The 9 Days Southern Tanzania and Zanzibar safari is an extraordinary journey that combines the thrill of wildlife adventures in Tanzania’s lesser-known national parks with the relaxation and beauty of the island of Zanzibar. The safari begins in Mikumi National Park a hidden safari destination known for its abundant wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants and giraffes and its unique landscape of the open grasslands and dense forests. From there you will head to Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s largest protected areas, where you will embark in thrilling game drives, walking safaris, and boat excursions to spot a diverse variety of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles and antelopes. After an unforgettable wildlife adventure, you be transferred to the stunning island of Zanzibar, where you will relax on pristine beaches, explore the historic Stone Town and indulge in water sports and activities, making for a perfectly balanced and unforgettable Tanzanian adventure that combines the best of wildlife and beach experiences.
9 Days Southern Tanzania and Zanzibar safari Highlights.
Day 1: Pick up and transfer to Mikumi National, Park.
Day 2: Full day experience in Mikumi National Park.
Day 3: Transfer to Nyerere National Park.
Day 4: Game drive and afternoon boat cruise.
Day 5: Walking safari, transfer to Dar es Salaam and cross to Zanzibar.
Day 6: Jozani Forest or local cooking classes and Sunset cruises.
Day 7: Spice tour and safari blue experience.
Day 8: Another free day relaxing and cross back to Dar es Salaam.
Day 9: Departure at Dar Es Salaam airport.
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Pick up and transfer to Mikumi National, Park.
On the 1st day of 9 days Southern Tanzania and Zanzibar safari, you safari guide from African Vacation Safaris he will welcome you and belief you about the safari. After the beliefing you will be transferred to Mikumi national park. With the stunning views along the way, the journey takes about 5 to 6 hour’s drive with the lunch along the way. Mikumi National Park is situated between Uluguru Mountain to the northeast, Udzungwa Mountains and the Rift Valley escarpment to the south west as part of the Selous ecosystem. And once you arrive you will go for the afternoon game drive in the open grasslands, as you explore the park you will have the opportunity to spot a wide range of wildlife like lions, leopards, giraffes, antelopes, hartebeests, buffaloes, wild dogs and various bird species. After the experience you will be transferred to your lodge for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 2: Full day experience in Mikumi National Park.
On the 2nd day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and enjoy breakfast. After breakfast you will meet your safari guide together with your packed lunch and transfer to Mikumi National Park for the full day experience. During the full-day experience in the park, some of the best spots to explore include the Mkata Floodplain, a vast grassy expanse with diverse wildlife and the Vuma Hills, a rocky outcrop offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park’s diverse habitats are home to the impressive variety of wildlife like the Big five mammals that is lions, buffaloes, leopards, rhinos and elephants. Other notable species to spot include zebras, wildebeests, impalas, hippos as well as various bird species like eagles, vultures and storks and among others. The full-day experience also provides ample opportunity to witness the park’s unique scenery, including the majestic baobab trees and the tranquil waterholes that offers you immersive wildlife adventure. After the experience you will be transferred to your lodge for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 3: Transfer to Nyerere National Park.
On the 3rd day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and enjoy your breakfast. After breakfast, you will check out from your lodge and exist the park. You will spot the early risers in the park before heading to Nyerere National Park.The journey is approximately 5 to 6 hours depending on the road conditions and, Along the way you will pass through towns of Morogoro and Kisaki, that offers a glimpse into rural Tanzanian life and culture with the enroute lunch, you will also cross the Rufiji River that marks the boundary between the two parks and enter the vast and untouched wilderness of Nyerere National Park formerly known as Selous Game Reserve a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be transferred to your lodge for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 4: Game drive and afternoon boat cruise.
On the 4th day of the safari, get up early in the morning and enjoy breakfast. After breakfast you will meet your safari guide and transfer to the park which is the largest national park that is 4 times larger than Serengeti national park. The park has diverse landscapes from the hot volcanic springs, sporadic lakes, channels from Great Ruaha and Rufiji rivers that offers you the stunning views of the hippos, crocodiles and the variety of the bird species and the surrounding floodplains which are home to a diverse variety of wildlife like elephants, giraffes, antelopes. The park’s unique landscape is characterized by the miombo woodlands and grasslands, and others that offers the habitat for the wide range of animal species like lions, leopards, wild dogs and others. During the morning game drive that’s the excellent time to spot some of the park’s more elusive species, like the rare and endangered African wild dogs, witnessing park’s stunning scenery and others.
After the experience you will meet your safari guide and proceed for the afternoon boat safari in the Rufiji River with your picnic lunch. After lunch you will enjoy the afternoon boat cruise with the game viewing on River Rufiji that offers you exceptional experience as the Nyerere is the only park in Tanzania where this wonderful safari activity takes place. The afternoon boat cruise on River Rufiji takes you about 2 hours to 3 hours as you spot the rarest species of animals like wild dogs, Sable antelopes black rhinos, Nile crocodiles, hippos and among others along the River Rufiji’s banks you will spot elands, buffaloes, and among others. After the experience you will be transferred back to your lodge for dinner relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 5: Walking safari, transfer to Dar es Salaam and cross to Zanzibar.
