Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s former capital, her largest city and main port. The distinctly African, colourful markets are well worth a visit and both German and British influences can still be seen in the architecture around the city. Conveniently positioned amidst some of the most important sea routes in the world, the city is the transport and economic hub of the country as well as a centre for arts and culture. It serves as an excellent jumping off point to explore the surrounding area including Pemba, Mbudya, Unguja islands, a variety of national parks and countless pristine beaches. Visitors can look forward to visiting a number of other activities including: learning about Tanzanian culture at the National Museum and House of Culture, visiting the eclectic Oyster Bay, and taking a stroll through the city's lush Botanical Gardens.

Day itinerary 

Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport  you will be met by a representative of Takims (our partner and groundhandler in Dar es Salaam) who will bring you to Southern Sun Dar es Salaam for overnight stay.

Southern Sun Dar es Salaam

Located in the heart of Tanzania is Southern Sun Dar es Salaam. The Hotel is in the commercial centre of the city, and it borders the Botanical Gardens and diplomatic offices. The central location of the hotel makes it a perfect choice for international business travellers, NGO’s and diplomats. The hotel ambience and décor would meet the approval of the founder of Dar es Salaam, the Sultan of Zanzibar, who established the city in 1882. Following in this tradition, all guests to Southern Sun Dar es Salaam are welcomed and treated like royalty. 

Meal plan 

Bed & breakfast 

Ruaha National Park

Following its recent expansion, Ruaha is currently East Africa’s biggest national park and the second-largest on the African continent. It is also Tanzania’s most sizeable elephant haven and home to a profusion of bird species, including kingfishers, plovers, egrets, hornbills and sunbirds. Crocodiles and hippos thrive in the Great Ruaha River, which flows along the sanctuary’s eastern border and in the dry season between July and November, animals flock to the last remaining water sources, presenting an exceptional wildlife spectacle. There are a number of accommodation options available but some close for the wet season in March and April.

Day Itinerary

After an early breakfast you will be picked up by a representative of Takims who will bring you to Dar es Salaam Domestic Terminal Airport to connect with your domestic scheduled flight to Msembe Airstrip in Ruaha National Park. Upon arrival you will be warmly welcomed by your Asilia driver/guide who will bring you to Jabali Ridge where you will spend 5 nights. Together with the Asilia resident guide and professional photographer Billy Dodson you will make a plan how often end when you would like to go on game drives. Game drives are done in open sided 4x4 safari vehicles and you will share the vehicle with only 3 people.

Jabali Ridge

Set high on a rocky kopje overlooking a landscape dotted with bulbous baobabs, Jabali Ridge is a sophisticated base from which to explore Ruaha National Park. The remarkable beauty of Ruaha is not only in the landscape and its diversity of flora and fauna, or the impressive big game, but in the feeling of having the wilderness all to yourself. With only a handful of visitors at any one time in an area the size of New Jersey, this is an exceptional safari experience. There are just eight suites hidden amongst the rocky boulders that cocoon the property, designed to blend in with the environment while offering the highest class accommodation in the park. There is a spectacular four-way infinity pool which overlooks the baobab valley, a spa offering pampering treatments, a gin bar to tempt you with pre- and post-dinner refreshment and plenty of space to unwind when you aren't on safari. Our team of expert safari guides will lead you on game drives and walking safaris to explore this spectacular wilderness area. 

Meal plan

Full board

Drinks (Local Brands) Included

Photography workshop led by professional photographer Billy Dodson

Day Itinerary

Your safari has come to an end. After breakfast you will be transferred to Msembe Airstrip to connect with your domestic scheduled flight to Dar es Salaam Domestic Airport. Upon arrival you will be met again by a representative of Takims who will bring you to White Sands Hotel where you can relax and unwind and reflect your adventures of the last days while overlooking the Indean Ocean.

White Sands Hotel

The picturesque White Sands Hotel, Resort & Conference Centre consists of 118 standard superior rooms and 28 luxury studios; one & two bedroom self contained apartments, all situated on one kilometre of private beach on the sparkling shores of the Indian Ocean. The resort’s sixteen world class conference rooms are some of the best in East Africa, with resources and technology equaling those of European Conference Centres. The multimedia auditorium has a large screen and the finest sound equipment. It seats 60 delegates and is the perfect venue for corporate presentations. The unspoilt beaches of the Swahili coast offer an entirely new experience for the discerning holiday maker. Whether interested in snorkelling or diving, there is an abundance of ocean life to be discovered on the finest coral reefs in East Africa, and looking out across the ocean, you view three islands.

Meal plan

Full board

All good things come to an end. Today you can still enjoy a day room at White Sands. At the end of the afternoon you will be transferred to Julius Nyerere International Airport to connect with your  international flight back home.