Wild Frontiers

Day 1: Dar es Salaam - Selous Game Reserve
Your journey begins in Dar es Salaam, where you will be met by a local representative and transferred to the domestic terminal for your onward flight to Selous. On arrival at the local airstrip, you will enjoy a short game drive into camp which has a breathtaking setting on the banks of the Rufiji River, at the heart of a beautiful natural landscape of river channels, lakes and open plains. After a chance to settle in and take your stunning surroundings, the rest of the afternoon then sees you enjoying a first foray out into the expansive landscapes of one of the largest game reserves on the planet. (L,D)

Day 2: Selous Game Reserve
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Selous is almost four times the size of the Serengeti. Covering nearly 55,000 square kilometres, this is the second biggest game park in Africa and home to some of the greatest concentrations of elephants anywhere in Tanzania. In the company of an experienced guide, you will spend the next two days exploring the reserve by 4x4 game-vehicle, by boat and on foot, enjoying the best that this magical landscape has to offer. The riverine forests provide a lush haven for antelope, buffalo and the ubiquitous elephant, whilst the cooling waters of the Rufiji, the lifeblood of the park, are filled with crocodiles, hippos and rapacious tiger fish. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Selous Game Reserve
A futher day on safari and this morning why not take to the river with a boat trip to Stiglers Gorge where the Rufuji and Ruaha rivers meet. Enjoy breakfast on the sand bank in Stigler's Gorge watching elusive monkey-hunting crowned eagles, and listening to shrill cries of Hyraxes as you dangle a hook in the water. Drifting down the Rufiji River from Stigler's gorge with the engine turned off, you can also get wonderful close to wildlife drinking at the waters edge. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Selous Game Reserve - Ruaha National Park
After a last early morning safari activity or a leisurely breakfast overlooking the river, you will fly by light aircraft on to the wilds of Ruaha National Park. On landing, your guide will meet you and it's a game drive to your remote safari camp, deep in the untouched south-western corner of the park. Located on the edge of a dry sand river, the camp sits amongst a landscape of shady riverine vegetation close to a permanent water source, making animal encounters something of daily occurrence. Once you have settled in, this afternoon you will join your experienced guide for your first game drive in the park. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Ruaha National Park
One of Tanzania's best-kept secrets, Ruaha epitomises the very essence of 'wild Africa', home to the largest population of elephants in East Africa, as well as the continent's second highest population of wild dogs. Over the next two days you will have ample opportunity to explore this untouched wilderness for yourself either with twice daily game drives or treading the footsteps of those early explorers with bush walks accompanied by an armed guide and a park ranger. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Ruaha National Park
Day on Safari (B,L,D)

Day 7: Ruaha National Park - Pemba
Departing Ruaha this morning you will fly on to the beautiful Indian Ocean island of Pemba, from where it's a short drive and speedboat to your remote beach lodge. Steeped in the rich heritage of its Arab and Portuguese past, Pemba is a wonderful mix of traditional villages, golden beaches and some of the most pristine reefs left anywhere off the East African coast. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Pemba
Over the next few days you will have ample opportunity to enjoy the best that this idyllic setting has to offer. This lodge has all the features that you would expect, including a spa, a beautiful infinity pool and a relaxing yoga platform that overlooks the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Guests can also enjoy tranquil canoe trips through the mangroves, dhow sunset cruises and a chance to fish for marlin and sailfish. The coastal waters and reefs that surround the island are also home to some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world and the resort has its own PADI 5 Star dive centre. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Pemba
Day at Leisure (B,L,D)

Day 10: Pemba
Day at Leisure (B,L,D)

Day 11: Pemba - Zanzibar
Returning to Pemba Airport, you will then take a short internal flight on to the neighbouring island of Zanzibar. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Stonetown, Zanzibar's historic capital. Spend the afternoon with your English Speaking guide exploring this wonderfully atmospheric town and learning about its rich history. Zanzibar once lay at the heart of the Arab slave trade and today its meandering streets and alleys still retain the beguiling feel of a town that, at its height, was one of the most important trading outposts in the Indian Ocean. You can stroll along its bustling waterfront, taking in the aromas and sounds of its spice markets and bazaars, before returning to the hotel later for a superb rooftop dinner overlooking the heart of this colonial gem. (B)

Day 12: Zanzibar - Dar es Salaam
A private transfer to the airport this morning sees you heading back to Dar es Salaam by scheduled light aircraft. On arrival back in Tanzania's largest city you will then be transferred to the international terminal where your journey ends. (B)