7 Days Tanzania Safari & Beach Holiday – Southern Wilderness & Mafia Island Escape
7 Days Tanzania Beach Safari lets you Visit Nyerere national Park & Mafia Island. This 7 days Bush & Beach Tanzania safari option combines the remote and wild beauty of Southern Tanzania’s Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) with the untouched marine paradise of Mafia Island.
Best of Nyerere National Park & Mafia Island 7 Days Detailed Itinerary
Day #1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam & Fly to Nyerere National Park.
Arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) and take a light aircraft flight to Nyerere National Park. Settle into your riverside lodge and enjoy an afternoon boat safari on the Rufiji River, encountering hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife.
Day #2: Nyerere National Park
Full Day Game Drive & Riverside Sundowner. Today is dedicated to a comprehensive exploration of Nyerere National Park by vehicle. After an early breakfast, you will embark on a full-day game drive, venturing into different sectors of this vast wilderness. Your experienced guide will navigate through diverse habitats, increasing your chances of encountering the park’s iconic wildlife, including elephants, lions, the elusive wild dogs, and a variety of bird species. You’ll pause for a picnic lunch in a scenic spot within the park, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. As the day begins to cool, you’ll enjoy a memorable riverside sundowner, sipping on refreshing drinks while watching the sunset over the Rufiji River, perhaps spotting hippos and other wildlife as the day ends. You’ll return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Day #3: Nyerere National Park
Guided Walking Safari & Bush Breakfast. This morning offers a different perspective of the African bush with a guided walking safari. After an early wake-up, you’ll set out on foot with your experienced guide and an armed ranger, exploring the smaller wonders of the ecosystem and learning about animal tracks, signs, and the intricate relationships between flora and fauna.
This intimate encounter provides a unique thrill and a deeper connection to the environment. Following your walk, you’ll enjoy a delightful bush breakfast, savoring a delicious meal in a scenic and secluded spot within the park. The remainder of the day can be spent at your leisure, perhaps relaxing by the lodge pool or enjoying another shorter game drive based on your interests. Dinner will be at your lodge, sharing stories of your on-foot adventure.
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Day #4: Fly to Mafia Island & Marine Park Introduction.
After a final breakfast overlooking the Rufiji River or the Nyerere plains, you will take a scenic light aircraft flight from the Nyerere area to the enchanting Mafia Island. This hidden gem, located off Tanzania’s coast, is renowned for its pristine marine environment and laid-back atmosphere. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your beachfront lodge, your gateway to the underwater wonders that await. After settling in, you will enjoy an introductory snorkeling trip within the protected waters of the Mafia Island Marine Park. This initial exploration will introduce you to the vibrant coral reefs, teeming with colorful fish and diverse marine life, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the aquatic paradise that defines this unique island destination.
Day #5: Mafia Island
Scuba Diving the Coral Gardens.
Today is dedicated to exploring the renowned underwater world of Mafia Island. After breakfast at your beachfront lodge, you will embark on a scuba diving excursion to one of the island’s spectacular coral reefs. Led by experienced dive professionals, you will descend into the crystal-clear waters, discovering a vibrant ecosystem teeming with colorful fish, intricate coral formations, and other fascinating marine life. Whether you are a certified diver or trying it for the first time (introductory dives available), this experience will immerse you in the beauty and biodiversity of the Mafia Island Marine Park.
You will enjoy one or two dives at carefully selected sites, maximizing your underwater exploration. The afternoon can be spent relaxing by the pool or on the beach, reflecting on the incredible marine life you encountered. Dinner will be at your lodge, perhaps sharing tales of your underwater adventures.
Day #6: Mafia Island
Whale Shark Encounter & Secluded Beach Relaxation. This morning offers a unique opportunity (seasonal, typically October to March) to swim alongside the gentle giants of the ocean – whale sharks. You will join a guided excursion to areas where these magnificent creatures are known to congregate. Swimming with whale sharks is a truly awe-inspiring and unforgettable experience, conducted with the utmost respect for these gentle giants. After your whale shark encounter, you will be transferred to one of Mafia Island’s secluded and pristine beaches.
Spend the afternoon unwinding on the white sands, swimming in the turquoise waters, and soaking up the tranquility of this untouched paradise. You can choose to simply relax and enjoy the peace or perhaps try some leisurely snorkeling directly from the beach. Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your lodge, savoring the fresh seafood and the peaceful island atmosphere.
Day #7: Mafia Island Exploration & Sunset Cruise.
Explore Mafia Island’s terrestrial side, perhaps visiting local villages or historical ruins. Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on a traditional dhow.
