Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Dar es Salaam – Ruaha National Park
Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, you will fly by light aircraft to gorgeous Ruaha National Park. As your plane touches down, watch for zebras munching contentedly beside the airstrip, or a gangly giraffe stripping leaves from a nearby acacia. At nearly 4,000-square miles, the semi-arid bush of Ruaha is cut by the great Ruaha River, which provides the water for an incredible collection of animals.

From the park’s 10,000 elephants to prides of lions, sleek cheetahs and sly leopards, Ruaha offers an unparalleled wildlife experience. Watch impalas sneak down to waterholes guarded by hungry lions, spotted hyenas lurking in the thickets and packs of endangered wild dogs cavorting on the plains.

While here, stay on the river in one of the most scenic locations in the park. The Ruaha River Lodge boasts 20 comfortable cottages spread out along the riverbanks. All offer sweeping views of the river and watering holes that attract the park’s animals.

Or, stay at Jongomero Camp, with eight tented suites, all built on raised wooden platforms under enormous thatched roofs. The camp itself is not fenced and animals are free to pass through as they please, so elephant are frequent visitors. Ruaha River Lodge or Jongomero Camp – 2-nights (D)

Day 2
Ruaha National Park
Enjoy twice-daily game drives, birding and photography as well as guided bush walks. On these fascinating ambles, immerse yourself in nature and learn about the skill of tracking, survival, dung identification and the various mammals, insects and plants not often seen from vehicles. At night, do some stargazing and learn about the great southern skies. (B, L, D)

Day 3
Selous Game Reserve
Fly by light aircraft to the Selous Game Reserve, Africa’s largest game reserve, comprising 31,000-square miles of wilderness. Immerse yourself in nature in this vast, thriving wildlife area of forests and woodlands around the lagoons, sandbanks and lakes of the Rufiji River.

Home to both Eastern and Southern African wildlife, the reserve offers a chance to watch thundering herds of elephants, hippos wallowing in the mud, big cats stalking their prey and a more than 400 species of birds.

Stay at Rufiji River Camp in the heart of the reserve. The camp itself is environmentally friendly and each tent is equipped with private bathroom and a veranda facing the river. From the comfortable bar, watch hundreds of hippos in the river as well as groups of crocodiles
lazing in the sun. Read a book from the library, relax by the swimming pool and savor a sundowner cocktail.

Alternatively, stay at the Selous Safari Camp is unfenced, delightfully situated within an open palm forest on the shores of Lake Nzerakera, a massive lake adjoining the Rufiji River. The spacious tents are luxuriously appointed, with en suite bathrooms and open-air hot water showers. Rufiji River Camp or Selous Safari Camp – 4-nights (B, L, D)

Days 4-6
Selous Game Reserve
Embark on game drives, river safaris and guided walks through the bush. The park has a wide variety of vegetation zones, ranging from forests and dense thickets to open wooded grasslands and riverine swamps. Large numbers of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippopotamus and crocodile live in this immense sanctuary, still relatively undisturbed by humans. (B, L, D)

Day 7
Depart Dar es Salaam
Today you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Dar es Salaam where you will connect onto your onward flight. (B)

More information from Cox & Kings:

• View trip on provider's website
  www.coxandkingsusa.com/travel-destinations/africa/private/lux…
• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips