Selous and Fanjove Island

Duration
10 Days
Price from
$8,314 pp.
Location
Tanzania, Africa
Fanjove private island beach view

Trip Highlights

  • Spend time relaxing on the exclusive Fanjove Island
  • Enjoy the peaceful solitude of Nyerere National Park
  • Incredible game viewing

What's Included

  • 9 nights accommodation
  • All transfers, guides, and activities specified as included
  • Domestic flight from Nyerere to Songo Songo

A stunning alternative to the Northern Tanzania Safari circuit

If you like off-the-beaten-track adventures, this safari takes you to a much quieter reserve, well away from the usual tourist trails, followed by six days of bliss on a private island beach.

For those in search of a more intimate and tranquil safari, this journey takes you deep into one of Tanzania’s most serene and remote game reserves - Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) - before ending with a blissful retreat on Fanjove Island, a pristine private beach escape in southern Tanzania.

Our Tanzania specialist, Ottilie, says:

"Nyerere is so much quieter than other parks, which makes this trip ideal for those who like to be off-the-beaten-track and away from the crowds, and the wildlife experiences are phenomenal. Then there's Fanjove Island which is so secluded that you'll feel it's all your own. It's that feeling of almost total privacy and exclusivity that makes this particular safari and beach itinerary so unique."

This itinerary strikes the perfect balance between exhilarating wildlife adventures and laid-back island relaxation. Flying between destinations in light aircraft not only adds a touch of excitement but also saves time, helping you make the most of your adventure. As you soar above the landscape, you'll take in sweeping views of the vast reserve and the winding Rufiji River below. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to Rufiji River Camp, where you can unwind with a drink on your private veranda while watching the local wildlife along the river.

Nyerere is Africa’s largest protected area and sees far fewer visitors than the Serengeti, offering a quieter, more exclusive experience. It’s home to large elephant herds, leopards, wild dogs, and over 500 bird species, which you'll discover on guided game drives, walking safaris, and peaceful but exciting boat safaris.

When your time in the bush is over, you’ll take a flight towards the Indian Ocean and arrive at Fanjove Island, an unspoilt paradise of white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and swaying palms - the perfect place to completely switch off.

Spend your days exploring the island at your own pace; snorkelling vibrant coral reefs, sailing in a traditional dhow, spotting dolphins, or simply relaxing on your own private deck with fresh seafood and uninterrupted ocean views.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Nyerere National Park

Staying at Rufiji River Camp

On arrival in to Dar Es Salaam you will take a short connecting flight (45 minutes) in a small aircraft to the Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous). This flight is beautifully scenic, providing a bird’s eye view of the reserve and the mighty winding Rufiji River that cuts through the landscape.

After landing you shall be greeted by a driver and taken to the wonderful Rufiji River Camp. At the camp, which is situated on the banks of the Rufiji River, you will be welcomed by their friendly staff and escorted to your luxury safari tent. Your tent will have en-suite bathrooms and your own veranda where you can see wildlife activity on the river.

Dinner will be served under the stars and then wits time to get a good night’s sleep for tomorrows adventures!

Day 2-3 Safari Fun

Drinks by the river Rufiji River Camp

You will spend the next two days being immersed in the Nyerere National Park, taking advantage of the scheduled 4x4 game drives, the guided walking safaris and the boat safaris that the Rufiji River Camp has to offer. You usually have the option to do a morning and an afternoon activity, returning to the camp for lunch, however full day drives (with a picnic lunch) can be arranged.

Nyerere National Park is the largest in Africa (twice the size of Belgium) but visitor numbers are much lower than the Serengeti, which ensures that you have a quieter, more exclusive safari experience. With an elephant population of 50,000 and approx. 5000 leopards in the park. Nyerere offers some of the best game viewing experiences in Tanzania.

After your day out on safari you can cool off in the swimming pool or relax on the deck, admiring the view with a drink in hand.

Day 5 Off to the Beach

Staying at Fanjove Island

Having packed up the night before, day five will start off with an early morning game drive on the way back to the airstrip where you will take a short (40min) flight in a light aircraft to Songo Songo island just off the mainland coast. This beautiful flight sees you leave the lush game reserve before reaching the blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

You will be met at the airport and transferred across the island by tuk tuk where a traditional dhow will be waiting got you to sail you the Fanjove Island. What better way to arrive!

Once on the island the lodge staff will take your luggage and escort you to the reception lounge for a cool drink. Check into your room, which are all made of natural materials and very comfortable with wide open fronts and large deck so you can enjoy the incredible ocean view at all times.

Day 6-9 On the Beach

Fanjove Private Island dining

Spend these days relaxing, going on long beach walks, eating the freshest seafood, snorkeling on the pristine coral right off the beach, going out on the boat to see dolphins or go sailing in the dhow. The list of relaxed and low key fun is endless. Once thing is for sure, you will be supremely relaxed after your time on Fanjove Island.

Day 10 Home Time

Trips in Tanzania

Tanzania Trip Inspiration

Type

All

Location

All

Price

Sort by

Price (High-Low)

Speak to a Tanzania expert today

and start planning your tailor-made vacation

Call 888 445-2912
or
Our Tanzania Experts
Ali 1

Alistair

Otti profile pic

Ottilie

When to go to Tanzania

Find out the best time to visit Tanzania with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is mixed when it comes to weather, temperatures rise whilst the chance of rain and humidity increases. It is still a good time to go, as the rates are lower yet the game viewing is still excellent.

  • During this time migratory herds are in the Serengeti for calving season, meaning the Ndutu plains are busy.

February

The weather remains hot with a chance of rain in February.

  • Meanwhile in the Ndutu Plains the migration is still occurring.

March

March is the calm before the storm, before heavy rains and humidity builds. Visitors can take great advantage of lower rates during the low season.

  • Migrating herds start to leave Ndutu, heading West towards Grumeti.

April

April experiences continued periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.

May

During may there is periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.

June

June heralds the wet season, bringing lush green vegetation which can make spotting game more difficult. It is a particularly great time for birders as parks become populated by migratory birds especially in the South.

  • Migration is still in the Grumeti area, heading north.

July

July is the start of peak season, temperatures reach up to 30 degrees and the surrounding land becomes drier and spotting game is becoming easier.

  • The migration is in the Northern Serengeti moving towards Kenya.

August

August is peak season, with bush land drying out game spotting becomes much easier. If you want to experience Tanzania game at its best, August is the time to travel.

  • The migration still remains in the north.

September

Peak season continues in September, the Northern circuit can be very busy, if you want to avoid crowds it's best to visit the southern parks.

  • The end of the migration is still in the north with herds on both side of the Kenyan and Tanzanian borders.

October

Peak season continues into October with good game viewing in the Serengeti and southern parks.

  • The migration has now crossed over into Kenya.

November

November is the start of the rainy season, the rains tend to be overnight so it is still a popular time to travel. During this month you can take advantage of low season rates.

  • Migration crossing over into the Serengeti can be seen a the Tanzania and Kenya border.

December

Rains continue in December, whilst the temperature and humidity start to build. Venturing out on safari is generally good, with large game still easily spotted.

  • Migrating herds in the north travel south back to Ndutu.

Plan with an expert Plan with an expert

Have a look at our original experiences and then contact us with your travel ideas, or call (888) 445-2912

A tailor-made itinerary just for you A tailor-made itinerary just for you

Our experts will send you a detailed itinerary specified to your desires. It's our service promise to you.

Value guarantee Value guarantee

Tailor-made doesn't mean expensive! Ask about our price promise and book with financial security.