Howard and Nicola have booked some fantastic holidays with me, which have included road
trips in California and Western Canada, and a tailor-made tour around Cuba.
When they contacted me looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Tanzanian safari and beach holiday for early 2022, I knew just what to suggest. From booking to travelling, we had to contend with a few
pandemic-related flight schedule changes, but we got there, and I couldn’t wait to hear how things turned out...
We were keen on a blend of authentic wildlife and a relaxing beach stay for our 10-day African adventure.
Tanzania was the choice for our 5-night safari as we were looking for a slightly less tourist-heavy experience and one that could potentially offer plenty of opportunities to follow the animals in a jeep across the plains, followed by four nights relaxing in a Zanzibar hotel.
After flying into Dar es Salaam and staying a night in Tanzania’s largest city, we took an internal flight on a fantastic Cessna-type 10-seater plane. The aircraft flew east and landed directly in the Selous National Park on a grass airstrip surrounded by giraffes, monkeys and impala. Our guide/ driver was waiting and immediately took us on our first game drive. What an incredible start to the trip!
The Serena Mivumo River Lodge is within the Selous National Park itself and we stayed in a fantastic room overlooking the river, with clear views of the hippos and crocodiles.
We had a private sundeck and plunge pool, and the refreshing alfresco showers were highly appreciated after a hot day out watching the animals.
The park has a variety of environments - trees, water, and many open areas, a bit like the New Forest, but considerably hotter of course and is not necessarily the obvious place to choose to safari unlike somewhere like the Serengeti. It certainly felt quiet and bespoke. We couldn’t have seen more than five other jeeps when out during the day.
We managed five separate drives plus two river safaris whilst staying in the Selous National Park and saw a huge array of animals, sometimes very close. The elephants at the side of a track were a particular highlight and the whole experience was magical.
With the safari leg sadly over, a 45-minute internal flight took us to Zanzibar and a relaxing finale at the Diamond Mapenzi Beach Hotel, a magnificent resort with direct access to Kiwenga Beach.
It was impossible not to relax here. The hotel was spotlessly clean and the fully inclusive food was superb. There was a range of guest activities including water sports and I even managed a bit of kite surfing.
This was a hugely enjoyable two centre holiday with the combination of safari and beach perfect for us. If you are considering an African safari, I would highly recommend asking Amanda about Tanzania.
A wonderful experience. Thank you Amanda for all your help.
Howard