The Private Safari: Dar Es Salaam, Ruaha & Zanzibar
Duration: 12 days
Countries: Tanzania
Cities: Dar Es Salaam, Zanzibar, Ruaha, Nyerere National Park
Valid Travel Dates: 1 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
From
$13,694
Trip Summary
Overview
Conceived as a private safari through Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar, this journey pairs exceptional wildlife encounters with remote landscapes and thoughtfully chosen camps. The journey opens in Dar Es Salaam, where private access and expert insight set a considered pace. Expert-led travel crosses through Ruaha’s unspoiled terrain, with the chance to spot hornbills and big cats. Specialist insight brings context to Nyerere, Africa's largest wildlife park and a haven of varied terrains and habitats. Travel onward through Ruaha and Nyerere National Park toward Zanzibar, where the character of the journey begins to shift. From the water, the route takes in Nyerere’s waterways on a guided boat safari, spotting hippos and crocodiles. Time at leisure allows the traveler to unwind on Zanzibar’s serene beaches after exploring its spice farms and historic Stone Town. Camp selection, guiding and internal flights can all be refined to create the right balance of wildlife encounters and unhurried time in Zanzibar.
Accommodations
Sand Rivers Nyerere
Nyerere National Park
Standard Room , all-inclusive, 3 nights
The Palms
Zanzibar
Villa, all-inclusive, 4 nights
Ruaha River Lodge Foxes
Ruaha
Chalet, full-board, 3 nights
Hyatt Regency Dar Es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro
Dar Es Salaam
Hyatt Room, b&b, 1 nights
Inclusions
- ✓Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary.
- ✓A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you.
- ✓A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver - your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable).
- ✓All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary.
- ✓Regional flights between stops in your itinerary (unless otherwise indicated).
- ✓24/7 in-destination support from our local office.
- ✓A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule.
- ✓One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers.
Exclusions
- ✗Travel insurance (available after booking) and visas are not included unless otherwise noted.
- ✗International airfare is not included, although our Air Team can provide pricing on request.
- ✗The package also excludes gratuities for services and experiences.
- ✗Lunches, dinners and alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks not specified in the itinerary.
- ✗Excess baggage charges and, where applicable, baggage not included in the fare.
- ✗Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards and room service.
- ✗Early check-in or late check-out unless otherwise specified.
- ✗Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside the itinerary.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Dar Es Salaam
While in our care, your safety and security are our number one priority. As such, in the unlikely event of serious illness or injury, all guests are provided with a “Flying Doctors” insurance policy. This emergency evacuation insurance covers the cost of the evacuation flight back to Nairobi for treatment, however, does not cover the cost of any medical treatment received. We highly recommend travel insurance for full coverage.. Settle in for a private transfer with an English-speaking driver between your hotel and Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar Es Salaam.. To confirm your trip, we require clear, color copies of your passports, as these are needed to secure your Tanzania national park permits. The copies must be provided in advance so we can process the park fees. This applies to all visitors, including non-resident children aged 5 and up.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Dar Es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro (B) (Hyatt Room)
Dar Es Salaam, Ruaha
Settle in for a private transfer with an English-speaking driver between your hotel and Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar Es Salaam.. Board a flight in Dar Es Salaam with service to Ruaha. Approximate flight time is two hours. Please note, strict luggage restrictions apply to this flight: 1) Maximum weight allowance of 32 lbs (15 kg) is permitted per person. 2) Baggage must be soft-shelled. 3) Additional baggage allowance can be arranged at additional cost, please speak to your Destination Expert for more information.. Enjoy a transfer from your accommodation in Ruaha to the nearby airstrip. The transfer may be shared with other lodge guests.. This afternoon you'll head out on a game drive alongside a local expert guide, exploring Ruaha in a 4x4 safari game vehicle. Your guide will take you to several wildlife hotspots, keeping in mind that many animals may be trying to avoid the scorching hot midday African sun. Visit local water-holes and shady tree patches where a variety of resident big cats, migratory herds and colorful birdlife frequent, taking photos to share with friends and family along the way.
Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge Foxes (BLD) (Chalet (Package) 1-4 Nights), Dar Es Salaam
Ruaha
This morning, head back into Ruaha National Park. One of the most impressive residents of the area is the hornbill. Easily identifiable by its long, curved and brightly colored bill, it is a unique bird in that it is the only bird type in which the first two vertebrae of the neck are fused together; likely an evolutionary adaptation to account for its large bill. Hornbills are monogamous creatures, and nest in trees, rocks or other secluded areas. An impressive and charismatic creature, perhaps today you will lay your sights on a hornbill while exploring Ruaha National Park.. This afternoon return to your dedicated safari game vehicle, accompanied by your expert guide for yet another wildlife drive in the beautiful Ruaha National Park. Utilizing knowledge of the area, your guide will take you to the locations which are most frequented by local wildlife. Each game drive allows you yet another opportunity to expose your senses to the rugged beauty of Africa and its fascinating wildlife. Keep your camera handy and enjoy your adventure!
Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge Foxes (BLD) (Chalet (Package) 1-4 Nights)
Ruaha
Venture out on another morning game drive in Ruaha National Park, where each sunrise brings new surprises. As the light filters through ancient baobab trees, keep watch for a pride of lions preparing for the day's hunt or hippos returning to the river after a night of grazing. The park’s diverse landscapes, from open plains to dense woodlands, offer a habitat for countless species, from towering giraffes to playful warthogs. Enjoy the unfolding drama of nature, where every moment reveals the raw beauty of the African wilderness.. Embark on an unforgettable afternoon game drive in Ruaha National Park, offering a chance to uncover even more wildlife. Guided by an expert, you'll traverse vast plains, baobab-studded woodlands, and winding riverbanks in search of elephants, lions, giraffes, and a variety of bird species. As the day cools, witness the park’s transformation under the golden glow of the setting sun. This drive provides another incredible opportunity for close encounters with nature and stunning photography.
Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge Foxes (BLD) (Chalet (Package) 1-4 Nights)
Ruaha, Nyerere National Park
Enjoy a transfer from your accommodation in Ruaha to the nearby airstrip. The transfer may be shared with other lodge guests.. Board a flight in Ruaha with direct service to Nyerere National Park. Approximate flight duration is one hour and 30 minutes. Please note, strict luggage restrictions apply to this flight: 1) Maximum weight allowance of 32 lbs (15 kg) is permitted per person. 2) Baggage must be soft-shelled. 3) Additional baggage allowance can be arranged at additional cost, please speak to your Destination Expert for more information.. A representative from your lodge will pick you up and transfer you between the lodge and airstrip. Depending on time, they will fit in a quick game drive to/from the lodge.. Set out this afternoon on a game drive alongside a local expert guide, aboard a 4x4 safari game vehicle. Your guide will take you to the best areas for game viewing, most commonly near local water-holes and shady tree patches as animals try to escape the midday sun. Cape buffaloes, Masai giraffes, plains zebras, and a wide range of other animals are found throughout Nyerere National Park, making for a rewarding experience you’ll be sure to remember for years to come.
Accommodation: Sand Rivers Nyerere (AI) (Standard Room (Package)), Ruaha
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, and has since become one of the largest conservation areas on the planet. Home to large populations of crocodiles, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants and rhinos, as well as a variety of birdlife, time spent in the park is often extremely rewarding, offering unforgettable moments as well as perfect opportunities to snap remarkable photos.
Accommodation: Sand Rivers Nyerere (AI) (Standard Room (Package)), Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park
This morning, settle into your dedicated safari vehicle in the company of an expert guide and head out for the day’s first game drive. Keep your camera handy as you explore this bountiful land to snap some photos of elusive big cats, migratory herds, and colorful birdlife. With a range of habitats including acacia savannah, wetlands and Miombo woodlands, the area attracts a wide array of wildlife that is sure to dazzle throughout your time in Nyerere National Park.. Nyerere National Park is renowned for its lakes and rivers; giant water courses which offer marvelous opportunities to explore the heart of the reserve. Boat safaris are easily arranged and they allow you to see hippos, crocodiles, birdlife, and other game gathering around local waterways. Watch in fascination as hunter seeks prey by the water's edge.
