a variety of resident big cats, migratory herds and colorful birdlife frequent.
Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge Foxes Ruaha River lodge Foxes is a fabulous riverside lodge, at the heart of Tanzania's extraordinary Ruaha Park. The Wild, remote and unimaginably beauty of Ruaha National Park makes it one of East Africa's best kept secrets. There are few places in the world with such prolific wildlife. Cheetahs, leopards and lions, elephants, buffalos and hippos, wild dog, roan antelope, you name it, there's a chance you'll see it at close quarters.
Safari Game Vehicle
Lions
Day 5: Ruaha
This morning you'll board your dedicated Safari vehicle, accompanied by your expert driver/guide for the day’s first game drive. Your guides knowledge of this area is utilized as they will take you to the locations which are most frequented by local wildlife. Keep your camera handy as you explore this beautiful African landscape to snap some photos of the elusive big cats, migratory herds, and colorful birdlife.
A variety of optional activities are made available for guests staying at the Ruaha River Lodge. These activities include various wildlife experiences. Head out a game drive safari's aboard a 4x4 vehicle to encounter the local wildlife and enjoy the spectacular views of the picturesque surroundings. During the dry season, an armed ranger can take guests out on a walking safari for a truly exciting experience.
Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge Foxes 
Katavi
Katuma Bush Lodge
Day 6: Ruaha - Katavi
Take your flight from Ruaha to Katavi today. The flight duration may vary from 2 to 2 1/2 hours
This afternoon you'll head out on a game drive alongside a local expert guide aboard a 4x4 Safari-game vehicle. Your guide will take you the local wildlife hotspots, keeping in mind that the wildlife may be trying to avoid the scorching hot African sun. You'll visit local water-holes and shady tree patches where a variety of resident big cats, migratory herds and colorful birdlife frequent.
Accommodation: Katuma Bush Lodge In the centre of Katavi National park lies Katuma, a charming Bush Lodge that offers a riveting bush experience with breathtaking views over the vast plains of Katisunga. Katuma Bush Lodge has been designed to blend in with its surroundings to avoid distraction from the beauty of Katavi. The Lodge underwent a full refurbishment in 2011 but retains an African simplicity and is an idyllic base for exploring the spectacular wildlife of this remote and wild Park.
Leopard
Lion
Day 7: Katavi
This morning you'll board your dedicated Safari vehicle, accompanied by your expert driver/guide for the day’s first game drive. Your guides knowledge of this area is utilized as they will take you to the locations which are most frequented by local wildlife. Keep your camera handy as you explore this beautiful African landscape to snap some photos of the elusive big cats, migratory herds, and colorful birdlife.
A variety of activities are made available for guests staying at the Katuma Bush Lodge. Game Viewing is exceptionally rewarding at Katavi due to the sheer abundance of wildlife. Game-drives tend to begin at dawn and again late in the afternoon. Game drives are done aboard 4X4 vehicles and centre around the woodland areas along the seasonal lakes, where most of the game can be found. For those who want to get even closer to nature, Walking Safaris can be done in the early mornings when the light is at it’s best.
Accommodation: Katuma Bush Lodge Day 8: Katavi - Dar Es Salaam
Take your flight from Katavi to Dar es Salaam today. The flight duration may vary from 5 to 5 1/2 hours. You will stop to refuel in Ruaha.
Accommodation: Depart Depart from Dar Es Salaam international airport - end of itinerary.
Accommodations
- Hyatt Regency Hotel
Hyatt Regency - Dar Es Salaam
Situated in the city center, this eight-story luxury hotel, with its 180 rooms and suites, is an urban resort complex on the seafront of Dar es Salaam. Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro, offers a stunning view over a picturesque lagoon and the city islands. The Hyatt Regency introduces purity, thoughtful and contemporary luxury to Tanzania - with a ravishing infinity pool, two outstanding restaurants, an exceptional spa with pure products and a philosophy founded on well-being and generous service from Thailand.
Tent
Rufiji River Camp - Selous
Rufiji River Camp is located on the banks of the Rufiji river, in a point where the ample and tranquil river is animated by many and different species of animals. The tented camp,is situated in the heart of the Selous Reserve. It is environmentally friendly and each tent is equipped with private bathroom and a veranda facing the river. There is a constant flow of animals coming down to drink at the river offering a permanent show to visitors of the camp.
Bandas Room View
Ruaha River Lodge Foxes - Ruaha
Ruaha River lodge Foxes is a fabulous riverside lodge, at the heart of Tanzania's extraordinary Ruaha Park. The Wild, remote and unimaginably beauty of Ruaha National Park makes it one of East Africa's best kept secrets. There are few places in the world with such prolific wildlife. Cheetahs, leopards and lions, elephants, buffalos and hippos, wild dog, roan antelope, you name it, there's a chance you'll see it at close quarters.
- Katuma Bush Lodge
Katuma Bush Lodge - Katavi
In the centre of Katavi National park lies Katuma, a charming Bush Lodge that offers a riveting bush experience with breathtaking views over the vast plains of Katisunga. Katuma Bush Lodge has been designed to blend in with its surroundings to avoid distraction from the beauty of Katavi. The Lodge underwent a full refurbishment in 2011 but retains an African simplicity and is an idyllic base for exploring the spectacular wildlife of this remote and wild Park.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Tanzania
VISA/PASSPORT
Passport valid for at least six months, visa and evidence of yellow fever immunization are required for both US and Canadian citizens. Visa may be purchased on arrival at the airport. Single entry visa is $50 per person ($100pp for US citizens), payable in cash (no credit cards). Visas may also be obtained in advance through a visa service. Processing generally takes 5 working days and costs approximately $75.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the embassy of Tanzania for the most up to date visa information.
NOTE: Only newly printed USD currency and local currency will be accepted in East Africa, any USD currency printed without the new security measures will not be accepted.
HEALTH
Health insurance is essential. Guests of Kensington Tours are covered by East African Flying Doctor Services included in the tour price. This coverage guarantees that any member injured or ill while on safari will be airlifted back to Nairobi to the international hospital.
We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/tanzania.aspx
A yellow fever shot is NOT required for visitors from US/Canada/UK/EU direct, however if you are travelling through Kenya into Tanzania, you will need the vaccine.
COUNTRY INFO
Language: Swahili and English are the official languages. Several indigenous languages are also spoken.
Currency: Tanzanian shilling (TZS). Most tourism prices are in US Dollars.ATMs are available in major cities only. Major lodges, some hotels accept credit cards.
Time: GMT +3.
Electricity: 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Rectangular or round three-pin plugs are used.
Communications: The international country dialing code for Tanzania, as well as Zanzibar, is +255.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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