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
- Kilwa Day 1 - 2
- Mikindani Day 4 - 5
- Nyerere National Park Day 6 - 9
- Mafia Eiland Day 9 - 11
- Departure Day 12-13
Travel schedule
Go in search of the authentic and real Tanzania! Let yourself be transported to bygone and glorious times from the rich Swahili history of the African East Coast. Southeastern Tanzania has heavenly beaches and great diving and snorkeling opportunities. Then move among the enormous numbers of animals – elephants, buffalos, wild dogs and lions – in Nyerere National Park, where the Rufiji River certainly invites you to an adventurous boat safari. You will see more crocodiles and hippos than other tourists. Your journey ends on pure Mafia Island.
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.
Kilwa
After a delicious breakfast you will depart from Dar es Salaam (partly) along 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.
Nyerere National Park
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.
This is followed by a beautiful car trip from Makonde 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.
You will spend the night in a small-scale property on the banks of the Rufiji River.
Mafia Eiland
After breakfast the guide will 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. Well worth it!
You spend the night directly on the beach, under palm trees.
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.
Highlights
- Ruins of Arab settlements on Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara
- City tour of Lindi and visit Ndanda monastery
- Sleeping in a historical building in Mikindani
- Paradise beach at Ruvula in the Mnazi Bay Marine Park
- Visit Makonde village
- Large herds of elephants and the wild dogs in Nyerere National Park
- Boat safari on the Rufiji river
- An attractive beachfront lodge on Mafia Island
Price indications
Comfort properties *
€ 3455 p.p. for 2 people
€ 3065 p.p. for 4 people
€ 2940 p.p. for 6 people
Everything based on two persons per room.
This is the price for the most common travel period. This can be lower in the low season, favorable exchange rate, the number of travelers and / or children. This can be slightly higher during holidays or less favorable exchange rate.
* = Please view the options on our overview page and use the ‘filter’ to select your favorite accommodation.
Including
- All transfers
- Small-scale and attractive accommodations
- Meals as mentioned
- Safaris in Nyerere National Park
- Medical Evacuation Insurance
- Mineral water, coffee, tea & amp; snacks during safari
- Flying Doctors insurance
- Entrance fees Nyerere National Park
- Two domestic flights
- SGR guarantee
Excluding
- International flight
- Visa Tanzania
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Drinks
- Boat and entrance fees Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara
- Lunch Mafia, Lunch / Dinner Mikindani
- Tips
- Optional Activities
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!
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