14-Day Tanzania Southern Highlands, Wildlife & Zanzibar Escape
14-Day Tanzania Southern Highlands, Wildlife & Zanzibar Escape
This 14-day itinerary explores Tanzania’s Southern Highlands, remote safari parks, and the island of Zanzibar. It combines scenic landscapes, wildlife, culture, and relaxation in one continuous journey. The trip begins in Dar es Salaam and continues into the Mbeya highlands, where you visit Ngozi Crater Lake, God’s Bridge, and the Kimondo Meteorite site. You then explore Kitulo National Park before heading to Mpanga Kipengere Game Reserve to visit Kimani Waterfall. From there, the journey moves through the peaceful Mufindi Highlands and into Ruaha National Park for game drives and a walking safari. The trip ends in Zanzibar with a visit to Stone Town, a spice tour, and beach relaxation before departure.
Explore Tours
Mbeya Town and Surroundings:
- Ngozi Crater Lake: Visit the breathtaking Ngozi Crater, one of Africa’s largest caldera lakes. Hike through lush forests to reach this stunning natural wonder, where the turquoise waters create a picturesque setting.
- God’s Bridge: Marvel at this natural rock formation, a geological wonder that offers a unique vantage point over the surrounding landscape.
- Waterfalls: Explore local waterfalls, where cascading waters provide a serene and picturesque environment perfect for photography and relaxation.
Kitulo National Park:
- Known as the “Serengeti of Flowers,” Kitulo National Park is a botanical haven. Experience guided walks through fields of wildflowers and rare plant species, set against a backdrop of rolling highlands.
Mufindi Tea Plantations:
- Visit the serene Mufindi tea plantations, where lush greenery and rolling hills combine for breathtaking views. Learn about the artisanal tea-making process and enjoy sampling fresh, local teas.
Ruaha National Park:
- Journey into the heart of the wild with thrilling game drives in Ruaha National Park. Encounter diverse wildlife, including majestic elephants and lions, amidst the park’s expansive savannahs and baobab-studded landscapes.
Zanzibar Island:
- Conclude your adventure on the exotic shores of Zanzibar. Explore the historic Stone Town, indulge in tantalizing spices from local plantations, and unwind on beautiful, sandy beaches. Engage in water sports, and soak up the unique fusion of cultural influences.
Activities: Game Drives, Culture Tour, Historical Sites Visit, Beach Relaxation and Spice Tour .
Begin your journey early in the morning from Dar es Salaam, the bustling coastal city of Tanzania. After breakfast, depart for the scenic drive toward the Southern Highlands, passing through Morogoro and Iringa with changing landscapes from coastal plains to rolling hills. You will stop for lunch in Iringa before continuing your journey. Upon arrival in Songwe in the evening, check into your accommodation and enjoy the cool highland climate.
- Meal plan:
- Dinner
- Accommodation:
- Mid Range: Utengule Coffee Lodge
After breakfast, depart for a guided hike to Ngozi Crater Lake, a hidden volcanic gem surrounded by dense forest. The trail leads you to the crater rim, where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the emerald-green lake below. After descending, continue to God’s Bridge, a remarkable natural rock formation shaped over time by erosion and flowing water. Later, visit the Kimondo Meteorite site, where you will learn about its fascinating history and explore the surrounding area before returning to your lodge in the evening for relaxation.
- Meal plan:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation:
- Mid Range: Utengule Coffee Lodge
After breakfast, you will be transferred from Mbeya to Kitulo National Park, a destination unlike any other in Tanzania. The drive itself is a visual treat, with rolling hills and expansive landscapes guiding your way. Upon arrival, you will settle into your camp surrounded by open plains and fresh mountain air, setting the stage for a unique nature experience.
- Meal plan:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation:
- Mir Range: Maua Camp
After breakfast, you will explore Kitulo National Park, famously known as the “Serengeti of Flowers.” Depending on the season, the plains are covered in colorful wildflowers and rare orchids. Enjoy guided walks across the open landscapes, allowing you to fully appreciate the park’s beauty and tranquility. A picnic lunch will be served during your exploration before returning to camp in the late afternoon.
- Meal plan:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation:
- Mid Range: Mauwa Camp
After breakfast, depart for Mpanga Kipengere Game Reserve, enjoying a scenic drive through the highlands with a picnic lunch along the way. Upon arrival, settle into your camp and proceed for a guided visit to Kimani Waterfall, where you can enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings and surrounding landscape. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing in this quiet and remote setting.
