10 Days Southern Tanzania Bush Beach Safari

The day begins with a walking safari, accompanied by an armed ranger. There is a real chance of encountering a range of larger mammals. After lunch back at the camp, you have the option of venturing out on a game drive or just relaxing by the Dam to watch the prolific birdlife.

Your guide and the ranger are very flexible, so you have the option of walking or driving safaris, depending on your preference. The Mkomazi Game Reserve is listed as an Important Bird Area and the scenery is wild and dramatic. There is little chance of encountering any other tourists, so you are likely to have the place to yourself!

After a pleasant final breakfast, you will transfer to Amani Nature Reserve. The scenery is breathtaking, with the Western Usambara Mountains looming up to the left and views of the Masai Steppe out to the right. You will arrive at Tukai Lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, there’s time to take a walk around the Botanical Garden and learn about the flora and fauna at the Visitors Centre. In the evening, sit in the attractive dining area of Tukai Lodge and watch two- and three-horned chameleons climbing through the trees around you.

There is a whole day to explore Amani Nature Reserve, and the activities can be tailored to suit your interests. Take a drive through the tea estates, hike up to Amani Peak, or go on a cultural tour of one of the forest-fringed villages. There are several walking trails in the Reserve, some passing attractive waterfalls and others including sites where rare endemic plant species, such as African Violets, can be found.

Transfer to the sleepy old colonial town of Tanga, and then on to the Amboni Caves, the most extensive cave system in East Africa. You will have a tour through the caves guided by the caretaker, followed by a picnic on the banks of the nearby Mkulimuzi River. It is then a short drive to the Galanos Hot Springs. The clear green water forms a pool, deep enough for swimming. The locals believe the water has healing properties, but the sulfur smell can be quite overwhelming! Your final destination today is the intimate Tides Beach Lodge, overlooking a deserted stretch of beach a few kilometers south of Pangani.

Once again the day can be tailored to suit your interests. If you can drag yourself away from your beautiful private chalet and the beach, then there are various water-based activities available which include snorkelling, windsurfing, and fishing. Sea kayaks can be used to explore the nearby mangrove creek, a good place to spot kingfishers, and a host of other birdlife. For those interested, Pangani itself is steeped in history and well worth a visit.

Just over an hour’s drive south along the scenic coast road lies the recently gazetted Saadani National Park. You will stay at A Tent with a View Safari Lodge, on the northeast boundary of the Park. This is a peaceful retreat from which to explore this unique combination of beach and bush. After lunch, there is plenty of time to relax before venturing out on a walking safari.

Today you will enter Saadani National Park on a safari drive to the Wami River, where a boat will be waiting. Experience proximity to hippo, crocodile, and a myriad of exotic birds. There is time in the afternoon to relax and enjoy the seclusion of your banda, elegantly perched on stilts and overlooking the Indian Ocean. The bar and restaurant also have elevated views and seafood is a specialty.

This morning you have the option of visiting the nearby Madete Marine Reserve for snorkeling. Alternatively, you can of course go on another walking safari. After your final lunch, it’s back in the vehicle for the return transfer to Dar. Please Contact Us if you are interested in this itinerary.