Safari Infomation
SIWANDU OR JONGOMERO & FANJOVE
This itinerary is perfect for couples looking for a romantic escape in Southern Tanzania that is completely off the beaten track. Start off your experience with three adventurous nights on safari where you will have the opportunity to experience a wide range of personalised game viewing activities. After a bit of adventure, spend an incredible relaxing week on the secluded Fanjove Island.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Siwandu is perfectly situated within a game viewing area to fully experience the abundant wildlife of Nyerere National Park (former Selous Game Reserve). It is the only place in East Africa where you can experience both land and water-based game activities – including fishing and boat cruises.
- Jongomero is tucked away in a remote corner of the Ruaha National Park. Get a chance to experience Africa’s best kept secret.
- Create your own itinerary – whether you do a game walk, drive (Jongomero and Siwandu) or boat cruise on the river or lake (Siwandu only).
- Complete seclusion on Fanjove Island.
- In addition to being incredible relaxing, Fanjove also offers a wide range of water and marine activities.
THIS ITINERARY IS PERFECT FOR:
- Couples looking for a romantic getaway or on honeymoon wanting a secluded breakaway offering a highly personalized and off the beaten track bush and beach experience.
- Travelers who enjoy diving, snorkeling and other marine activities in a secluded off the beaten track environment, who want a taste of the safari experience in Tanzania.
PACKAGE DETAILS
- Three nights at Siwandu (Nyerere National Park) plus a complementary morning & afternoon experience in a private vehicle OR three nights at Jongomero (Ruaha National Park) plus a complementary morning & afternoon experience in a private vehicle.
- Four nights at Fanjove (Songo Songo Archipelago) plus a complementary private beach picnic experience for two, including a cocktail of the day.
- This package includes all meals, drinks (excludes premium brands), laundry, flights, fees, and transfers*.
- Add a night of fly camping at Jongomero. This is available on the 2nd night of staying at Jongomero and is only available between mid-July and November each year.
DAY 1 - 4: SIWANDU, NYERERE NATIONAL PARK
Broadly spaced along the shore of Lake Nzerakera, Siwandu's spacious and stylish safari tents ensure maximum privacy. Guests can enjoy every opportunity to soak up the sights and sounds of the African bush, observing animals as they saunter past.
Boasting UNESCO World Heritage Site status Nyerere National Park (former Selous Game Reserve) is home to the most exceptional and diverse wildlife, with more than half of Tanzania's elephant population, over 40,000 hippos and the largest population of lion on the continent.
Just a 45 minute light aircraft flight from Dar es Salaam and an easy transfer from the airstrip, Siwandu is located in a grove of palms on the shore of Lake Nzerakera. As well as ensuring a stunning backdrop for the camp, this lakeshore location offers unique game viewing experiences by pontoon boat.
As you arrive at Siwandu, our team will welcome you with a short orientation briefing. You will then have time to settle into your tented suite overlooking the lake.
A delicious lunch will be served with stunning views over the lake. Before leaving on your first game activity, you will enjoy delicious freshly-baked treats during afternoon tea time.
Siwandu offers a brilliant range of game activities for its guests. Due to its location next to Lake Nzerakera we offer both game drive experiences in our open sided 4WDs, as well as water-based safaris on our pontoon boat.
A leisurely boat cruise on Lake Nzerakera will give you the opportunity to venture close and see the animals from a different perspective. You will learn more about the fascinating life of water birds and experience the wonderful population of hippo and crocodile.
During your stay with us you will experience a combination of both land and water-based activities.
After an afternoon of exploring Nyerere National Park you will return to camp to enjoy pre dinner drinks, followed by a delectable three-course dinner served under a canopy of stars. The next morning you will start your day off with a tray of tea or coffee delivered to your tent by your personal butler. After breakfast you will have the opportunity to explore the Park with your experienced guide for the morning.
Back at the camp you can enjoy the pool area. It is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a mid-afternoon snooze before your next afternoon activity departs.
