Western Wilderness

WESTERN WILDERNESS UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Experience the thrill of a guided walking safari through the towering baobabs of Ruaha.
In Katavi, seek out the legendary tamarind tree to place an offering in memory of the great huntsman named Katabi.
Katavi boasts a wide variety of habitats and the largest buffalo herds on the planet.
Swim and kayak in the clear open waters of Lake Tanganyika
Track chimpanzee through the forest whilst keeping an eye open for other primates and birdlife along the way.

In this western wilderness itinerary, experience a rewarding mix of accommodation with

1 night The Oyster Bay, Dar es Salaam

2 nights Jabali Ridge, Ruaha National Park

3 nights Mbali Mbali Katavi, Katavi National Park

4 nights Greystoke Mahale, Mahale National Park

Meet us at Dar es Salaam International Airport, transfer to The Oyster Bay

Overnight The Oyster Bay

On arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport you will be met by an Asilia representative with a cool towel and a welcoming air-conditioned vehicle for your transfer to The Oyster Bay Hotel in the bustling city of Dar es Salaam. Transfer time is approximately 45 minutes, depending on the time of day. If time allows, the beautifully landscaped gardens and poolside sun loungers provide perfect locations to relax and acclimatise to the new environment. In-house dining offers a high-quality experience serving a variety of fresh seafood alongside a selection of international cuisine to ensure all preferences are accommodated

Transfer to Dar es Salaam International Airport

Flight to Ruaha National Park

Overnight Jabali Ridge

You will be met in the morning for your transfer back to the airport to connect with your Safari Airlink flight to Ruaha National Park. The flight stops at a couple of airstrips along the way and can take up to 2h30m depending on if all stops are needed. On arrival at Msembe Airstrip, a Jabali Ridge guide will be waiting to greet you, along with picnic lunches and cold drinks. Transfer time to the lodge is 1 hour, depending on what wildlife is encountered along the way, but you’ll arrive at camp in the early afternoon, allowing for time to settle into your new surroundings, relax in your hammock or cool off in the pool with a cold drink close at hand.

Afternoon tea delivers delicious treats, before setting out for a game drive in search of big cats and the mega herds of buffalo. As sunset approaches and the light turns golden, stop for a sundowner to soak up the moment and capture a photograph in near-perfect lighting conditions. When dusk gathers, return to the lodge for a chance to freshen up before reconvening for a feast in the restaurant area, or perhaps a barbeque under the stars.

Game drives and wildlife

Overnight at Jabali Ridge

Your day starts with a gentle wake-up call as tea or coffee is delivered to your room at the agreed-upon hour. Early mornings are ideal for walking safaris, offering the opportunity to experience an entirely different perspective of the bush before the heat of the day begins to climb. While big game may be seen, the emphasis of a walking safari is on the smaller ecosystems each playing a vital role within the stability of the whole, which are all too often overlooked from the elevated perspective of a safari vehicle.

As the temperature begins to increase, head for the lodge and the promise of an ice-cold drink, a dip in the pool and a delicious lunch. The early afternoon is open for relaxation or to perhaps partake in a spa treatment, before gathering again for an afternoon game drive. In addition to an afternoon drive, there is the option to enjoy a night game drive providing the potential to see some of the lesser spotted species not normally seen by day.

Flight to Katavi National Park

Overnight Mbali Mbali Katavi

It’s an early start to the day as you make your way to Msembe Airstrip for your 07h00 flight to Katavi National Park. After the 90-minute flight, you will be met at Ikuu Airstrip by a guide from Mbali Mbali Katavi and transferred to the lodge. It’s a short transfer but there’s the option to incorporate a morning game drive en-route to the lodge.

After a refreshing lunch in camp, there’s time to relax and explore the lodge. The early start to the day may encourage an afternoon siesta, but if the sun is shining you may find yourself gravitating towards the swimming pool. In the late afternoon, depart on a game drive out onto the plains in search of some of the big species Katavi is famous for. Meandering along the river, expect to find large pods of hippo and fantastic numbers of crocodile basking in the afternoon sun. As evening approaches, head back towards camp for a hot shower before fireside drinks and a delicious dinner.

Game drives and wildlife

Overnight Mbali Mbali Katavi

Mornings begin with a gentle “good morning” called from outside your tent as your pre-arranged morning wake-up call arrives bearing the hot drink of your choosing. There is some flexibility in terms of how you choose to structure your day. Breakfast is generally a picnic in order to get out into the bush as early as possible, but there is then the option of either returning to the camp for lunch with the opportunity to relax before heading out for an afternoon game drive, or you can take a packed lunch and stay out for a full day game drive returning to camp in the afternoon. With two full days available in camp, perhaps try each option in order to get the full experience of what Katavi has to offer.

Flight to Mahale

Overnight Greystoke Mahale

The flight to Mahale departs at 08h40, allowing for a slightly more relaxed morning with breakfast in camp prior to departure. After an hour in the air heading in a north-westerly direction, land in Kalolwa Airstrip where a guide from Greystoke will be on hand to welcome you to Mahale National Park.

Situated on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Greystoke Mahale offers a combination of exciting chimp trekking, forest exploration, water-based activities, and pure relaxation. The chimps tend to be the initial highlight, but there is plenty else to do here for those looking to stay occupied. If relaxation is what you’re looking for, the remoteness and near isolation of this environment will certainly allow you time to recharge the batteries

Activities and relaxation

Overnight Greystoke Mahale

For every full day spent in Greystoke, you are entitled to 1 chimp trekking expedition. Some days the chimps may be right behind the lodge, but the next they could be high in the forest, so it is impossible to guarantee chimp sightings as they are wild animals. When not trekking, enjoy a dhow cruise along the shoreline or take a kayak out in the early hours of the morning to watch the sunrise from the water. The forest plays home to 8 other species of primates as well as a phenomenal collection of insects, birds and plant life waiting to be discovered on a guided walk.

Flight to Dar es Salaam International Airport

After a final breakfast in the lodge, it’s time to make your way towards the airstrip for the long flight back to Dar es Salaam. You’ll depart with a packed lunch to keep your spirits up and should land in Dar es Salaam at approximately 16h45, allowing sufficient time to connect with your international flight home.

Great Wildebeest Migration

All Asilia Offer: Free Inter-Camp Travel

11 days off the beaten track

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Kenya Safari

Tanzania

Zanzibar and the coast

Greater Masai Mara

Ol Pejeta

Serengeti

Ngorongoro

Ruaha

Rubondo Island

Nyerere (The Selous)