14 DAYS OFF THE BEATEN TRACK + BIRDING

You will be met at the International Airport of Kilimanjaro by Zagas Explorer Driver Guide and our representative. Who will take you to the famous Hatari Lodge, once home of the German Actor Hardy Krueger. On arrival, you will be met by the lodge manager for a warm welcome and to discuss your safari program for the following two days. The Hatari Lodge is picturesquely located at the foot of majestic Mt Meru with breathtaking views over Arusha National Park. Transfer time without game viewing 1, 5 hours via Arusha National Park.

Spend two days at Hatari Lodge and on safari activities are arranged by the lodge, including game drives at Arusha National Park, walks at the forest at Mt Meru and around the lodge. Also local communities, Momella village or Masai Villages are usually visited.

Leave in the morning from lodge and drive to Mkomazi the latest established National Park of Tanzania. It serves as a buffer to the adjacent Tsavo National Park in Kenya. The Pare and the Usambara Mountains form the boundary in the south. The two mountain ranges in the background scenery, alternating from sparse tree savannas to grassland, are the reason for such an imposing and breathtaking landscape; and due to protection measures put in place, the number of animals has increased substantially. Although there are not as many animals as in some of the more well-known national parks, the wonderful landscape more than compensates for this.

Besides a multitude of other game, it has the largest population of Gerenuk antelope in Tanzania. Bird enthusiasts can observe approximately 400 different species of bird life. Mkomazi is also famous for its breeding projects of African wild dogs, as well as the rare black rhino run by the George Adamson / Tony Fitz john African Wildlife Preservation Trust. If possible you can visit the project and see the wild dogs and rhinos. Transfer time without game viewing 3 hours.

After breakfast you return to same, the busy market town at the sole of the Pare Mountains. If you wish, you can visit the lively market, the church or the market (Sunday market day) before you proceed along the majestic landscape of the Pare / Western Usambara Mountains and large sisal plantations to Soni / Lushoto at the heart of Usambara Mountains to a small but very friendly Farmhouse. Transfer time without game viewing 3 – 3,5 hours.

Spend the following two days in lush green, unspoilt surroundings in a small eco-friendly lodge. Your hosts will arrange various walking tours to the nearer surroundings, taking you to Sakkarani Monastery, to small villages, to Mazumbai Rain Forest, Irente Viewpoint etc. If you wish, you can attend the service at one of the numerous churches at Lushoto Town. The walks will be designed at your preferences.

After breakfast your driver will take you to the remote beaches of Pangani at the Indian Ocean (Driving of some 4-5 hours) partly on tarmac, partly on unpaved dirt roads. Reach the Beach around midday / early afternoon for some time for resting, enjoying in the sun and the long pristine beach. Transfer time without game viewing 4 hours. Meals & Accommodation at Kijongo Bay Beach Resort a small friendly beach lodge far away from the crowd. Breakfast and dinner included.

Depending on your private schedule you will travel by car from Pangani along the coastline of the Indian Ocean to Saadani National Park, the only wildlife sanctuary in Tanzania bordering the Sea ‘bush meets beach’ and you can relax in a very unique, untouched nature with the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean in the front and African Bush in the back. Transfer time without game viewing 2.5 – 3 hours.

Full day of game drives and safari activities at Saadani National Park, it offers a unique combination of both marine and mainland flora and fauna in a culturally fascination setting including savannahs, ocean and river, forests and shrubs. Species to be seen are elephants, buffalos, hartebeests, waterbucks, reedbucks, warthogs, numerous giraffes, wildebeests, rarely lions, hyenas, genets, porcupines and different baboons. In the morning you go on a game drive. After lunch at the banks of Wami River you go on a boat safari to Wami River where large groups of hippos live and crocodiles can be seen as well as kingfisher, fish eagles and many species of wading birds.

Departure transfer to Saadani Airstrip for your flight to Dar es Salaam for your departure. Breakfast and lunch included.