Ruaha & Katavi Special

Day 1. Depart UK for Dar-es-Salaam via Nairobi

Day 2. Dar-es-Salaam, 1-night [B]

Day 3. Ruaha, 3-nights [B,L,D]

Ruaha National Park is Tanzania's second largest and one of its wildest. Only the area around the Ruaha River has been developed for tourism, and because of its remote location even this sees relatively few visitors, thus preserving a massive chunk of raw African wilderness in a totally unspoilt state. Activities centre on the river, which during the dry season is very low, with the remaining rock pools swarming with huge crocodiles and grunting Hippos fighting for space.

The park protects a wide variety of habitats because it is an important transition zone where eastern and southern species of flora and fauna overlap and in all some 1,650 plant species and over 450 bird species have been recorded within the park itself. The birdlife is amazing here and includes ibises, herons, stilts, kingfishers and owls are regularly sighted. The varying habitats of the park are home to numerous eagle species including Martial, Black, Long-crested, and of course Bateleur. Shrikes, weavers, waxbills, fire-finches, and both Palebilled, and Von der Decken's Hornbill are found in the dry bushland. Ruaha is known for its large Elephant and Cape Buffalo herds, Greater, and Lesser Kudu, Sable, and Roan Antelope. There are high numbers of predators including Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and the increasingly rare Wild Dog.

• Ruaha River Lodge was the first permanent camp to be built in Ruaha. It occupies a unique position on the banks of the Ruaha River cleverly built around a rocky outcrop and melts into the environment more or less unnoticed. Every effort is made to ensure that the lodge has little impact on the surroundings environment. Each thatched cottage is constructed from local stone.
• Mwagusi a small tented camp on the banks of the dry Mwagusi river. There are just nine tents, each within a thatched banda, in keeping with a traditional Tanzanian style and blending with the surrounding bush. Food is freshly prepared and delicious.
• Mdonya Old River Camp is one of the parks newest camps and is located in the west. It has just 11 tents. The camp has cleverly constructed hides at both ends of the camp, where you can sit and watch the game pass by. The dining and lounge tents are located under shady trees overlooking the dry riverbed.
• Jongomero Camp is the only camp in the remote southwestern corner of the park, with just eight spacious safari tents. The ceilings are vaulted and traditionally constructed to ensure a cool breeze. There is also a small swimming pool that looks a little like a rock pool ideal for cooling off in the heat of the day.

Day 6. Katavi, 4-nights [B,L,D]

Katavi is one of the upcoming tourist attractions in Tanzania and has become part of the new western circuit. It is unspoiled, raw and with unique attractions. Like the other western parks, Katavi's remoteness results in low visitor numbers and is ideal for those who prefer game-viewing in peace and solitude. This undiscovered wilderness is awash with plains game including Elephant, Leopard, giraffe, Lion and zebra. This is a place for the wildlife connoisseur to see Sable, Roan Antelope and Puku. Birdwatching is also excellent, with over 400 species recorded.

The tents at Katavi Wilderness Camp are set on large wooden decks craftily hidden amongst the trees, providing both shade and camouflage. It is not a luxurious camp and has simple, comfortable decor. Chada Camp is a simple tented camp in a stunning location. There are just six large safari tents here with big gauze windows and great views.

Day 10. Dar-es-Salaam, 1-night [B,L]

Day 11. Depart for UK via Nairobi [B]

Day 12. Arrive home