Detailed 7 days wildlife and beach safari in eastern Tanzania parks Itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Mkomazi National park for game drive
After breakfast, the driver will pick you up from your Moshi hotel and take you on a three-hour trip to Mkomazi National Park. You will travel across Tanzania’s ever-changing landscapes and settlements. You will check into the lodge for lunch upon arrival. In the afternoon, go on a wildlife drive at Mkomazi, which has a classic dry scenery with old baobab trees, rocky hills, savannah woods with umbrella acacias, and flat grassland valleys.
Mkomazi’s wildlife is sparsely inhabited as well as timid. Giraffes, antelopes, little kudu, impala, and Grant gazelles, elephants, buffalo, and a variety of predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, dik diks, zebras, oryx, wildebeests, eland, and topi can all be seen during the game drive. Visit the Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary, which is home to roughly 30% of Tanzania’s total black rhinoceros population. Dinner and an overnight stay at the resort.
Meal plan: All meals are included
Day 2: Drive to Lushoto town (Usambara) to explore this town
You will travel to Lushoto after breakfast. Lushoto, also known as “Wilhelmsthal” by the Germans, was a popular figure during the German colonial era. Because of its moderate environment, it was a popular rest and relaxation destination for many German settlers. On foot, explore Lushoto Town and learn about its history. Large farms and plantations were built with the entrance of the Germans, and the church utilized Lushoto as its base for mission activities. Several colonial structures, notably the former district office and the historical post office, are still in service. The crimson tiled roofs and smoke chimneys are stunning. Walk to a nearby waterfall to get a taste of the beautiful rain forest. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal plan: All meals are included
Day 3: Drive to Usambara to hike the mountain west side
You drive to Usambara, a stunning mountain range with grassy plains and untouched tropical rainforest. The pleasant climate of the lush green highlands is great for treks and hikes. The breathtaking view is one of the main reasons to ascend the Usambara Mountains. Everywhere you go, you’ll see sweeping hills, mountains, valleys, farms, charming villages, colorful markets, and plantations.
This vast magnificent diversity will be revealed to you. Hike up to the Irente overlook for a panoramic view of Mazinde town below and the huge Maasai plains beyond. Or take a stroll through Jaegertal’s fertile farmlands to a fruit tree nursery to learn more about the various types of fruit trees and their propagation. The “Growing Rock” tour begins in Soni and takes you to the summit of Kwamongo Mountain, noted for its butterflies, where you can enjoy views of Soni, Lushoto, and the Handeni plains.
Retire at lodge for dinner and overnight stay in the evening
Day 4: Explore the East side of the Usambara Mountain
Today you will explore Usambara’s east side. Begin with the Magoroto woodland, located in the Eastern Usambara Mountains. It is ideal for a retreat with its picturesque freshwater lake and tropical rain forest. Magoroto Forest Estate is situated at an elevation of 850 meters above sea level, where temperatures are pleasant throughout the year. From the Muheza Valley to the Indian Ocean, the estate provides breathtaking vistas. Explore the dense tropical forest with organic spices, have a picnic, or swim in the gorgeous lake while enjoying the lush rain forest with uncommon plant and bird species!
You’ll stroll along one of Magoroto’s eight well-marked hiking trails and cool off with a refreshing shower at the waterfalls. Canoeing, swimming, lunch by the lake, fishing, bird watching, forest walk, horse riding, mountain biking, spice tour, bonfire, camping, meditation, and BBQ are just a few of the activities available at Magoroto Forest Estate on this day.
Meal plan: All meals are included
Day 5: Drive to sadaani national park and enjoy game drive
After breakfast, you will be driven to Sadaani National Park, which is rare in that it is the only national park on the East African coast, and you will be able to combine a safari with a relaxing stay at its gorgeous white beaches. It offers a range of sceneries, including mangroves, vast coral reefs, sea and beach with many palm trees, savannah, and cotton fields, and allows you to watch wildlife in a unique habitat.
You will go on a game drive through the park upon your arrival. Four of the “Big Five” animals can be found at Saadani National Park. Although it is difficult to notice them because their numbers are limited and the animals are usually well hidden. There are also Maasai giraffes, waterbucks, wildebeests, dik-diks, baboons, vervet and blue monkeys, and colobus monkeys. Elephants, lions, and leopards are more wary in the African jungle. But, with luck, you might spot them as well! Herds of up to 30 elephants are becoming more common. There are multiple lion prides, as well as leopards, spotted hyenas, and black-backed jackals. Return to lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Meal plan: All meals are included
Day 6: Boat ride and relaxation at the beach
Set out on a boat ride safari. Saadani National Park is unique in that it is Tanzania’s only park that stretches all the way to the Indian Ocean, producing an intriguing ecosystem where land and sea meet. The boat safari travels through the park along the Wami River until it reaches the coast. As you sail along the river, you will see a range of wildlife species in their natural habitat, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species that occupy the riverbanks. The river has been visited by elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and other animals.
The boat safari is also an excellent way to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of Saadani National Park, which comprises rich riverine forests, savannas, and clean beaches.
Spend the rest of the day wandering along the ocean’s white sand beaches. You can choose to participate in any beach sport such as swimming, white rafting, or simply relax on the beach. Enjoy seeing traditional dhows with billowing white sails meander slowly by, while Swahili fishermen throw their nets against a gorgeous red sunrise. Sunbathe at your leisure on Sadaani beach
Day 7: Transfer to Dar es Salaam
After a leisurely breakfast, you will be driven to Dar es Salaam, where you will be dropped at the airport or at the hotel, depending on the time of your flight, putting this safari to a close.
Meal plan: Breakfast