Overview
Discover the raw beauty of Tanzania’s less-traveled Central and Western safari circuit. This 14-day journey takes you from coastal wilderness in Saadani to the untouched savannahs of Ruaha, the mountain wildflowers of Kitulo, the primate paradise of Gombe, and the game-rich floodplains of Katavi. Ideal for experienced safari-goers and adventurous travelers, this circuit showcases biodiversity, solitude, and authentic cultural encounters in rarely explored regions of Tanzania.
Highlights
- Explore 7 diverse national parks, each with a unique landscape and ecosystem
- Track elephants in Ruaha, wild dogs in Nyerere, and lions in Mikumi
- Chimpanzee trekking in Gombe Stream National Park
- Discover rare orchids and wildflowers in Kitulo Plateau
Itinerary
Your adventure begins! After breakfast, your driver will pick you up from your hotel in Dar es Salaam and transfer you to the airport for a short flight to Saadani National Park. This is the only park in East Africa where the beach meets the bush. Once you land, your guide will meet you and take you on a game drive. You’ll explore sandy shores, grassy savannahs, and riverine forests, all while spotting elephants, giraffes, and monkeys near the coast. In the evening, head to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive or fly to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), one of Africa’s largest wildlife areas. After settling into your riverside lodge, enjoy a peaceful boat safari on the Rufiji River. You’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. Later, return to camp for dinner and overnight.
Wake up early for a full-day game drive in Nyerere. The park is known for its lions, elephants, wild dogs, buffalo, and large herds of antelope. Your guide will take you to the best spots for wildlife viewing. You’ll have a picnic lunch in the park and continue exploring until the late afternoon. Return to the lodge for dinner and rest.
After breakfast, you’ll depart for Mikumi National Park by road. It’s a scenic drive through rural villages and open landscapes. After about 5–6 hours, arrive at your lodge near Mikumi. Relax and enjoy your evening with dinner at the lodge.
Get ready for a day of wildlife spotting! Mikumi is often called the "mini-Serengeti" because of its wide plains and abundant animals. You’ll see zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, elephants, lions, and more. After a picnic lunch, continue your game drive until evening. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Today, you’ll drive to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest and most remote park. The journey takes about 6 hours with picnic stops along the way. Once you arrive, settle into your camp or lodge and enjoy dinner surrounded by nature.
Spend the whole day exploring Ruaha’s rugged landscape. The park is home to elephants, kudu, buffalo, lions, and even the rare African wild dog. You’ll drive through rocky hills, dry riverbeds, and open plains. After a day of adventure, return to camp for dinner and rest.
After breakfast, begin your journey to Kitulo Plateau National Park, known for its wildflowers and birdlife. This park is often called the “Serengeti of Flowers.” Arrive in the afternoon and take a short nature walk. Dinner and overnight at a guesthouse or nearby lodge.
Today is all about nature! Walk through alpine meadows filled with colorful wildflowers, especially during the rainy season. Bird lovers will enjoy spotting rare species like the Denham’s bustard and blue swallow. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip and fly to Katavi National Park. This remote and wild park is rarely visited, offering an untouched safari experience. After checking in, take a short evening game drive. Dinner and overnight at your bush camp.
Enjoy a full day exploring Katavi. The park is known for its massive herds of buffalo, elephants, and large groups of hippos. You’ll also spot crocodiles, lions, and plenty of bird species. After a picnic lunch, continue your game drive. Dinner and overnight at your camp.
In the morning, transfer by flight or boat to Gombe Stream National Park, located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. This park is famous for chimpanzee trekking and was made world-famous by Jane Goodall. Relax at your lodge and enjoy the lake views. Dinner and overnight at Gombe.
After breakfast, head into the forest with a park ranger to track chimpanzees. You’ll hike through tropical forest, listening for calls and rustling leaves. Once you find them, you’ll spend up to an hour observing their behavior. In the afternoon, relax or take a swim in the lake. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
After breakfast, take a boat back to Kigoma. From there, you’ll fly to Dar es Salaam, where your safari ends. Depending on your travel plans, you may connect to your international flight or transfer to your hotel.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- All park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Domestic flights and airstrip transfers (as required)
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Chimpanzee trekking permit at Gombe
- Guided walking tours in Kitulo and Gombe
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- All government taxes and tourism levies
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Dar es Salaam and Kigoma
The Cost Excludes
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Travel insurance and visa fees
- Tips for guides, drivers, and camp staff
- Alcoholic drinks and soft beverages at lodges
- Personal items (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
- Additional activities not specified in the itinerary (e.g., hot air balloon)
- Extra meals and hotel nights in Dar or Zanzibar (can be added on request)