Tanzania: Bush, Beach and Culture
With over-tourism being a current talking point, we’re highlighting hidden gems where you’ll have enriching travel experiences, minus the crowds. Opting for off-peak travel and exploring lesser-known destinations helps to distribute the benefits of tourism to unsung regions and communities. We’ve created some distinctive itineraries away from the tourist honeypots.
Travel from Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches to Nyerere – a national park that’s four times the size of the Serengeti, yet tourists rarely venture this far south. Wind down with Robinson Crusoe-style relaxation on Pemba, Zanzibar’s quieter sister island, where you can explore a kaleidoscope of coral reefs from a world-class dive resort.
Itinerary in detail
1
Arrival in Zanzibar
Welcome to Zanzibar. Upon arrival a local representative will be waiting for you at the airport. You’ll transfer to your comfortable hotel located on the seafront of ancient Stone Town. Overnight at Zanzibar Serena Hotel.
Things to do:
Optional walking tour of historic Stone Town or Tour Zanzibar’s UNESCO-listed Stone Town
2
Zanzibar
Head out to explore UNESCO-listed Stone Town, from its decorative Arabic doors to daily market life and Freddie Mercury’s former home. You’ll soak up Zanzibar’s culture and get an insight into how locals live. Zanzibaris traditionally make a living fishing or farming and there’s still a barter trade system on the island. Zanzibar is world-famous for its fragrant spices, which were first introduced in the 16th Century by Portuguese traders. You can learn how they’re produced on an optional afternoon tour of one the island’s top spice plantations. Overnight at Zanzibar Serena Hotel.
Things to do:
Optional Zanzibar Spice Tour or Explore the wildlife-rich Jozani Forest
3
Zanzibar & Nyerere National Park
After breakfast, fly to Stiegler’s Airstrip in Nyerere National Park. This UNESCO-listed site, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, is four times the size of the Serengeti. A 30-minute game drive leads to your lodge, perched on the steep banks of the Rufiji River. This exclusive retreat will be your base for the next 3 nights. From here you’ll explore the varied landscape, from seemingly endless plains to miombo forests, hot springs and swampy wetlands. Overnight at Serena Mivumo River Lodge.
4
Nyerere National Park
Spend a full day in the park, where huge herds of grazing herbivores rove and big cats hunt. It’s also one of the very last refuges for endangered African hunting dogs. A 4×4 game drive is a great way to explore, but a riverboat safari navigating Tanzania’s largest river is another great option. The Rufiji River takes centre stage in Nyerere, creating a unique network of streams, swamps and lakes. You’re likely to pass buffalos, giraffes and elephants lapping at the water’s edge while keeping a careful eye out for Nile crocodiles and hippos. Finish the day at our special sundowner spot, relaxing on a sandbank with a cold drink in hand and the dramatically changing sky as your entertainment. Overnight at Serena Mivumo River Lodge.
5
Nyerere National Park
Today head deeper into the reserve on another game drive or riverboat safari. You’ll also walk with a guide through indigenous forest to the hidden Maji Moto hot springs. Here you can swim in warm, sapphire waters surrounded by lush vegetation and bird calls. Back at the lodge, relax in your private plunge pool then gather around the bonfire for a night of stargazing. Overnight at Serena Mivumo River Lodge.
6
Nyerere National Park & Pemba Island
Fly back to Stone Town and onwards to Pemba Island. It’s all about incredible Indian Ocean beaches on Zanzibar’s smaller sister island – think reef-protected warm waters, palm-fringed shores, and pristine beaches. You’ll spend 5 nights at Fundu Lagoon, the only beach lodge in East Africa with tents. Staying here feels like a luxurious extension of a safari, except that you’re by the sea. Each room sits on a wooden platform under a Makuti roof and when you’re in bed you can hear the crickets and bush babies. Fundu is designed to have a minimal impact on the environment, complete with solar power and built entirely with natural materials. Overnight at Fundu Lagoon.
7
Pemba Island
Relax on the beach all day or set off to explore the unique Robinson Crusoe castaway type setting. The island and its surrounding waters are home to lots of exciting wildlife such as vervet monkeys, bush babies and dolphins. It is also a world-class dive resort with unspoilt coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. Various PADI dive courses are available here. Overnight at Fundu Lagoon.
8
Pemba Island
Continue to unwind or try your hand at a wide variety of water sports including wake boarding, game fishing, or exploring the local mangrove forests on a kayaking adventure. Be sure to try the three bars, as well as the beachfront restaurant serving traditional Zanzibari specialities with an international touch. Overnight at Fundu Lagoon.
9
Pemba Island
As well as further beach time, head to the Fundu Fusion Spa for an exotic treatment using natural herbs and spices grown in Zanzibar. Try an organic facial treatment, Balinese massage, or a body scrub with essential oils. Overnight at Fundu Lagoon.
10
Pemba Island
Enjoy a final day on the beach, or perhaps an optional tour if you’re feeling more energetic or adventurous. A spice tour of the island, an easy trek to a local village or visiting nearby Misali island are a few of the options. And why not round off your trip in style with an optional private dining experience? Choose from a sandbank setting during the day or an evening candlelit beach dinner. Overnight at Fundu Lagoon.
11
Pemba Island & Departure
After breakfast, fly back to Stone Town for your return flight to the UK or onward travel.
Prices Range from £5775 to £6195 depending on when you travel – Please ask for more details
