Wildlife & Beaches of the West

Beaches & Wildlife of the West - First Class Wildlife & Mid-Range Accommodation - From £5,125 Per Person, Excluding International Flights

Day 1
You have an early start this morning as you transfer from Arusha airstrip for your flight across the plains of Tanzania to the remote Katavi National Park (08:00 – 12:00). Upon arrival, you transfer from Ikuu Airstrip by 4x4 to Katuma Bush Lodge in time for a hot lunch. This afternoon you have your first opportunity to explore this remote wilderness.
Overnight: Katuma Bush Lodge – is located in the centre of the park on an elevated point overlooking the vast plains of Katisunga. The lodge consists of spacious and comfortable furnished tents with en-suite facilities offering hot and cold water. At the end of your day you can relax in the shade of the tamarind trees watching the sunset over the plains (L/D)

Days 2, 3
Katavi is one of the few true remaining great wildernesses of Eastern Africa. Vast savannah plains stretch into the distance and you are almost guaranteed not to bump into any tourists during your stay! ‘Lakes’ Chada and Katavi provide watering holes for huge herds of savannah game including hundreds if not thousands of hippo. Elephant, lion, leopard, crocs, etc are also to be found throughout the plains of Katavi. This really is the adventurer's choice of safari, almost completely inaccessible by road, as you sit back and relax at the lodge during the evening you can finally appreciate what true nature is. Over the next couple of days you do a variety of shared game drives every day through the savannah plains, taking in the wonderful views and abundance of game, maybe stopping every now and then for a refreshing drink. You also have the option of one walking safari.
Overnight: Katuma Bush Lodge (B/L/D)

Day 4
Today you may have time for a short game drive in the morning before setting off on the next leg of your adventure. You transfer back to Ikuu Airstrip where you meet your internal flight to Mahale Mountains National Park, at the shores of Lake Tanganyika (12:15 – 13:00). Landing on an airstrip at the foot of the Mahale Mountains you then have a pleasant cruise on a traditionally constructed (but very comfortable) dhow along the shores of the lake and to the private retreat of Kungwe Beach Lodge. A cosy camp located at the foot of the Mahale Mountains with a private beach and direct access to one of the largest habituated troops of chimpanzees. Accommodation is in airy safari tents decorated in traditional safari style.
Overnight: Kungwe Beach Lodge – comfortable en-suite tented accommodation with views over the twinkling waters of Lake Tanganyika (B/L/D)

Days 5, 6, 7
You have three whole days to enjoy this unique corner of Africa. After an early morning breakfast at camp, you set off on a shared excursion chimpanzee tracking into the forested foothills of the Mahale Mountains. Lush tropical jungle surrounds you as you follow the frenetic pant hoots of the chimps off in the distance; it is only when you finally come across them that you realise how privileged you are to spend time with these intelligent apes in their natural habitat. Sometimes sitting in the middle of the group it is difficult not to feel part of the family. A truly amazing experience! Returning to camp in the afternoon spend time relaxing on the soft sands of the private beach or swimming in the gin clear waters. Candlelit dinners and sundowners are served on the beach providing the perfect end to the perfect day.
Overnight: Kungwe Beach Lodge – comfortable ensuite tented accommodation with views over the twinkling waters of Lake Tanganyika (B/L/D)

Day 8
After breakfast you transfer by boat to Mahale airstrip and, with packed lunch in hand, you will meet your internal flight to Zanzibar, stopping en-route (10:15 – 16:30). From here, you are met and transferred to the luxury retreat of Matemwe Bungalows where you settle into your room, on a full-board basis. Here you can relax on the beach, by the pool or at your hotel and reflect upon the adventures of the last few days, or you can take a day or two to explore more of Zanzibar.
Overnight: Matemwe Main Lodge – a lovely lodge with access to some great beaches and providing you with the comfort of a honeymoon retreat (B/L/D)

Days 9, 10, 11
You have three full days at leisure to relax on the beach or to explore Zanzibar. Matemwe is lovely intimate beach lodge, surrounded by some of the best beaches on the island. Fantastic diving and snorkeling can be enjoyed around the Mnemba atoll, right opposite Matemwe. The lodge also offers a host of other activities that include: guided reef & village walks, dhow boat trips, kayaking, cycling as well as a range of excursions such as exploring Jozani Forest or visiting Stone Town and its world famous spice tours, and its narrow streets, shops and markets. Experience the colours, the sounds and the spices of the capital and visit the mosques, palaces, shops, and old historic houses. You can learn about its dark history as one of the slave-trading ports of East Africa.
Overnight: Matemwe Main Lodge (B/L/D)

Day 12
Today you depart the comfort of Matemwe and make your way to the Zanzibar International Airport for your international flight back home (B)