Ultra-Luxury Fly-in Ruaha And Zanzibar Itinerary

Ruaha and Zanzibar provide complementing experiences for travellers in Tanzania. Ruaha, located in southern Tanzania, is an expansive and isolated wilderness renowned for its plentiful wildlife, encompassing significant predators and a variety of antelope species. Zanzibar, an island adjacent to mainland Tanzania, is renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches, dynamic Swahili culture, and historical spice commerce. The Bespoke African Safari Co. provide itineraries that integrate a safari in Ruaha with a tranquil beach holiday in Zanzibar.

This Ruaha And Zanzibar itinerary integrates an opulent safari lodge in southern Tanzania with a visit to Zanzibar, featuring the historic Stone Town and a lively beach resort.

Your initial destination is the secluded Ruaha National Park, renowned for its exceptional wildlife, particularly its substantial populations of lions and elephants dispersed throughout the area. Ikuka Safari Camp features seven exquisitely built rooms with magnificent vistas of Ruaha.

You will fly from Ruaha to Zanzibar for a two-night stay at the boutique hotel Emerson Spice in Stone Town. This transformed castle is replete with Zanzibari charm and character, serving as an excellent base for visiting the old town. Explore the cathedral and the distinguished museum of the slave trade, then meander through the labyrinth of shop-lined alleyways, concluding the day by observing the sunset over the port.

Departing from Stone Town, you will be transported north to Zuri Zanzibar, located on the picturesque north-western coast of the island. Zuri Zanzibar, inaugurated in 2018, is an opulent beach resort situated along a palm-lined coastline. This establishment features 55 bungalows, a vibrant ambiance, and several activities and amenities, making it an ideal location for repose and rejuvenation after your safari.

A Detailed Ruaha And Zanzibar Itinerary

Comprehensive details regarding the daily itinerary and the many accommodations during the Ruaha And Zanzibar Itinerary. All our services are entirely customized; therefore, although this concept is effective, we will consistently create a personalized itinerary for you.

Day 1: Starts: Dar es Salaam International Airport

Upon retrieving your luggage, a local representative will greet you for a five-minute shuttle trip to the Domestic Terminal.

Day 1: Dar to Ruaha by light aircraft & 4WD

Depart from Dar’s Domestic Terminal on a light aircraft bound for Ruaha, traversing westward over the Uluguru Mountains and arriving at Msembe Airstrip after around 2½ hours. A guide from Ikuka will meet you for the 4WD game drive to the camp, which will take approximately 45 to 90 minutes, contingent upon wildlife sightings along the way.

Days 1-5: Ikuka Safari Camp

Ikuka Safari Camp, compact and elegantly designed, is independently operated and strategically located above the escarpment in Ruaha National Park. This exceptional vantage point offers a panoramic view of the lodge overlooking the plains below, situated within 20 minutes from the park’s premier game-viewing locations.

The expertise of a seasoned architect is evident from the beginning. Neutral hues, ranging from delicate cream drapes to coordinating bed linens, amalgamate with organic materials to evoke a sense of tranquilly and elegance.

Significant consideration has been given to the arrangement of the seven open-sided rooms, orientated towards either the sunrise or the sunset. Low quartz stone walls and expansive balconies optimize the vistas, while elevated thatched roofs entice even the faintest zephyrs.

The natural motif persists in the two-storey lounge, constructed amidst stones and equipped with a spotting scope directed at the plains. Leather chairs and low tables adorned with an assortment of animal literature promote relaxation, while a substantial table fosters convivial dining over exquisite meals.

Engage in daily explorations of the game-abundant region surrounding the Mwagusi River in an open 4×4 game-drive vehicle, or choose for a guided walk to discover the intricacies of the park’s flora and animals.

Day 5: Ruaha to Zanzibar by road & light aircraft

Departing Ikuka, embark on a leisurely game drive to the airfield, then board a light aircraft for a 3½-hour flight over the Ruaha River to Zanzibar, typically via Dar es Salaam. Your voyage concludes with an intriguing 15-minute drive to Stone Town, followed by a brief five-minute stroll to Emerson Spice.

Days 5-7: Emerson Spice

2 nights Bed & Breakfast – Stone Town, Zanzibar

Emerson Spice presents a remarkably magnificent and theatrical interpretation of traditional Swahili style in the centre of Stone Town. Emerson Spice, established by the late Emerson Skeens, a prominent figure in Stone Town and a pioneer of boutique hotels, exemplifies his vision, flamboyance, and affection for the city’s past. It is both exotic and historic, exuding uniqueness and allure.

The structure has been meticulously repaired and is uniquely adorned. The eleven atmospheric chambers boast lofty ceilings, vivid murals, finely carved doors, and a dramatic ambiance, each dedicated to distinguished main ladies: Aida to Desdemona.

The rooms are opulent and well-appointed, with meticulous attention to detail evident throughout the structure: a serene courtyard featuring a soothing blue fountain, a palm-adorned enclosed garden ideal for lounging in a hammock, and recognition for gastronomic innovation. The exquisite Swahili tasting menu at the rooftop Spice Tea House and the captivating Secret Garden—a dilapidated historic marketplace converted into a courtyard restaurant—both excel in delivering delectable, seasonal Spice Island cuisine.

Day 7: Stone Town to northern Zanzibar by road

Typically, it is a brief stroll to your automobile in Stone Town prior to departing the labyrinth of streets in air-conditioned luxury. During the approximately 1 to 1.5-hour trip along the west coast to Zuri Zanzibar, it may be feasible to visit a plantation or the Kidichi Persian Baths with advance notice.

Days 7-12: Zuri Zanzibar

5 nights Half Board – Northern Zanzibar, Zanzibar

Zuri Zanzibar is an opulent beach resort located on the picturesque north-west coast of Zanzibar. This region of the island features a more precipitous shoreline compared to Zanzibar’s east coast, facilitating all-day swimming, while the west coast of Zanzibar is particularly renowned for its stunning sunsets over the Indian Ocean.

Day 12: Northern Zanzibar to Dar by road & air

Upon departing Zuri Zanzibar, relish your final glimpses of the “spice island” throughout the coastal drive, reaching Zanzibar Airport in around one hour. A brief journey in a light aircraft over the Indian Ocean culminates in landing at Dar es Salaam in approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

Day 12: Ends: Dar es Salaam International Airport

Upon arrival at the Domestic Terminal, you will be guided to a shuttle that will transport you to the International Terminal in approximately five minutes.

End of the Ruaha And Zanzibar Itinerary