Description
Flying into Dar es Salaam it is easy to make a connection to the beautiful Selous Game Reserve, a veritable Garden of Eden with its rivers, forests and palms. Explore the wilderness by 4WD vehicle, by boat or on foot spotting a variety of game from cats to elephants to hippo. At the end of an exhilarating and, hopefully, rewarding day you can retire to your room with tranquil views over the Rufiji River/Lake Nzelakela. The Selous is very beautiful and has the advantage of being a game reserve rather than a national park meaning that guests can enjoy in walking safaris, river activities and fly camping as well as game drives. Selous Safari Camp is a gorgeous tented camp offering 'camping' in true luxury. It is well worth enjoying trying out 'fly' camping while you are here to get a real taste of the African bush.
From the Selous you make an early departure to Dar es Salaam where you will be met by the Vamizi charter plane for the two-hour flight to the island. Each of Vamizi’s 16 villas is very spacious and private, set right on the brilliant white sand beach. In addition to your bedroom with en-suite bathroom you have a covered seating area, so each villa feels incredibly spacious. The diving and fishing here are absolutely spectacular, the food is fresh and imaginative and the staff could not be more friendly. Vamizi really has that private island 'Robinson Crusoe' hideaway feel and is perfect for those that want to get their feet in the sand and enjoy the remoteness of the island.
Finally, fly over to Ibo Island. Ibo was the Portuguese base when Mozambique was a colony and the island is full of cultural history. You can take a guide tour on foot around the old town and fort or simply wander on your own soaking up the atmosphere. The light is wonderful and great for photography. Guests at the lodge can partake in kayaking trips through the mangroves and trips to a nearby sandbar for bush breakfasts and exceptional snorkelling.
The lodge itself is beautifully designed in a mix of colonial and Arabic styles. It is spread of three buildings with attractive gardens to the rear, two freshwater swimming pools, a roof terrace and two treatment rooms. Each room is individually designed and decorated, some with baths and one with a large entrance hall where children can be accommodated in extra beds.
You will fly back to London via Johannesburg.
Guide price
£6,793 per person
£6,793 per person based on two sharing on a full board basis including all flights, transfers and air taxes.
Itinerary
When to travel
Tanzania is a large country, with a varied climate. Generally, the long rains run from March to May when the temperature is warm and the humidity is high. June to October is the long dry season, and the short rains are in November and December, much lighter than the long rains.
The Quirimbas Archipelago is best from Apr to Nov. While January and February are again dry (the short dry season) in Tanzania, heavy rain can be expected in Mozambique at this time of year.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Tanzania and Mozambique
Selous Safari Camp lies amongst trees on the banks of Lake Nzerakera, only 200 km West of Dar es Salaam in the mighty Selous Game Reserve, Southern Tanzani. Move onto Northern Mozambique and enjoy the remote beach paradise of Vamizi and end with soaking up some Mozambique culture at Ibo Island Lodge.
How to get there
9-hour 35-minute British Airways international flight to Dar Es Salaam International Airport. From there it's then just a 45-minute light aircraft flight to Siwandu airstrip. Transfers from here are approximately 20-minutes by road with game viewing en route.
