Fly from Arusha to Katavi National Park
Early morning flight from Arusha via the Serengeti (dependent on schedule) and Tabora, for refuelling, arriving in Katavi around mid-day. The safari starts at the airstrip, our guides will take you back to camp in time lunch and a siesta, before a first afternoon of discovery in Katavi.
Days 1 - 5
Chada Katavi
Katavi has hardly changed since we arrived in this place twenty years ago. In Katavi we like to explore. We walk out across the plains appreciating the total lack of crowds and vehicles. It's not only having our feet on the ground at the same level as the big game, but the feeling that we are the only people doing so. We take bedrolls and sling them under a borassus palm in our fly-camp. We venture to Paradise Plains by 4WD and appreciate seeing nothing but wild Africa for miles. We don't want to sound too dramatic, but we can't imagine your life not being changed in even the smallest of ways after something like this.
Fly from katavi national park to ruaha national park
This morning after an early breakfast, board your scheduled flight southeast to the great Ruaha National Park. Ruaha is rich in big game and herds of over 100 elephant are seen regularly, in addition to the big cats and some more unusual antelope such as sable and roan.
After lunch in camp, head out on an exploratory drive in an open game viewing vehicle, pausing for a sundowner near an iconic Ruaha baobab tree.
Days 5 - 8
Kigelia Ruaha
In one of Africa's biggest game spots, we explore. We have custom-built open game drive vehicles which are perfect for traversing the varied habitats of Ruaha. You can also get out on foot. Being on your own two pegs gives you a totally different experience. We're great fans of "going out" for breakfast and enjoying a sundowner in the bush. These things are rare treats on a safari and something that you wouldn't do back home, which frankly is the only reason you need for doing them. Whether you're out and about in an open game drive car, treading the game trails with your guide or wondering around the camp in search of birds, this is safari as its meant to be.
Fly from Ruaha National Park to Nyerere National Park
Early drive to the airstrip to catch the flight over to Nyerere in time for lunch. Settle in then take a short sundowner boat trip up river before a candelit dinner in the main dining room, or around the pool.
Days 8 - 11
Sand Rivers Selous
Days at Sand Rivers are about exploring. Our open-sided 4x4 vehicles are a great way of seeing things. For covering a bit of distance when that's what's needed. But, we like to retain spontaneity wherever we can. Often the best way to see things, to avoid scattering animals from the lakeshore, or spooking a herd of elephant as they feed, is to hop down and quietly work our way into a good position on foot. And the same goes for our boats. Being on the river is a fantastic contrast to time spent in a vehicle. All in all, days at Sand Rivers aren't about box ticking, or endless driving in search of the next animal. It's a sense of gradual absorption in this corner of the natural world that we'd love you to feel.
Fly from Nyerere National Park to Dar es Salaam
Lazy start with breakfast around the pool and maybe a swim, before your departure to the airstrip and onward flight.