Swahili South East Coast
Authentic and forgotten, but Southeastern Tanzania has it all; dreamy coastal towns, stately ruins, pristine white beaches and fascinating marine life.
Culture, safari and beach … absolutely worth it!
Visit Tanzania’s oldest and largest nature reserve in Southeastern Tanzania for special safaris by boat, on foot or by jeep. Come face to face with stately witnesses from a rich Swahili past and discover the beauty of the vast beaches and pristine underwater world of the coast.
The pure and tropical Mafia Island makes this tour complete!
- Travel schedule Click to view
- Dar es Salaam Day 1
- Nyerere National Park Day 2 -4
- Kilwa Day 5 - 6
- Mikindani Day 7 - 8
- Mafia Eiland Day 9 - 11
- Departure Day 12-13
Travel schedule
Go in search of authentic and real Tanzania. Immerse yourself in the vast numbers of animals – elephants, buffalos, wild dogs and lions – in Nyerere National Park, where the Rufiji River certainly invites an adventurous boat safari. You will see more crocodiles and hippos than other tourists. And then let yourself be transported to a bygone and glorious times in the rich Swahili history of the African East Coast. An area with paradise beaches and great diving and snorkeling opportunities. Southeastern Tanzania well worth it!
Dar es Salaam
Your journey begins in Dar es Salaam, the economic capital of Tanzania. You will be picked up at the airport and enjoy the first evening in a comfortable hotel with a view over the Msasani bay. Let all impressions come to you calmly.
Nyerere National Park
Your safari begins your safari with a scenic drive from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park – part of the immense Selous Game Reserve. On the way we stop for a warm lunch. In the afternoon you will make your first safari on a boat to get a good look at the animals from the water. The next two days will be further filled with safaris by jeep and possibly on foot.
Kilwa
After a delicious breakfast you will depart from Nyerere National Park to the coast, to the Kilwa district. When you arrive at your lodge you can take a break from the drive (5 hours) and enjoy the lodge, the beautiful sandy beach and the azure blue Indian Ocean.
The next day is dedicated to the rich East African Swahili culture. You will visit the ruins of the former harbor towns of Kilwa Kisiwani and its twin island Songo Mnara. Both former Arab city states have UNESCO World Heritage status.
Mikindani
After breakfast you will depart for Mikindani. But along the way you will stop at the lively town of Lindi. The colonial past has also left its mark here. The bustling dhow harbor and beautifully carved doors are well worth a wander.
A second stop is the monk-inhabited Ndanda Monastery, once a German mission. You spend the night in a former German fort, now an attractive hotel with a social objective.
The next day you will visit the historical slave market and prison ruins in Mikindani. But also the Msimbati peninsula and the paradise beach of Ruvula in the Mnazi Bay Marine Park. Snorkeling is fantastic here.
Mafia Eiland
After a delicious breakfast, we head a little higher and you visit Makonde. The village is located on the scenic Makonde Plateau. The Makonde people are known for their exotic carvings.
The guide will then transfer you to the airport for your flight to Mafia Island. A beautiful flight with special views. The coming days you will enjoy sun, sea and sand on this green authentic tropical island.
Departure
At the end of the afternoon you fly from Mafia Island – via Dar es Salaam or Nairobi – back to Amsterdam (or your home destination) where you arrive the next morning.
Details of the trip
This Explore Tanzania trip to Southeastern Tanzania is completely private.
You experience the different parts together, only with your party.
Gallery
Discover Southeastern Tanzania together. Experience this adventure with a varied safari, taste the rich Swahili past, see the underwater world and end with a wonderful beach holiday!
Your tailor-made trip
This is an example journey. Your trip is completely tailor-made for you. Your wishes, the activities you can undertake, the season and budget are taken into account.
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