- Meal plan:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation:
- Mid Range: Mpanga Kipengere Camp
After breakfast, you will continue to Mufindi Highlands, where rolling hills, misty forests, and endless tea plantations create a postcard-perfect setting. The cooler climate and serene atmosphere make this an ideal place to slow down. Upon arrival, you can relax at your lodge or take in the scenic surroundings.
- Meal plan:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation:
- Mid Range: Mufindi Highland Lodge
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed day in the peaceful Mufindi Highlands. You may choose from activities such as guided forest walks, hiking, birdwatching, visiting tea plantations, horse riding, mountain biking, or fishing. You can also simply relax at the lodge or enjoy a picnic in the surrounding nature. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.
- Meal plan:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation:
- Mid Range: Mufindi Highland Lodge
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Ruaha National Park, where the landscape transforms into vast, rugged savannah. Upon arrival, you will check in and head out for an afternoon game drive, offering an exciting introduction to one of Tanzania’s wildest and least crowded parks. Expect your first sightings of elephants, giraffes, and perhaps even predators.
- Meal plan:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation:
- Mid Range: Ruaha River Lodge
After breakfast, collect your packed lunch and leave for a full-day game drive. Depending on the time of the year, the driver may drive far southern of the park to Usangu marsh, where you can sport the Roan and Sable antelopes. The game drive around that area is so exciting as you will be able to see many wild animals. In the evening, come back to the accommodation for dinner and overnight.
- Meal plan:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation:
- Mid Range: Ruaha River Lodge
After breakfast, a morning wilderness walking safari, one of the most exciting experiences in Tanzania, accompanied by armed rangers. Back to the camp for a full breakfast. Then, collect your packed lunch and proceed with a game drive. The Ruaha is the largest park in Tanzania, with a size of 20,226 Square Kilometers. The exciting Great Ruaha River features large numbers of hippos and crocodiles. It attracts lions, leopards, hunting dogs, and other species such as waterbuck, impala, giraffe, warthog, eland, zebra, and elephants. Tou can see Grant’s gazelle, ostrich on the plains.
- Meal plan:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation:
- Mid Range: Ruaha River Lodge
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Airstrip for your scheduled flight from Ruaha National Park to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel where turquoise waters and white sands await. The rest of the day is yours to relax and soak in the island atmosphere.
- Meal plan:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Accommodation:
- Mid Range: Tembo House
After breakfast, you will explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in culture and history. Walking through its narrow streets, you will discover carved doors, bustling markets, and centuries of Swahili, Arab, and European influences. Later, you will enjoy a guided spice tour, where you will see, smell, and taste Zanzibar’s famous spices, gaining insight into why the island is known as the “Spice Island.” Return to your resort in the evening.
- Meal plan:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Accommodation:
- Mid range: Amani Beach Bungalow
After breakfast, you will enjoy a full day at leisure on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. This is your time to fully unwind, whether that means soaking up the sun, taking a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters, or simply enjoying the peaceful rhythm of island life. For those seeking a bit more activity, optional experiences such as snorkeling, diving, dhow sailing, or visiting nearby islands can be arranged. You may also choose to indulge in a spa treatment or explore more of the island at your own pace before returning to your resort for a relaxing evening.
- Meal plan:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Accommodation:
- Mid range: Amani Beach Bungalow
After your delicious breakfast and checkout have a road drive from the hotel to Zanzibar Airport to catch your flight back home.
Included in Price:
- All activities as per the itinerary
- All Accommodation as per itinerary – N.B. accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is dependent on availability at the time of booking; alternatives of a similar class may be booked instead
- All meals as per itinerary (3 a day unless otherwise stated)
- Domestic Flight from Ruaha to Zanzibar
- All transfers to and from agreed pick up and drop off points (e.g. Airport, Bus Station or hotel in town etc.)
- All camping gear (if you are camping)
- Service of an English speaking driver/guide
- Safari base 4×4 Vehicle with open roof for game viewing (sometimes a saloon car or other SUV for excursions in town etc.)
- Driver’s salary and allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver
- Bottled mineral water daily
- All Government taxes
- All National Park and Game Reserve Fees
- If included in your itinerary: foot safaris, boat safaris
- TANAPA armed ranger (where needed, e.g., on foot safaris, some boat safaris etc.)
- Crater service fees
Exluded in Price:
- Extras, personal expenses i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc.
- Optional activities not outlined on the itinerary
- International flights & corresponding taxes
- Visa
- Flying doctors rescue services
- Travel, medical, injury and luggage insurances
- Tips to the driver & guides ($ 15-20 Per Day)
- Anything else not mentioned in the inclusions (above)
