10  Days

Tanzania Safari & Mafia Island Itinerary – Selous, Ruaha & Beach Holiday

Call Our Expert Now

+255 784 991 576

Send an Enquiry

Fill Out The Online Enquire Form

Request Call Back

Enter a Time For Us to Call You

Explore Selous & Ruaha with Wildlife Safaris, Then Unwind on Mafia Island

This immersive 10-day Tanzania fly-in safari and beach holiday takes you through the biodiverse landscapes of Selous Game Reserve (now part of Nyerere National Park), the rugged terrain of Ruaha National Park, and finally to the pristine coastlines of Mafia Island. It’s the perfect mix of big game, bush walks, and barefoot luxury.

What’s the best time to visit Selous, Ruaha, and Mafia Island?

Visit from June to October for the best wildlife viewing in Selous and Ruaha. For whale shark swimming, travel between October and March on Mafia Island.

Yes, the package includes all domestic flights, transfers, park fees, and full-board accommodations.

Yes! It’s perfect for those looking to combine safari adventure with beach relaxation, in more exclusive and uncrowded areas of Tanzania.

Expect to see elephants, lions, wild dogs, buffalo, giraffes, crocodiles, and hippos. On Mafia Island, you may encounter whale sharks, dolphins, turtles, and vibrant coral reef species.

Absolutely! You can extend your stay, add Zanzibar, or include other southern parks like Mikumi or Udzungwa Mountains.

Included

Excluded

Call Our Expert Now

+255 784 991 576

Send an Enquiry

Fill Out The Online Enquire Form

Request Call Back

Enter a Time For Us to Call You

DAY 1

Fly from Dar es Salaam to Selous – Arrive at Lake Manze Camp

Start your adventure with a short flight from Dar es Salaam to Selous Game Reserve, one of the world’s largest and most untouched wildlife areas. Upon landing, enjoy a game drive en route to Lake Manze Camp, where wildlife sightings are frequent even from the tent.

After lunch at camp, choose between a boat safari on Lake Manze, a game drive, or a guided bush walk to begin your exploration.

Overnight: Lake Manze Camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2-3

Safari Activities in Selous – Game Drives, Bush Walks & Boat Safaris

Spend two full days enjoying Selous safari experiences with Lake Manze’s expert guides. Choose from:

  • Morning and afternoon game drives
  • Boat safaris with hippo and croc sightings
  • Walking safaris in the miombo woodlands

You can also enjoy bush meals in the wild and observe elephants, giraffes, and African wild dogs.

Overnight: Lake Manze Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4

Fly from Selous to Ruaha – Transfer to Mdonya Old River Camp

After breakfast, fly from Selous to Ruaha National Park, known for its large prides of lions, baobab forests, and rugged beauty. A scenic transfer with game viewing brings you to Mdonya Old River Camp, nestled along a dry riverbed often visited by elephants.

Relax with lunch at camp, followed by a sunset game drive through Ruaha’s wilderness.

Overnight: Mdonya Old River Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5-6

Full-Day Game Drives or Walking Safaris in Ruaha National Park

Explore Ruaha on a full-day game drive with packed lunch or opt for two shorter game drives. Highlights include:

  • Lion and elephant encounters
  • Leopard sightings near rocky outcrops
  • Guided walking safaris to track smaller species and birds

Enjoy sundowners around the fire and classic safari dining under the stars.

Overnight: Mdonya Old River Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7

Fly from Ruaha to Mafia Island via Dar es Salaam – Arrive at Kinasi Lodge

After breakfast, fly to Mafia Island, with a short layover in Dar es Salaam. On arrival, you’ll transfer across the island to Kinasi Lodge, a tranquil retreat overlooking Chole Bay.

This is the start of your coastal relaxation, surrounded by coral reefs, historic ruins, and palm-fringed beaches.

Overnight: Kinasi Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5 Days Mafia Island

DAY 8-9

Mafia Island Marine Activities – Snorkeling, Whale Sharks & Relaxation

Spend two days exploring the Mafia Island Marine Park. Kinasi Lodge offers daily snorkeling or sunset dhow cruises, plus optional experiences like:

  • Swimming with whale sharks (October–March)
  • Scuba diving coral reefs
  • Exploring 12th-century ruins
  • Hatching turtle experiences
  • Relaxing in hammocks and treehouse-style rooms

Overnight: Kinasi Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3 Days Mafia Island

DAY 10

Fly Back to Dar es Salaam – End of Your Safari & Beach Escape

After breakfast, enjoy your last moments on the island before your transfer to Mafia airstrip and return flight to Dar es Salaam. On request, we can arrange day rooms, airport transfers, or extra nights in Dar to match your international flight schedule.

Meals Included: Breakfast

7 Days Dar & Zanzibar

Call Our Expert Now

+255 784 991 576

Send an Enquiry

Fill Out The Online Enquire Form

Request Call Back

Enter a Time For Us to Call You

REQUEST A CALL

“Schedule a quick, 15-minute call with an expert tour operator to get ideas on where to go and how long to spend in each place.”