The Best of the South

Day 1. Depart London

Depart London for Dar-es-Salaam.

Days 2 to 4. Selous Game Reserve [B (Days 3 & 4 only), L & D]

On arrival in Dar-es-Salaam, continue by air to the Selous Game Reserve and Rufiji River Camp, Selous Safari Camp, Selous Impala Camp or Sand Rivers for a 3-night stay.

Selous Game Reserve is named after Frederick Courtney Selous, the famous 19th century hunter and explorer whose books were bestsellers in Victorian England. The Selous is the largest wildlife sanctuary on the African continent covering a staggering 54,600 square kilometres. It consists of vast tracts of archetypal East African wilderness containing perhaps the greatest concentration of big game left on earth. Only in its northern extremity in the area of forest set around the mighty Rufiji River, has the Selous suffered the incursion of man, and it is still home to a bewildering array of birds and mammals. This is the Africa experienced by many of its early explorers - raw and untouched. Gamedrives may take you to the lakes where, in the dry season, the herbivores gather to drink and the carnivores lie in wait. Walks accompanied by an armed guide offer the opportunity to see Cape Buffalo, Elephant and perhaps a Lion, and a boat safari provides you with the thrill of getting close to Hippos and Nile Crocodiles. Although poaching has in the past affected the Elephant population careful management and conservation schemes have brought their numbers back to a healthy level. There are also large numbers of Wild Dog, Lion, Leopard and many other species.

Rufiji River Camp

is on the north-eastern corner, and is set on the high bank overlooking the mighty Rufiji River and the plain beyond. The camp accommodates guests in twenty very comfortable tents, each with mosquito nets, private bathroom and verandah.

Selous Impala Camp

Selous Impala Camp has just seven tents constructed on a high wooden decking with magnificent views of the river and the forest beyond. The tents are spread over a large area ensuring privacy and a real bush feel.

Selous Safari Camp,

on the banks of the Rufiji River, is in one of the most photogenic areas of the Selous Game Reserve. It occupies a prime position at the centre of a unique riverine and lake complex. Each of the twelve safari tents is on its own raised timber platform, affording guests an unmatched experience of the African bush. The tents are luxuriously appointed, with en-suite bathrooms and open air hot-water showers. The camp has a swimming pool, together with dining, bar and lounge areas. Explore from here on foot, by boat and in 4-wheel drives.

Sand Rivers

is set on an outcrop of rock overlooking the Rufiji River. The surrounding area provides stunning scenery and exceptional wildlife. The camp's eight stone and thatch rooms each have en-suite facilities while public areas include a dining room, bar and a swimming pool. Walking safaris, boat trips and game drives are all on offer here. (There is also the opportunity to book a fly camp and walking safari in advance.)

Days 5 to 7. Ruaha [B, L, D]

This morning you fly to Ruaha National Park for a 3 - night stay at either Ruaha River Lodge, Jongomero Camp, Mdonya Old River Camp, or Mwagusi Tented Camp, which is situated in one of best areas of Ruaha National Park for wildlife-viewing. Over 480 species of bird and 80 species of mammal may be found within 45 minutes drive from camp. These include Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Wild Dog, Lesser, and Greater Kudu, Sable and Roan, huge herds of Cape Buffalo and large concentrations of Elephant.

Ruaha is Tanzania's second largest National Park with a wide range of habitats from rocky outcrops, baobabs, grassland plains, the escarpment plateau and Miombo woodland to Acacia woodland along the banks of the Ruaha River. The Ruaha River is its lifeline with wildlife becoming increasingly concentrated along the river as the dry season progresses from June to December. After the rains in December everything changes with the trees erupting into leaf, the Ruaha River swelling into a bursting torrent and the bird population exploding with migrants from both hemispheres visiting Ruaha.

Ruaha River Lodge

occupies a unique position set around a series of rocky outcrops on a bend of the Ruaha River, with commanding views. The accommodation consists of natural stone and thatch bandas, each with en-suite facilities.

Jongomero Camp

consists of eight large tented suites is situated under shady acacia trees on the banks of the Jongomero Sand River.

Mwagusi Tented Camp

nestles into the banks of the Mwagusi River and accommodates just sixteen guests. The tents are enclosed within thatched bandas in keeping with a traditional East African style and each has private facilities. Wonderful wildlife-viewing may be also be enjoyed from here, on walking safaris accompanied by an experienced guide, or by 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Day 8. Depart for the UK via Dar-es-Salaam [B]

Today you return to Dar-es-Salaam by air for your overnight flight back to the UK, via Nairobi, or you may decide to extend your stay with a visit to Zanzibar.

Day 9. Arrive home