9 Days Fly-In Safari Ruaha and Mafia
Highlights
Combine two breathtaking locations for an unforgettable experience in Tanzania. Explore Ruaha National Park with game drives in one of Africa’s largest and wildest parks and then relax on the secluded beaches of Mafia Island. The camp, in a prime location on the edge of the escarpment in Ruaha, offers unrivalled views of the park. The lodge on Mafia Island spoils you with fantastic food, a beautiful beach and snorkelling on the beach of Mafia Island.
ITINERARY
After your arrival at the Airport we organise a car service to the domestic airport. You will take your connecting flight to Ruaha National Park. You will be greeted at the airstrip and taken to your lodge, you will have some time to relax, enjoy a delicious meal and discuss the coming days with your guide. In the afternoon, you will go on your first game drive.
You will spend the night at your lodge in the park with a beautiful view above the mighty Ruaha River.
Accomodation: Lodge inside the park
Meals: Dinner
This wild destination is East Africa’s largest nationalpark, which offers a huge diversity of game from southern and eastern Africa. Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s biggest elephant haven, so you’re likely to see these majestic giants roaming the hills and grasslands alongside gazelles, giraffes, buffalo and other wildlife. Look closely in the Great Ruaha River and you might see crocodiles and hippos submerged.
You can also look out for a wealth of bird species, including kingfishers, egrets, hornbills, sunbirds and plovers. This is one of the greatest wildernesses of the African continent.
You will spend two full days with gamedrives with your private guide in Ruaha National Park and keeping an eye out for the large and small animal inhabitants of the park.
You will spend two full days with gamedrives with your private guide in Ruaha National Park and keeping an eye out for the large and small animal inhabitants of the park.
Your guide will be happy to answer your questions and cater to your wishes.
There are options for community and conservation project visits, walking safaris can also be arranged.
It is also a unique opportunity to enjoy the sunrise on a balloon safari. A breathtaking experience to float over the vastness of the national park and observe the wildlife.
You will have lunch either at the lodge or in the form of packed lunches.
Accomodation: Lodge inside the park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leave the lodge with a morning game drive, and take a packed lunch. Fly to Mafia Islan. Our car service transfer you to your beautiful Beach accomodation in time for dinner and the sunset. Enjoy the amazing ocean views and wonderful beaches on your doorstep. Take a dhow trip snorkelling on the reef or explore the marine park, mangroves and nearby deserted islands. Enjoy a massage or simply relax on the beach. Fishing trips can also be organised. At the right time of year it is possible to swim with whale sharks, other ocean based activities like scuba diving can also be arranged at extra cost.
Mafia is known as one of the best dive sites in Africa.
Accomodation: Lodge Insidethe beach
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast on your last morning at the deck from your beach lodge, take a last dip in the ocean then take a transfer to the airstrip and the short flight back to Dar and onward connections.
Meals: Breakfast
About Mafia Island
Mafia Island, off Tanzania’s coast, is an untouched paradise known for its pristine beaches and marine biodiversity. Renowned for whale shark encounters, it offers a tranquil escape with cultural exploration, water activities, and eco-friendly tourism. From vibrant coral reefs to local village visits, Mafia Island provides a diverse, off-the-beaten-path experience for those seeking a unique tropical getaway.
There is much to see and explore during your stay – some of the seasonal highlights include –
From October to March, dive into the waters and share a mesmerizing experience snorkeling alongside gentle giants.
In June to August, witness the timeless spectacle of sea turtles nesting on Tanzanian beaches for over 150 million years. Between June and September, delight in the instinctive scramble of hundreds of baby turtles making their way from the white sandy beaches to the inviting waters of the warm Indian Ocean.
Finally, from August to October, marvel at the majestic Humpback Whale migration in the south of Mafia as these colossal creatures, accompanied by their calves, journey to the warm waters – an awe-inspiring sight given their potential 14-meter length and staggering 40-ton weight!
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Domestic flights DAR – Ruaha, Ruaha-Mafia and Mafia – DAR incl. taxes
- All transfers
- All entrance fees
- All game drives as mentioned
- All Meals
- Lodge n Ruaha Nationalpark including all game drives and activities offered
- Beach Lodge at Mafia Island
- Interterminal transfer in Dar Es Salaam on arrival and departure
- All other applicable taxes and fees
NOT INCLUDED
- nternational flights
- Personal expenses
- Tips, gratuities
- travel insurance
- Visa (50 USD payable on arrival)
- drinks
- Mafia Island Marine Reserve entrance fees – 25 USD per person/day – payable locally
- Balloon safari in Ruaha Nationalpark