Accommodation: Sand Rivers Nyerere (AI) (Standard Room (Package)), Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park, Zanzibar
A representative from your lodge will pick you up and transfer you between the lodge and airstrip. Depending on time, they will fit in a quick game drive to/from the lodge.. Take your flight from Nyerere National Park to Zanzibar today. Please note, strict luggage restrictions apply to this flight: 1) Maximum weight allowance of 32 lbs (15 kg) is permitted per person. 2) Baggage must be soft-shelled. 3) Additional baggage allowance can be arranged at additional cost, please speak to your Destination Expert for more information.. You will be transferred between the airport and your hotel in a private vehicle with driver.. As of October 1st, 2024, all travelers entering Zanzibar must possess valid Inbound Travel Insurance. This insurance can only be obtained from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). Travelers are required to purchase this additional insurance, regardless of any existing travel insurance from their home country. The new insurance provides coverage for emergency medical expenses, personal accidents, baggage delay, theft, legal expenses, personal liability, and repatriation expenses. The insurance can be purchased by following this link: https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/insurance It is highly recommended that you obtain the insurance in advance rather than upon arrival.. Enjoy an intimate and highly personalized dining experience at The Palms Zanzibar, where cuisine is thoughtfully prepared and tailored to each guest. With only a small number of villas, meals are served à la carte, creating a refined and unhurried atmosphere. Menus draw on a blend of Swahili, Arabic, Indian, and Asian influences, showcasing the island’s rich culinary heritage through fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients, and aromatic spices. Meals can be enjoyed in a variety of settings, including the main restaurant, by the pool, or on the beach, offering a relaxed yet elegant ambiance throughout your stay. Please inform your Destination Expert of any allergies or dietary preferences well in advance.
Accommodation: The Palms (AI) (Villa), Nyerere National Park
Zanzibar
This morning, enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or simply unwind at your hotel and recharge for what is next.
Accommodation: The Palms (AI) (Villa), Zanzibar
Zanzibar
For centuries, Stone Town has been a vibrant center for, and vital source of, spices and cosmopolitan culture. On a private tour led by an expert guide, today you will discover the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. First visit a nearby spice farm village to gain an understanding of the regional landscape while sampling a few tasty Swahili dishes and in-season fruits, then walk in the footsteps of the sultans through the winding, narrow streets of Stone Town, taking in the districts impressive architecture, colors and fragrances while learning its fascinating, if at times troubling, history as one of the prominent gateways to Africa. An incredible area brimming with relics from the 17th and 18th century, you will visit the former Slave Market, the Anglican Cathedral, the House of Wonders, the Sultans’ Palace Museum, the Old Arab Fort and the Old Dispensary on this tour before being returned to your accommodations. Please be sure to bring sunscreen, comfortable walking or hiking shoes and a sun hat, and note that transit time ranges from 30 to 90 minutes per direction based on the location of your accommodation.. If you feel like heading out for a meal while exploring Stone Town, the area offers a small selection of restaurants well worth seeking out. These venues are known for their unique settings, refined atmosphere, and well-executed cuisine, making them ideal for a special lunch or dinner during your stay. Please inform your Destination Expert if you would like assistance with reservations. We also recommend sharing any dietary restrictions or preferences in advance. Emerson on Hurumzi One of the most distinctive dining experiences in Zanzibar, set within a historic Swahili mansion. Guests dine in an intimate, candlelit setting with a set menu inspired by local flavors, offering both atmosphere and a strong sense of place. The Tea House Restaurant A rooftop dining venue with sweeping views over Stone Town and the Indian Ocean. Known for its elegant setting and curated menu, it is particularly enjoyable at sunset for a relaxed yet refined evening. Upendo House Zanzibar A stylish rooftop restaurant and bar with a lively yet polished ambiance. Offering a mix of local and international dishes, it’s a great option for both lunch or dinner, paired with panoramic views. Travellers Cafe A charming courtyard restaurant offering a contemporary take on Zanzibari and international cuisine. Ideal for a more relaxed meal while still maintaining a refined and comfortable setting.
Accommodation: The Palms (AI) (Villa), Zanzibar
Zanzibar
Enjoy a peaceful day of relaxation in Zanzibar, where you can unwind at your hotel and take in the serene surroundings. Spend your time lounging by the pool, strolling along the beach, or simply enjoying the calm ambiance of the island. Indulge in a soothing spa treatment, savor delicious local cuisine, or just relax in your room, letting the tranquil atmosphere wash over you. It’s the perfect way to recharge and embrace the laid-back charm of Zanzibar.
Accommodation: The Palms (AI) (Villa), Zanzibar
Zanzibar
You will be transferred between the airport and your hotel in a private vehicle with driver.. Please Note: A Departure Tax of $49 USD per person is required to be paid on-site by all guests visiting the island of Zanzibar. Hotels will also charge a fee of $1 to 9 USD per person, per day as part of an Infrastructure Tax; this tax must also be paid on-site prior to island departure.

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