High-end Southern Tanzania Safari

2nd, 3rd & 4th Nights: Kigelia Ruaha

The location of Kigelia Ruaha was chosen to provide an immersive wildlife and bush-camp experience. As such, they have chosen the location to rather have elephants and giraffes passing by, instead of being atop a hill with vast views. This is in keeping with the wild and remote feeling which Ruaha evokes and Kigelia Ruaha so beautifully presents, with their simple and understated camp which is right in the middle of all the action.

The camp has six large and cool canvas safari tents with thatched roofs. Each has a large veranda, comfortable beds, en-suite bathroom with flushing toilets and an outdoor classic bucket shower system which is prepared on request by the friendly camp staff. There is also one family tent on offer, which is a large tent with two en-suited bathrooms under one thatch roof.

Ruaha is Tanzania’s wildest national park and has some outstanding game viewing, particularly of lions as prides can often number over 20 individuals. The activities on offer are game drives in open safari vehicles, armed walking safaris with excellent guides, bush picnics and outstanding birding.

5th, 6th, 7th & 8th Nights: Beho Beho

Sited on Kipalala Hill, above the Msine tributary of the Beho Beho river, it enjoys uninterrupted panoramic views over the Rufiji river flood plain. The camp is unique in the fact that it sits in the centre of five different eco-systems – riverine; mountainous; water systems; open and lightly wooded savannah; and mixed to miombo woodland.

Beho Beho has seven individual very spacious ‘bandas’ (stone built and palm thatched cottages) furnished with king-sized beds, Zanzibari day beds, writing desks and comfortable ‘suite’ furniture. The front of the banda is totally open and extends on to a spacious veranda – the banda can be secured for the night with ‘tented curtains’ or left open as desired. Each banda has a separate dressing room leading into an en suite bathroom with twin basins, high flush WC and an ‘open air’ shower. For the 2019-20 season plunge pools and individual sunbathing decks were constructed alongside each banda allowing guests to sunbathe privately and enjoy a cooling dip whilst enjoying uninterrupted game viewing.

From Beho Beho it is possible to explore a unique array of environmental biodiversity, from the riverine forests, miombo woodlands and plains to the fascinating lake regions of Tagalala and Mwanze. The speciality of the camp is to go on guided and guarded walking safaris, either early mornings or late afternoons avoiding the intense heat of the day when both animals and humans tend to look for suitable shade. Beho Beho is one of the few safari camps where it is possible to walk straight from the camp itself, with a variety of routes to hippo pools, First World War trenches, the grave of Frederick Courtney Selous, for who the reserve was named, and several easy or more demanding trails known only to our walking guides.

Beho Beho also has a number of boats stationed at Lake Tagalala, about 50 minutes’ drive away from the camp. This excursion, usually done in the morning, gives a very close encounter with the resident hippos and crocodiles as well as an amazing number of bird species, culminating in breakfast under a shady tree.

9th, 10th, 11th Nights: Baraza Resort & Spa

Baraza Resort & Spa is located along the pristine Bwejuu beach that was named as one of the top 30 island beaches in the world by Conde Nast Traveler magazine; Baraza is undoubtedly Zanzibar’s most exclusive boutique resort.

With just 30 villas, this stunning fully inclusive boutique resort evokes the heritage of Zanzibar dating back to the era of the Sultans. A fusion of Arabic, Swahili and Indian design, with Swahili arches, intricate hand carved décor, beautiful antiques, handmade furniture and intricate brass lanterns. Architecturally, Baraza is a journey through the grand, beautiful designs of the Sultans Palaces of Zanzibar and offers unparalleled standards of luxury on the Island of Zanzibar.

For the adventurous traveler Baraza offers many opportunities to enjoy the best of the Indian Ocean. The Rising Sun Dive Centre is the only PADI 5* Gold Palm and National Geographic Dive Centre in Zanzibar that was the first to discover this unexplored region and takes divers from complete beginners up to professional level and have a massive variety of diving guaranteeing something for everyone. The Water Club offers expert instruction in Kite surfing, windsurfing and sailing, as well as snorkeling safaris to the nearby lagoon.

For those looking to experience the magical island of Zanzibar, there is a wide variety of excursions and day trips such as the exotic spice and historic Stone Town tours.