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TANZANIA - OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Untamed Horizons – Tanzania’s Secret Wilds

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Summary of the Trip

Experience Tanzania’s wild heart on a journey that begins in tranquil Arusha and leads you to the golden beaches and chimpanzee forests of Mahale, the remote plains of Katavi, and the dramatic wildlife of Ruaha. The adventure culminates at the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, where you’ll witness one of Africa’s densest concentrations of wildlife set against breathtaking caldera scenery. This itinerary blends pristine wilderness, unique safari experiences, and the best of Tanzania’s natural wonders, offering a seamless flow from lakeshore relaxation to classic game drives across the bush.

The Experience

Start your adventure in Arusha, acclimatizing to Tanzania’s pace before flying to Mahale for chimpanzee tracking and lakeshore walks along Lake Tanganyika. Continue to Katavi’s vast, remote plains for uncrowded game drives and rare wildlife encounters, then head to Ruaha’s riverside landscapes, home to elephants, big cats, and abundant birdlife. Conclude your journey in the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, descending into the caldera for exceptional wildlife viewing, including the Big Five. Each day reveals a new facet of Tanzania’s wild beauty, with every landscape offering a different adventure before you return to Arusha.

HIGHLIGHTS

WILDERNESS PATHS, 

LAKESHORE ESCAPES, 

PRIMATE TRACKS, 

SAVANNAH DRIVES, 

CRATER PANORAMAS

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WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • All accommodations & meals as per itinerary
  • All domestic & charter flights within Tanzania
  • Private vehicle transfers and airport pickups
  • Game drives and guided activities
  • Park and conservation fees

DAY BY DAY

Itinerary is subject to change

Day 1

Arusha – Arrival & Welcome

Arrive in Arusha and settle into your peaceful lodge. Relax by the pool or enjoy a leisurely meal on the deck, soaking in the calm before your adventure begins. This restful stop lets you recover from travel and prepare for the excitement of Tanzania’s wild landscapes, setting the tone for the journey ahead.
Day 2

Mahale Mountains – Forests & Lakeshore

Fly to Mahale and cruise by dhow along Lake Tanganyika to your secluded lodge. Spend the afternoon exploring golden beaches or taking a gentle forest walk. Listen for primates in the trees and birds overhead. End your day unwinding by the lake, surrounded by the natural beauty and tranquility of the Mahale Mountains.
Day 3

Mahale Mountains – Chimpanzee Encounters

Wake to the sounds of the forest. Join expert guides for a trek into the jungle, searching for chimpanzees and other wildlife. Marvel at the lush greenery and diverse birdlife. After your trek, relax on the beach or swim in the lake, enjoying the peace and seclusion that make Mahale so special.
Day 4

Mahale Mountains – Wild Beauty

Spend another day exploring Mahale’s wilderness. Join a guided hike, look for butterflies, or paddle along the lakeshore. Take the afternoon to relax, read, or enjoy the view by the water. In the evening, unwind on the sand and watch the sunset over the mountains, ending your day in this peaceful natural setting.
Day 5

Katavi National Park – Into the Wild

Travel by boat and plane to Katavi, one of Africa’s most remote parks. Settle into your bush camp overlooking the Katisunga plains. Head out on your first game drive to spot elephants, hippos, and buffalo. Return for dinner under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
Day 6

Katavi National Park – Untamed Safari

Rise early for a morning game drive, watching for predators and large flocks of pelicans. Spend midday relaxing at camp, then head out again in the afternoon for more wildlife encounters. Katavi’s wild, open spaces offer rare solitude and a sense of true adventure, far from the usual safari crowds.
Day 7

Katavi National Park – Wild Encounters

Explore further into Katavi’s vast plains, seeking out crocodiles, giraffes, and curious antelope. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush and listen for the distant calls of lions. As dusk falls, gather around the campfire to share stories and savor the feeling of being deep in Tanzania’s untamed heart.
Day 8

Katavi National Park – Last Moments

Enjoy a final morning in Katavi with one more game drive or a guided walk, taking in the vast plains and abundant wildlife. After a relaxed lunch at camp, gather your belongings and transfer to the airstrip for your onward flight. Leave Katavi with lasting memories of its wild beauty and the rare solitude found in this remote park.
Day 9

Ruaha National Park – Riverside Arrival

Arrive in Ruaha National Park and settle into your riverside lodge. Spend some time watching elephants and birdlife from your veranda before heading out for an afternoon game drive along the riverbanks. Look for hippos and crocodiles, then unwind with a sundowner, soaking up Ruaha’s peaceful atmosphere and the sounds of nature all around you.
Day 10

Ruaha National Park – Classic Safari

Spend the day exploring Ruaha’s varied landscapes, from open plains to rocky hills. Search for lions, leopards, and large herds of buffalo. Relax at the lodge during the heat of the day, then head out for an evening drive. Dine under the stars, reflecting on the classic safari moments you’ve experienced.
Day 11

Ngorongoro – Crater Rim Arrival & Tarangire Game Drive

Fly to Lake Manyara and transfer to your camp perched on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater. Settle in and enjoy sweeping views over the caldera. Head out for an afternoon game drive in Tarangire National Park, where you’ll look for elephants, rhinos, and baobab-dotted landscapes. Return to camp for a relaxing bush dinner and a peaceful evening.
Day 12

Ngorongoro – Crater Exploration

Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of wildlife viewing. Spot lions, hyenas, flamingos, hippos, and—if you’re lucky—elusive black rhinos. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor surrounded by breathtaking scenery. In the afternoon, return to your camp on the rim and unwind, reflecting on the day’s sightings and experiences.
Days 13-14

Ngorongoro to Arusha – Journey’s End

After breakfast, depart your camp and enjoy a scenic drive through the highlands back to Arusha, with time for a visit or lunch along the way. Arrive in Arusha in the afternoon to relax or shop before your onward journey. Later, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your international flight, departing Tanzania with memories of Ngorongoro’s wildlife and dramatic landscapes

FAST FACTS

Beyond the Safari Jeep

Birdwatching and photography in Katavi
Guided nature walks and hiking in Ruaha
Sunset dhow cruise on Lake Tanganyika
Hot air balloon safari over the Ngorongoro Crater
Day trip or extension to the Serengeti National Park
Relaxing beach escape in Zanzibar

Why we love it

“This journey is unlike any other in Tanzania – it’s a route for real adventurers – linking wild beaches, hidden herds, and big, empty landscapes you won’t find on the usual safari circuit.” – The Nomad Africa Team
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When to travel

Best from June to October for dry-season wildlife viewing, but rewarding year-round for those seeking remote wilderness and fewer crowds.

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SEE WHAT YOU LIKE? BOOK YOUR TRIP TODAY

Book your trip with Nomad today, you will get everything in the itinerary listed above and much more. Our goal is to make your trip dreams come alive.

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