OR
DAY 1 - 4, JONGOMERO, RUAHA NATIONAL PARK
Under the magnificent shade trees, on the banks of the Jongomero sand river lies the beautiful Jongomero camp. This hidden gem is tucked away in a remote corner of the Ruaha National Park. Here you will get a chance to experience Africa’s best kept secret.
After a 1h30 light aircraft flight from Siwandu or 2h30 flight from Dar es Salaam you will arrive at the Jongomero airstrip, used exclusively for our guests. Greeted by your guide, you will be driven 5 minutes to Jongomero where a traditional safari lunch awaits.
Jongomero is positioned on the banks of a dry riverbed, this is a seasonal river and occasionally starts to flow during the heavy rains. A natural pathway for animals in search of water, the camp is the most splendid spot to experience the region’s extraordinary diversity of animals, birds and plants. Before setting off on your first activity, spend some time relaxing at the swimming pool. Set in an elevated position overlooking the riverbed this is the perfect spot to enjoy some game viewing as animals often stroll past.
During your game viewing experience explore Ruaha’s incredible and diverse landscape. The Ruaha is home to the iconic giant baobab trees. The Park boasts an incredible diversity of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, impala, eland, hippo, crocodile, lion and leopard. With more than 570 species of birds recorded here, it is indeed one of Africa’s premier birding destinations.
Each evening over pre dinner drinks, you'll have the chance to discuss your plans for the next day with our team. Whether you choose to explore by vehicle or on foot, our expert guides will ensure you enjoy the wealth of biodiversity the Ruaha has to offer.
Alternatively, we offer a dawn game walk during the dry season. Your expert guide will share with you the fascinating facts about the local flora, fauna, insects, birds and animals.
For a truly authentic African adventure, Jongomero offers a fly camping walking safari experience in the Ruaha. Arriving at the exclusive wilderness camp either by road or by foot, you will be able to refresh with a hot bucket shower before settling in around the camp fire for a sundowner and a delicious bush dinner. You will sleep in a comfortable dome canvas tent for the night. The next morning you will return to the luxury of main camp ready to share your bush tales.
DAY 5 - 10: FANJOVE ISLAND, TANZANIAN COAST
Fanjove Island is the smallest of six islands in the Songo Songo Archipelago, just off the coast of Tanzania. This iconic sand and coral island with its many palm trees, white sandy beaches and shimmering water is only one kilometer long and about 400 meters wide.
A short 45 minute light aircraft flight from Dar es Salaam will take you via Mafia Island to Songo Songo Island, where you will be greeted by a Tuk Tuk to take you on a short 5 minute transfer to the jetty. From there you will sail for about 40 minutes passed a couple of islands before reaching Fanjove Island.
Upon arrival kick off your shoes (you won't be needing them again) and enjoy a refreshing coconut water and selection of fresh fruits. You will be welcomed by a member of our team and shown to your traditional eco-banda.
Enjoy a delicious lunch of freshly caught seafood and arrange with our Activities Manager how you would like to spend the rest of the day. Choose to relax with a book or take a walk around the island. Take out a paddle board or kayak and circumnavigate the island; with no one in sight this is the perfect way to settle into the island pace.
As the sun begins to set, climb the steps of the 19th century lighthouse located on the island and take in the 360 degree views of the ocean with sundowner in hand.
A candlelit dinner will be served in our open-air restaurant on the beach that evening. On a clear night the star constellations are beautiful, don't forget to look up before you climb into bed.
Each evening our Activities Manager will discuss your options for the following day. You may want to spend all day in the water and explore the island, or snooze on a sun lounger with a book - it is completely up to you.
You can be woken at your chosen time with a tray of tea or coffee, presented through a secret hatch in your banda. At your leisure wander down the beach for breakfast. Explore the island trail or at low tide walk around the outside perimeter of the island, exploring rock pools and coves filled with colorful crabs.
You can snorkel straight off the main beach or head out to explore the 11 kilometer coral reef stretching around the island. Our Activity Manager is padi trained and can facilitate beginner or refresher dives for any ability.
Sail out on a marine safari in search of spinner and bottlenose dolphins, or even humpback whales (seasonal). Be sure to take some time to relax and refresh, lay on sun loungers or take leisurely walks around the island.