Southern Tanzania’s wild Nyerere & Ruaha

Take the overnight flight from London Heathrow to Dar es Salaam via Dubai. On arrival, you’ll be met by the local Abercrombie & Kent representative who’ll assist you as you transfer to your hotel. Make the most of the city before your journey takes you through Tanzania’s wildernesses, game reserves and national parks.

Take a short flight to Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous Game Reserve), Africa’s largest protected area, four times the size of the Serengeti. It’s swarming with wildlife, so keep your camera at the ready, even as you settle into your luxurious accommodation at Siwandu. The spacious octagonal tents are set into a peaceful palm grove on the shores of Lake Nzerakera, making this a viewing hotspot, particularly for ticking off some of the 1050 species of bird you can find in Tanzania.

Situated deep in the reserve, you can head out from your camp at Siwandu on walking safaris, track game on jeep safaris or take to the waters of the Rufiji River system by boat – accompanied, of course, by an experienced guide. With so few lodges and camps here, you’ll have the vast expanse mostly to yourself.

As well as the 70,000 elephant (the continent’s largest concentration), 120,000 buffalo, 40,000 hippo and 4,000 lion, the reserve is also home to painted African wild dog. With rare sable antelope, hartebeest and spotted hyena too, Nyerere will yield some spectacular sights. Enjoy meals of local fresh fruit, vegetables and spices served in the camp’s dining area. You can even spend a night in a mobile bush camp right on the banks of Lake Nzerakera.

Board a short flight west to Ruaha National Park, a vast and remote reserve encompassing over 10,000 square kilometres of plains and wooded hills. This is another rarely visited destination free from the crowds. Relax in your tented suite which sits on stilts at Jongomero Camp, on the edge of a seasonal river in the park’s isolated southern reaches.

Explore the park with an expert guide, spotting huge herds of elephant, rare species of antelope and even the elusive leopard. Though you can have just as many viewings by taking it easy, sitting back on your private veranda with a drink, set of binoculars and camera to hand.

Many of the rivers here are seasonal, but whether you come in time for the sand rivers or the mighty torrents of the Rufigi, Jongomero and Ruaha rivers, they are features which draw life to them. After another day exploring this wild terrain, sip a sundowner while the sky breaks into purples, oranges and reds behind the baobabs’ dusk silhouettes which line these rugged hills.

It’s time to say farewell to southern Tanzania’s incredible wildlife experiences. Take your last photograph as the sun rises over the African bush and board your flight to the SongoSongo Archipelago (via Dar Es Salaam) en-route to your paradise island. Arrive on board a traditional dhow and enjoy three days of barefoot bliss.

Enjoy two full days to explore the unspoilt island of Fanjove which is only one kilometre long and is 400 metres wide. From the luxury of your beach villa enjoy a myriad of activities, from a marine safari, beach picnic, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling and sunset dhow cruise. This secluded paradise is yours to explore and enjoy.

It’s time to depart the natural wonders of southern Tanzania which has taken you from the bush to the beach. You will board a flight to Dar es Salaam followed by an evening connection to the UK which will land the following morning.