On the 5th day of the safari, get up early in the morning and enjoy your breakfast, meet your safari guide and then you will start you fascinated walking safari in the park. This is a thrilling and immersive experience that allows you to explore the park’s wilderness on foot, while accompanied by the experienced guides and armed ranger. As you walk through the park’s diverse habitats, like miombo woodlands, and grasslands you will have the opportunity to spot the wide range of wildlife like antelopes, buffaloes, various bird species and witnessing the park’s unique scenery like baobab trees and tranquil waterholes. Walking safari offers you a unique perspective on the park’s ecosystem and allows you to connect with nature in a more intimate and meaningful way. After the walking safari, you will start the drive back to Dar es Salaam that takes you about 4 hours’ drive and once you arrive in Dar es Salaam you will have enroute lunch before you a boat to Zanzibar. You will depart at around 4pm boat taking about 1 hour and 45 minutes. And once you arrive in Zanzibar, the driver will take you to your booked hotel and check in for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 6: Jozani Forest or local cooking classes and Sunset cruises.
On the 6th day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and enjoy your breakfast and after breakfast you will be transferred for the Jozani forest and local cooking classes that offers you unique glimpse into the island’s natural beauty. The Jozani Forest will be explored during the guided nature walks. This is a dense and vibrant ecosystem, this is when you will spot wide range of flora and fauna including endemic red colobus monkeys, bush pigs and various bird species. As you explore the forest with a knowledgeable guide, you will learn about the island’s unique biodiversity. After the experience you will be transferred back to your resort for lunch. Optional you can go the local cooking classes that provide you with the opportunity to experience Zanzibar’s rich culinary heritage shaped by its strategic location along the ancient spice trade routes. With the guidance of a local chef, you will learn how to prepare traditional Zanzibari dishes like Urojo (a spicy soup) nyama choma (grilled meat) and others while using fresh ingredients and aromatic spices.
After lunch you will be transferred for the sunset cruises for relaxation experience that offers you breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, you will set sail on a traditional dhow or luxury yacht, as you cruise you can enjoy the refreshing cocktails , local snacks, soothing music and among many others. After the experience you will be transferred to your lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Spice tour and safari blue experience.
On the 7th day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and enjoy your breakfast. After breakfast you will meet your guide and go for spice tour and safari blue experience. The spice tour takes you on a journey through the island’s lush countryside, where you will discover the vast variety of spices, fruits and herds that have made Zanzibar famous for centuries including cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom. As you explore the spice plantations, you will learn about the history of the spice trade, the cultivation and harvesting processes, and the medicinal and culinary uses of the various spices. After the experience you will be transferred back to your resort for lunch.
After lunch you will go for safari Blue experience that combines snorkeling, swimming and relaxation on the stunning island of Pemba, located in the Menai Bay Conservation Area. As you sail through the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, you will have the opportunity to spot dolphins, whales, and a variety of marine life, including colourful fish, corals and sea turtles. The excursion along includes a delicious seafood meal on a secluded beach, where you can relax and soak up the sun, making for an unforgettable and rejuvenating experience. After the experience you will be transferred to your lodge for dinner, relaxation or overnight stay.
Day 8: Another free day relaxing and cross back to Dar es Salaam.
On the 8th day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and enjoy the hearty breakfast. After breakfast you will have another half day for relaxing at the beach optional you can go for horseback riding that is serene and exhilarating experience offering a unique perspective on the island’s stunning landscapes atmosphere as you ride through the island’s countryside. After the experience you have lunch and after lunch you will connect for your boat transfer back to Dar es Salaam and once you arrive you will enjoy dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 9: Departure at Dar Es Salaam airport.
On the last day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and enjoy breakfast, after breakfast you will check out from your lodge and your safari guide will transfer you the airport to get the flight back home or you will be dropped back to any convenient place that will make your safari back your home.
End of 9 Days Southern Tanzania and Zanzibar safari
9 Days Southern Tanzania and Zanzibar safari inclusions.
Airport pick up and drop off
Hotel/lodge accommodation for the duration of the safari
4×4 safari land cruiser
Professional safari and tour guide / driver
All national park fees
All meals on the safari
All game viewing activities specified
Tanzania VAT on tourism activities and park fees
Concession fees and crater fees
Drinking water in the safari vehicle
Airport transfers
Zanzibar activity fees as indicates.
9 Days Southern Tanzania and Zanzibar safari exclusions
Flights
Items of personal nature
Hotel accommodation before / after the safari
Entry visas
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
Anything else not included in the itinerary
